Saturday, January 25, 2014

Strawberry Almond Oatmeal

Inspired by my recent Berry, Almond, & Coconut Oatmeal, I realized I haven't done enough with almond extract. So many possibilities!


My favorite aspect of almond extract (besides its taste) is the intensity of its flavor. This allows me to (drum roll please) ...use the hidden banana trick! Oatmeal without banana is like a cookie without chocolate chips (a poor analogy, considering my favorite cookie is a snickerdoodle).

Anyway, strawberries have been--inexplicably--on sale and in great quality at my local produce market, so I've been enjoying them in my oatmeal and salads. Combined with the nutty almond extract, this oatmeal is a fresh and fruity delight.




You can forgo the banana if you want. I chose to use them because I like the creaminess and sweetness of them. If you skip the banana, you can use extra strawberries and dice them into the oatmeal while it's cooking.

If you do use the banana, the exact amount of almond extract you'll use depends on your taste preferences. Start with the 1/2 tsp listed, and then give it a taste. If you can still taste the banana--and that bothers you--add another small splash and try again. Repeat until it's satisfactory for you. I could still taste the banana just slightly with only 1/2 a tsp, but I've come to like that because I'm weird. :)


Sigh. Is it spring yet? I just want berries to be in season again. And asparagus. And rhubarb.

And I want it to be sunny and warm. :)

Strawberry Almond Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist
Prep Time: 2 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Ingredients (serves 1)
  • 1 cup milk of choice, or water
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
  • 1/2 a ripe banana (optional, can replace with maple syrup or other liquid sweetener)
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 4 or more strawberries, hulled
  • almonds for topping (sliced, slivered, or whole)
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 a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
  2. Mash banana thoroughly and add to the saucepan.
  3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add almond and vanilla extract, and salt. Stir.
  4. Cut your strawberries to your preference. They can be sliced, quartered, or diced. I personally prefer diced because it's easier to eat. Stir the strawberries into the oatmeal.
  5. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Add a splash of your milk of choice, more strawberries if desired, almonds, and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, dried fruit, 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!

9 comments:

  1. I actually love the taste of banana with almond extract! My everyday oatmeal recipe is banana, almond extract and crunchy almond butter. Mmmm so good and comforting!!

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    Replies
    1. I like it, too! Sadly, I have a lot of banana haters on the blog. :(

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    2. *sigh* why so much hate for such a lovely fruit... Stand your ground! Us banana lovers should stay united! ;)

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  2. *Gasp* How can people hate bananas??

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  3. Banana is the best way to make oatmeal creamy and slightly sweet! I add it to nearly every oatmeal recipe I make, and I can't ever taste banana. But maybe my tastebuds are off haha.

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  4. I would never forgot to put a bannana into my oatmeal! It wouldn't be the same
    Without it!:) nice receipe

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  5. I ate a bowl of these lovely oats this morning and they were AH-MAZING. I love almond extract! Thanks for sharing (:
    creationswithq.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This really is one of my favourite oatmeal recipes, and that is something!
    I hope it's ok if I feature it on my own blog? (With reference and everything off course!)

    ReplyDelete

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