Hearty Irish Oatmeal with Banana and Honey
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: March 10, 2015

Steel cut oats are nuttier and chewier compared to their quick cooking counterpoints and as a result, make for flavorful oatmeal.  You can top any bowl of oatmeal with virtually anything whether it be sweet or savory, fresh or dried, plain or spiced.  This version keeps the topping simple with just toasted walnuts, fresh banana, cinnamon and honey.  Another favorite of mine is caramelized brown butter apples but I would save that for a morning where you have a little more time on your hands. This breakfast is not only healthy but will keep you satisfied until the next meal.
Irish Oatmeal with Banana and Honey
Serves 2
Ingredients:
	For the oatmeal:
	1/2 cup steel cut oats
	1/2 cup water
	1 1/2 cups milk (any fat content will work) or non-daity milk (e.g. coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
	1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or 2 tsp. vanilla extract
	pinch of salt
	1 to 2 Tbsp. honey (or more for desired sweetness)
For the topping:
	1 banana
	1/4 walnuts, chopped
	honey
	dash of cinnamon
	Directions:
Step 1: Heat a medium or large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/2 cup water, milk (or non-dairy milk), the oats, vanilla paste or extract, and a pinch of salt.  Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and creamy, about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the honey and add milk to reach your desired consistency.
	Step 2: Meanwhile, heat a small frypan over medium heat and toast walnuts.  Once the walnuts become fragrant, remove them from the heat immediately.
Step 3: Serve oatmeal with fresh sliced banana, toasted walnuts, dash of cinnamon and an extra drizzle of honey.