Banana Maple Oatmeal

In an effort to watch what I eat and head down a healthier path, I try to come with recipes that are not only satisfying but wholesome, as well.

As most of us know, when we're dieting mealtimes can  become somewhat of a  "desperate" time.  When the dinner bell rings sometimes we're so hungry that we need something good and we need it NOW!

This recipe for my Banana Maple Oatmeal fills both of those needs.  


Banana Maple Oatmeal

1/2 cup Quick Oats (150)
1 Cup Water 
1 Pinch Salt (Optional)
1 Tablespoon Real Maple Syrup (50)
1 Small Banana (90)
1/4 Cup Raisins (Optional)(125)

Combine oats, water (or nonfat or low-fat milk), and salt (if desired) in a 2-cup microwavable bowl. Microwave on High for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir.

Top with bananas (and raisins, if desired) and drizzle with maple syrup. 

You can mix it all up if you want, but I tend not to.  

Alternatively, you can mash up the banana and add the raisins before you cook the oatmeal.  This does not alter the cooking time.

Enjoy.

290 Calories (413 with raisins) / 0 grams fat




As far as the choice in oatmeal goes, keep in mind the faster the oats cook the more processed it is.  A less processed oat is a healthier oat.  But, cooking times are effected by the style of oat you choose.  This recipe is for quick oats simply because of the "desperation" factor.  

Also, use real maple syrup.  Despite the price; it's worth it for the flavor and healthfulness.   Pancake syrup is nothing more than maple flavored corn syrup.

Finally,  salt is optional.  If  you're watching your sodium intake then omit it.  However, I love the salty/sweet, so for me it's a must.

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

With the exception of yogurt, all raw ingredients make this a super healthy smoothie

Yes there are spinach and tomatoes in there.  Don't freak out. They add goodness but no flavor.   

Yes, it's green. Just try it.  All you'll taste is smooth, creamy strawberry oatmeal deliciousness!

Trust me.  Try it!

Or wuss out and omit the spinach.  

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie


1 Cup Strawberries
1 Small Banana
1 Cup Ice (Optional)
1 Single Serving Size Container Non-Fat Vanilla Or Strawberry Yogurt
1/2 Cup Uncooked Oats
1 Small Tomato
1 Cup Spinach

Add the oats to the blender and pulse to grind them up.  


Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender pouring ice in last. 

Blend on high for 30 seconds or until blended and smooth.

Enjoy!

Super Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The secret to this recipe is re-hydrating the raisins and not overcooking the cookies.  Really easy to make and really soft cookies.

Super Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies


1 Cup Raisins
1 Cup Soft Unsalted Butter 
1 1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar 
2 Eggs
2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Cups Quick Cooking Oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


Cook the raisins in a small pan of water uncovered until the start to puff.

Put in strainer to drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
















Cream together butter, brown sugar, and eggs.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, oatmeal.

Add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Fold in the raisins and mix in gently.

Drop by teaspoonfuls on lightly greased or parchment lined cookie sheets.

Bake for 8-9 minutes.  Remove from the oven before they brown.

Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to waxed paper to cool completely.