Saturday night I made a batch of personal sized baked oatmeal as I was heading out for an early morning hike with my friend Janelle, and Kirk was watching the boys for me. I adapted a recipe I made in the past and the results were even more delicious! The hike was gorgeous. We did a shorter hike and hit the wildflower right in primetime. Even better? It was a weather inversion where it was cold and drizzly down low (60’s!) and sunny and low 70’s up in alpine. A nice change from the hideous 90’s earlier this week.
Yes, I know I am blessed to be able to hike here often….
We started very early (less bugs and people!) and I was home by 1 pm or so. Kirk took Walker down to the park to play while Alistaire napped and wow did he have fun!
Back to cooking and eating!
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 Tbsp dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp finely sliced honey almonds (see below)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 4-ounce jars stage 2 baby bananas, preferably organic
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup raw almond butter
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375° and place 4 oven-safe dishes or ramekins on a baking sheet (or use a muffin if you have none).
Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk the wet in a medium bowl, add to dry and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes, then divide between the dishes.
Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm or refrigerate for later. Reheat for a minute in the microwave.
Serves 4.
Notes:
I recently came across honey almonds at Trader Joe’s. Yum to say the least! You can of course use what you like and or can find.
Why did I use baby food bananas? I like the texture in baked items as some of my readers know from past postings. You can use ¾ cup mashed bananas instead.
I am working on our morning frappes again, trying new options. While it is processed, using a bit of coconut reamer adds a lot to the texture. Creamy and smooth! It really adds a punch and frankly is still miles better than the frappe mixes we used to use.
Mocha Frappe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ cup coconut creamer
- ½ cup cold-brewed espresso
- 2 Tbsp sweetener, use what you like, maple syrup or brown sugar work well
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 small ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 8 ice cubes
Directions:
Add everything to a high-speed blender, process on high until smooth. Serve immediately.
Serves 2.
~Sarah
Going to try the baked oatmeal to see if the youngin likes it…good for the coming sschool year 🙂
Do! You can chill it for a couple of days easily 🙂 Bake 1 time, get multi breakfasts.
bonus 🙂
How beautiful! The oatmeal & frappe both sound perfect and are now on my list to try. Thanks!
My mouth is watering for the Frappe (I really need a caffeine fix)! Question – is there anything else you would substitute for the creamer? I love coffee creamer, but don’t usually buy it – would straight half and half or cream work?
Totally! You will want to tweak the sweetener though, as the So Delicious is sweetened.
Thanks Sarah – I will be trying it out!
I know I always tell you this, but you truly live in Heaven on Earth! Wow – I’d just sit there & take it all in. Definitely a must place to visit!
I’m LOVING the baked oatmeal! I know Natie will love it too!
Lori, if you ever get out this way you’ll have to let me play tour guide 😉 I posted lots of photos on my other blog: http://blog.trailcooking.com/2012/08/20/wildflower-wanderings/
Ooh, and I made a pumpkin spiced baked oatmeal tonight – recipe coming soon!
Eagerly awaiting that recipe!!!
I seriously have to make it out there! I would melt with joy.
Yum and yum. And I’d like to sign up for that hike as well.
I’d even take you ladies to my “secret” berry meadows where I pick 🙂
Temptress.
I never thought of using baby food bananas in baking…. something I’ll definitly have to try!
Beautiful scenery my friend!
I live in Colorado and I’ve heard so many great things about the hiking and camping but I’ve never been in the eight years I’ve lived here. I know, lame. But that first photo is stunning! I’m just scared of wildlife and peeing in the woods 😉 And that oatmeal looks so yummy, a must try on my list.
Hah! Go! The peeing is easy once you get the hang of it (just hard if above treeline on a busy trail…lol!). As for wildlife….I love most of it. I am wary and give wide berth but I have seen most of the big animals. Although I can’t say I want to meet a Grizzly face to face. Black bears out here are pretty docile 🙂
We also have mountain lions, those stalking creatures really creep me out!
Years ago my husband I had a cougar follow us. The cat was very noisy, pacing us in the brush. It was bored and being a cat. Still freaked me out. After rounding a curve in the trail and coming within 3 feet of a black bear though, I relaxed. I scare it badly….mostly due to the loud little girl screaming…coming from me 😉 Go! Just go with a couple ladies who love talking and you won’t see any animals … lol!