Banana Coconut Oatmeal

There's nothing genius about these ingredients. It has no unexpected components, combinations, or techniques. In fact this is indeed a very boring recipe. But there is something genius about the outcome. If you have a baby, feeding them can be a real pain. Mine really like to eat, and it's STILL a pain. Sometimes they're not in the mood for what you're giving them (sorry guys I would let you just raid the fridge if you were able), sometimes they like to grab the spoon and fling it at you, and they ALWAYS like to smush at least 20% of what you're giving them on the high chair seat, their clothes, and their hair. My guys are eating mostly finger foods now, but I haven't changed one meal: breakfast. And that's because I make this for them every morning and they literally scarf it down. No other word: scarf scarf scarf. It makes my mornings so much easier.  They love it so much and nutritionally, it's brilliant.  I have no formal training in that department, but oats: fiber + plant protein; banana: it's a fruit so lots of good stuff; cinnamon: I see it used as a spice in all sorts of health cookbooks; coconut milk: lots of healthy fat and calories and I'm sure some other stuff too. The calories is a big thing for me- I like a lot of bang for my buck with baby food, and the full fat coconut milk (the natural canned version, often found in the Asian aisle), makes this breakfast a heavy hitter. And the flavor combo is amazing; they love it because it's sweet. This obviously doesn't have to be baby food; if I were making it for myself I would probably sub with a lite coconut milk as I'm not trying to bulk up at this phase of my life.

PS-  sometimes I throw in a handful of berries for some more vitamin infusion.

Recipe (for 1)

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (natural canned version; be sure to stir)
• 1/4 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 banana
• pinch cinnamon
• optional - berries of choice

Combine the water, coconut milk, and oats in a saucepan over medium heat. Throw in the banana and a pinch or two of cinnamon. Bring to a boil and cook until done (a couple of minutes), smashing the banana with a fork or spatula along the way.  Stir to evenly distribute the banana and cinnamon and allow to cool.  If adding berries, add in the beginning to let them cook down a little. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to combine them into the oatmeal.