Monkey Oatmeal

When I was little, my dad's nickname for me was Shann-the-Monkey. Whenever he still uses it now it always makes me smile. :-)

The nickname inspired the name of this oatmeal variation, especially because my dad LOVES peanut-butter.

Peanut-butter and banana is a classic combo, and they make an epic duo in this oatmeal variation! But ANY nut butter works really good in this recipe--almond and walnut especially.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1/2 to 3/4 cup non-dairy milk or water (I like almond milk)
1 banana, preferably more ripe than not
1-2 tablespoons all-natural peanut-butter
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg


Directions:

Either mash up the banana, peanut-butter, vanilla, and spices together by hand or blend together in a food processor. Use your favorite method to make the oatmeal. If you use the conventional stovetop method, cook the banana mash a little first and then stir in the liquid. Once it's hot, mix in the oats and cook on low as usual, until done. If using the overnight method, blend the liquid with the banana puree, stir in the oats, and cover and let rest in the fridge overnight. Top with chopped nuts, cacao nibs, a few banana slices, and/or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if desired.
For a Choco-Monkey version, just add one or two tablespoons of dark cacao powder or stir in some cacao nibs.