Dark Chocolate Dreams Oatmeal

If you've read anything on my blog, you're probably well versed in my lust for peanut butter. I think we're all clear on that, right? I've also mentioned my adoration for a certain sandwich shop in Greenwich Village. It's called Peanut Butter & Co. and it was basically designed specifically for me (I'm pretty sure my name is even on the blueprint somewhere).

Peanut Butter & Co. blows my mind for two main reasons: 1) flavored peanut butter with no trans fats (although there is palm oil, unfortunately), and 2) GOURMET PB&J SANDWICHES. Each of their peanut butter flavors stars in its own special sandwich, which you can request toasted (and why wouldn't you?!).

This porridge does not replicate the Dark Chocolate Dreams sandwich, which actually consists of cherry jam and shredded coconut to taste like a black forest cake. I already have a Black Forest Cake Oatmeal, so instead, I went a different route.

Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter might remind one of...you guessed it...Nutella. Personally, I prefer the Dark Chocolate Dreams because it actually tastes like nuts, whereas Nutella just tastes like sugar...

Because it reminds me of Nutella (but better), I often think of crepes when I dream of its smooth, luscious, chocolatey consistency. And when I think of a crepe with Nutella, I imagine strawberries and bananas. To me, it just made sense to join the three in one perfect porridge.

I got a little ambitious in my styling for this photoshoot. Honestly, if I weren't making it for my camera, I would have just dropped the peanut butter in clumps and then sprinkled the strawberries and bananas willy-nilly on top. That being said, feel free to recreate my masterpiece, if you feel so inclined. ;)

Dark Chocolate Dreams 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
• pinch of salt
• 3-5 fresh strawberries
• 1 or 2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use 1/2 c almond milk and 1/2 c 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 half the banana and set the rest aside for the topping. Add the mashed banana to the oatmeal and stir.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract and salt. Dice one or two of the strawberries into the oatmeal. Stir.
4. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Either drop the Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter in small spoonfuls or swirl it in like I did (the latter is much more difficult).
5. Slice the remaining banana and quarter the remaining strawberries on top of the oatmeal. Add a 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!