Triple Berry and Banana Oatmeal

It occurred to me last night after I posted my Fuzzy Navel Oatmeal recipe that I never actually told you guys about my summer job. Hmm...

I'm teaching at a college preparatory program for low-income and/or racial minority students. Many of them are ESL (English as a Second Language) students who have come to America from Africa (particularly Ethiopia and Eritrea).

My college education drilled it into me that low-income students would be far behind because they lacked essential background knowledge, and I prepared for this job with that in mind. Umm...I could not have been more wrong! These are some of the brightest, most inspiring students I have yet to work with (not that I have been a teacher that long, but...)!

I introduced myself on the first day by admitting my love for oatmeal. Nearly every day since then, a few of my students tease me at the start of every lesson by asking me what I had in my oatmeal that morning.

This recipe is dedicated to them. :) It's a special one, and I call it "special" because it's extremely unlikely that I will ever be in possession of blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries all at the same time again. I've had this recipe in mind for a long time, but I procrastinated because I knew it would be a financial investment! If you like berries, though, it's quite a treat! I imagine that I could play around with jams and frozen fruit if I didn't have all the berries fresh on hand....

Triple Berry and Banana Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 2 min

Cook Time: 5 min

6051280

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1/2 a banana
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 5 fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1/2 cup mix of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or whatever berry you have!

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. I also add a spoonful of milled flax at the same time as my oats.
2. Mash up a ripe banana and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir.
4. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, add half of the fruits and stir gently. Transfer to a bowl and top with the rest of the fruit. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).

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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!