Baked oatmeal is a cozy option for a nourishing breakfast cereal, it is both trendy and versatile, and is definitely worth trying if you have 20 minutes to leave it in the oven. This amount is for one person but it can be multiplied and cooked in individual bowls or in one large, shallow casserole dish. Oats are an inexpensive and widely available whole grain rich in fiber. They are very satiating, especially when combined with some fruit and nuts for extra nutrients like protein and healthy fats, and provide sustained energy to keep you going strong all morning. Oats are quite plain in comparison to some of the more exotic grains hitting the market now but their nutrient profile makes them a worthy dietary staple. Not only do they have the potential to keep you healthy but to improve your health by helping to lower cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar levels (especially important for diabetics and pre-diabetics… and people who are cranky in the mornings), speed up elimination (a final and important part of digestion), and stimulate the immune system. The almond butter can be substituted for any nut or seed butter and it adds a decadent creaminess to the oats, the milk helps bind everything together and keep it moist and the broiling at the end makes the top slightly crispy and caramelizes the banana slices, making them extra sweet tasting.
- 1 banana, halved
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or plain)
- 1 medjool date, pitted and chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350°. Mash half the banana in a small bowl then mix in the oats, milk, date, almond butter, walnuts, cinnamon and vanilla. Place the oat mixture in a shallow oven proof bowl or casserole dish. Cut the second half of the banana into thin slices and place on top of the oats and press in slightly until they are no higher than the oats. Bake for 15 minutes then open the oven door, set the heat to broil and leave for 4 more minutes, this will make the top crispy and caramelize the banana slices. Serve hot. If you want to treat it more like dessert than breakfast drizzle a teaspoon or two of maple syrup on top or add on a dollop of plain or vanilla coconut ice cream or full fat vanilla Greek yogurt.