Baked Banana, Blueberry and Candied Ginger Oatmeal
Sunday morning and time for a little breakfast treat! I love oatmeal at all times- served hot or cold, with fresh fruit or just plain and simple- it is always a good way to start the day!
But, being Sunday, as usual, there is at least one banana left over from last week that is hanging-on-in there! And as it was just screaming to be added to my oatmeal, with some crunchy almonds and fresh blueberries... who was I to say no?!?
With candied ginger and cinnamon to add some sugar and spice and make everything nice, this was a tasty treat but still healthy at the same time... and as you all know- that's my kinda food!
The ingredients for a good-sized portion were: 1 ripe banana, 1 cup of oatmeal, a good handful of slivered almonds, 2 cups of blueberries and 2-3 slices of candied ginger... and of course milk!
The only added sugar in mine came from the candied ginger... it seemed a shame to have it just lying on my chopping board, and so I sprinkled it on top before baking... but if you think you would like it a little sweeter- that's up to you! I will allow it being as it is Sunday!
The only prep-work you need to do with this one is to cut the banana into chunks- simply slice it into quarters length-ways and then chop the pieces off as you go. And the ginger, which I cut into matchsticks... Nothing to it!
Start off with about twice the amount of milk to you oatmeal and bring it to the boil with a half-teaspoon of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt... yes salt! It just helps to "round-off" the flavor... trust me!
Let the oatmeal simmer away for 5 minutes and then add the banana and ginger. Add a little more milk if it seems necessary... stir everything together well and continue simmering for a further 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, add most of the slivered almonds and most of the blueberries... return to the heat for a further 5 minutes and in the meantime, turn on your oven at the highest setting, ready to pop the oatmeal inside.
After a final 3-4 minutes on the stove top, carefully stir in the last of the almonds and blueberries and a little ginger and sprinkle with the left-over sugar.
Bake for 5-10 minutes until the berries just "pop" and the almonds turn crispy and brown.
So there you have it... maybe not the most exciting breakfast... but definitely one that is going to put a smile on your face and start your day off well!
And what can be better than that?
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