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…

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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. . .)!

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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.

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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

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Yield: serves 1

What you'll need:

  • 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!

How to make it:

  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.).
https://www.theoatmealartist.com/triple-berry-and-banana-oatmeal/

About Lauren Smith

Lauren is a herbivore, Slytherin, and connoisseur of oats. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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