Perhaps I’ve been so successful as a vegetarian because my favorite sandwich is PB&J. In fact, one of my favorite restaurants/coffee shops in town offers this divine, gourmet PB&J. It uses natural peanut butter, homemade mixed berry jam, sliced bananas, and homemade granola, all between locally made bakery bread…and then it’s grilled.
DROOOOOOL. When people ask how I can be a vegetarian, I think of sandwiches like that: so simple and obvious and perfect. I don’t need faux meats and Boca burgers. Often, it’s the simplest ingredients that satisfy me!
In addition to eating PB&J sandwiches like it’s my job, I also use it in my oatmeal frequently. This version, loaded with toppings that remind me of this gourmet panini, may have just become one of my top ten favorite porridges. 🙂
What you'll need:
- 1 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp jam or fruit spread
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (increase if you want)
- pinch of salt
- 5 or so fresh strawberries (or another berry)
- handful of granola
- handful of nuts of choice
How to make it:
- Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.
- Mash up a ripe banana and add to the oatmeal. Or, you can do what I did: mash 1/2 the banana and add to the oatmeal, and slice the rest later on top.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, a tiny pinch of salt, cinnamon, and jelly. Stir.
- When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Drop globs on peanut butter on top and swirl it in. Add sliced strawberries (and bananas), granola, and peanuts. Add a splash of milk and dig in!
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