Elvis's Oatmeal

When my roommate told me that NYC was still without power below 26th Street, a few places ran through my head. What did Union Square look like? Was Trader Joe's alright? Did Beyond Sushi weather the storm?

And what about PEANUT BUTTER AND CO.??!!

If you haven't heard of Peanut Butter and Co., it's a tiny little shop on Sullivan Avenue (off Bleeker St.) that specializes in peanut butter sandwiches. I'm serious: check out their menu. It's one of my absolutely favorite places in the city. Not only do I love gourmet peanut butter sandwiches, but the staff there is positively delightful, and the decor is retro and fun.

The PB&Co. Sandwich Shop has a menu item called "The Elvis." If you're not familiar with Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich, it includes peanut butter and bananas (and usually bacon and/or honey). For my oatmeal version, I went with my favorite three: peanut butter, bananas, and honey. Feel free to add bacon (vegetarian or not!), but I don't swing that way. ;)

What are your thoughts on honey? As I consider myself more "plant-based inclined" than "vegan," honey is not something that bothers me. I do, however, adamantly insist on only purchasing my honey from local sources (ex. farmers markets, local shops, etc.). My current bottle came from Milford, NJ (although I bought it from a stand at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia).

Elvis's 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
• pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (or more)
• honey

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you'd like to add flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
2. Mash up HALF the banana and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir.
4. Slice the remaining half of the banana into the oatmeal and swirl in the peanut butter (you can either stir it in completely or allow it to be in "clumps" like I do).
5. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and drizzle generously with honey. You could also top with nuts...or (veggie?) bacon

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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!