Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal

I know. I know. You are dying to know if I came up with a new oatmeal for today. The answer is: Yes! Of course! I am willing to bet I could come up with a new oatmeal every day for the rest of the summer. In fact, I just might do it for fun. It's not important that I can make a different oatmeal every day. What is important is that I can show you how to make something healthy and cost effective into dozens of different dishes that will keep you coming back to the same healthy ingredients. For example, I used basically the same ingredients for 3 days adding one or two and subtracting them as needed. What I came up with was three distinct recipes and it kept my interest in oatmeal from waning. Plus, these are the healthiest breakfasts I have had in a long time.

Here's today's variation:
2 tsp Peanut Butter
1/2 banana, chopped
1 cup water
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 tsp flax seeds
1/4 tsp molasses
Dash of salt
1/2 banana sliced on top

Add peanut butter, and 1/2 banana to water and bring to a boil. Add the oatmeal and cook to desired consistency. Stir until the banana and peanut butter are full mixed into the oatmeal. Add just enough molasses to lightly color it and season with a very small amount of salt. Add slice bananas on top.

The verdict: Delicious. Very creamy. It would be better with some crushed peanuts on the top.

Side note: The addition of flax seeds to the oatmeal is highly recommended. They add a little texture and are visually stimulating.