PB&J Inspired Brunch

To all the peanut butter lovers out there, this one is for you!

Whether you really like PB&J or just have some extra sitting in your pantry you want to rid of, you’ll be wanting to make this recipe over again. Both halves of this brunch are good on their own, but combined you’ll get the best of both worlds.

First up, you’ve got to try a bowl of these peanut butter oats. As I always say, if your oatmeal is bland, you’re doing something wrong.

This bowl is drool-worthy altogether, but look at all the individual components that make up the entire flavor palate. Oatmeal doesn’t really feel like a meal unless you’ve dressed it up a bit as I’ve done with the candied dates and pecans in this bowl.

Alternatively, you can add some carmelized banana for an even sweeter treat!

Carmelized Banana Oatmeal Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1 medium banana
• 1/8 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup pecans
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• Drizzle of honey
• Handful of candied dates
• Pinch of salt

For the caramelized bananas

• 1 medium banana
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. sugar

Instructions

1. In a heat-safe dish, mix rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon. Now is a good time to add chia seeds if you have them, but leave a pinch or two for topping later.
2. Bring your water to a boil and stir into the dry mixture. Add only a bit at a time, stirring between, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Mash half of a banana with the back of a fork. Fold into the oatmeal.
4. Top your oats with caramelized banana, chopped pecans, chia seeds, candied dates, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey.

Caramelized Banana Instructions

1. In a skillet or non-stick pan, add 1 tbsp. butter on medium-low heat.
2. Once the butter gets hot, add the bananas flat-side down in the pan. It should sizzle when it touches the pan. Let them sit until they begin to brown on their bottom edge.
3. Flip onto their round side and sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar. Don’t be alarmed if the color of the cinnamon can bleed and changes the color of the fruit.
4. Flip back, being sure that the banana slices are on the butter to prevent sticking. Watch that it doesn’t begin to burn, keeping in mind the color change from the cinnamon.
5. Remove from heat once golden brown and the sugar has melted.

For the two sides, I chose fresh grapes and homemade blackberry jelly on a toasted English Muffin. Grape jelly tastes good on English Muffin too if you prefer this classic PB&J combo.

Your next breakfast or brunch doesn’t have to be boring! Challenge yourself to mix and match flavors in ways you wouldn’t always consider! Having a PB&J-themed brunch is just one way to expand your food horizons.