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…
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. . .)!
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.
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. . . .
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:
- 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.
- Mash up a ripe banana and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir.
- 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.).
