Bananas In Pajamas

Who remembers that show?! I don't know if I actually watched an episode, but I clearly remember singing the theme song. "Bananas in pajamas are coming down the stairs..."

Ok that's all I remember. At least kid's shows "back then" were promoting healthy eating with giant bananas! Nowadays they look like this...

An acid trip. At least they're promoting the comeback of the jheri curl. Where was I going again???

Right. Bananas. Bananas have often been my least favorite fruit, but have come to love it recently. They make for great alternative sweetener in oatmeal and cereal, and my new found love of pb sauce aka banana jam, aka whatever I feel like calling it today.

The fall inspires baking and all sorts of yummy dishes to warm the soul. Since here in Montgomery, these October days are a frigid 85 degrees, I can't help but crank up the oven and bake the days away. Not.

Despite the full swing Summer temperatures, my love of fall and fall dishes has not been deterred. I have already made banana bread muffins, so I was inspired to make yet again another oatmeal recipe. Join in on the oatmeal love.

 Banana Bread Oatmeal
serves 1
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 banana, sliced
1 tsp cinnamon
1 T chopped nuts
cream cheese (optional)

Start by combining the oats, milk, water, and half of the banana in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.

Once it has come to the desired consistency (I like mine pretty thick, which took about 5 minutes), removed from the heat and add in vanilla, cinnamon, and rest of the banana.

Transfer to a bowl and top with chopped nuts and optional cream cheese.

Cream cheese?! I know, a bit out of the ordinary, but I have grown up topping both my banana and pumpkin bread with a good schmeer of cream cheese, so decided to give it a try here. I personally would have preferred peanut butter, but the cream cheese wasn't bad. It's still better on the actual bread, which I encourage you to try.

Any plans for the weekend???