Loaded PB&J Oatmeal

Perhaps I've been so successful as a vegetarian because my favorite sandwich is PB&J. In fact, one of my favorite restaurants/coffee shops in town offers this divine, gourmet PB&J. It uses natural peanut butter, homemade mixed berry jam, sliced bananas, and homemade granola, all between locally made bakery bread...and then it's grilled.

DROOOOOOL. When people ask how I can be a vegetarian, I think of sandwiches like that: so simple and obvious and perfect. I don't need faux meats and Boca burgers. Often, it's the simplest ingredients that satisfy me!

In addition to eating PB&J sandwiches like it's my job, I also use it in my oatmeal frequently. This version, loaded with toppings that remind me of this gourmet panini, may have just become one of my top ten favorite porridges. :)

Loaded PB&J Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 2 min

Cook Time: 5 min

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Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp jam or fruit spread
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (increase if you want)
• pinch of salt
• 5 or so fresh strawberries (or another berry)
• handful of granola
• handful of nuts of choice

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.
2. Mash up a ripe banana and add to the oatmeal. Or, you can do what I did: mash 1/2 the banana and add to the oatmeal, and slice the rest later on top.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, a tiny pinch of salt, cinnamon, and jelly. Stir.
4. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Drop globs on peanut butter on top and swirl it in. Add sliced strawberries (and bananas), granola, and peanuts. Add a splash of milk and dig in!

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**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account!  You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!