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Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

peanut butter banana oatmeal

Last week here in New York we were freezing our tootsies off. It was so cold outside! And, unfortunately, it was really cold inside our apartment as well. If you’ve ever lived in an old pre-war apartment, you know the “Three Little Bears” type of frustration with the heat.  It’s often too hot or too cold. I have to say, too cold is most often easier to deal with than too hot… but last week we had to break out every blanket we had to stay warm. So, I did something to make me feel nice and toasty — from the inside-out — I made a big batch of peanut butter banana oatmeal. You just can’t hate the cold while you are eating this…

You can make this oatmeal with quinoa or with a grain-free blend if you prefer. On this cold, snowy, day, I went for the real thing and it was soooooooo good. Oftentimes, if I’m making a flavored type of oatmeal, I will make it the night before in my slow cooker. Honestly, I haven’t cooked a pot of oatmeal on the stove in a really long time, but this was so easy and so delicious, I won’t wait very long to make it again.

I used what I had in my fridge and pantry, but this is so easily customizable that I want you to just have fun with it. Go into your fridge and your pantry and remove everything that might taste good on a hot bowl of oats. Go ahead… I’m waiting…
Now, pick several of these things that you think will compliment each other. Now, grab some honey or maple syrup. Now, you are ready to cook your oats.

The recipe below shows you what I used and, I will tell you, it was truly awesome. Yup, this combo is a keeper!

For another great warming breakfast try my recipe for Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes!

peanut butter banana oatmeal

peanut butter banana oatmeal

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this peanut butter banana oatmeal:

Oats are great for the digestive system — they make you feel better if you are feeling bloated or have indigestion. This ancient grain can also help reduce some types of swelling in the body and, a little known tidbit: they can be eaten to help stop lactation.

Bananas are good for your intestines (an old Asian remedy was to eat a banana every day to relieve hemorrhoids) and your lungs, and they even help relieve the effects of overindulging in alcohol.

Walnuts are actually a Chinese herb (He Tao Ren). They are used for some knee and back pain, some chronic coughs and for chronic constipation. These nuts are also good for infertility and sexual dysfunctions, and they have been used to help people with kidney stones.

Peanuts, contrary to what some believe, are actually good for many things in your body. I don’t often let myself eat them because they sometimes contain mold and it’s really hard to find reasonably priced organic healthy peanuts. But, these popular nuts are great for lessening edema; they act like a diuretic. They can also help you if you have insomnia or if you are breast feeding. An old-time remedy is to made peanut tea and drink it for bed to promote sleep. And, peanut shells used to be used to help with high blood pressure. Try to buy organic peanut butter if you can — sometimes the ground these nuts grow in isn’t filled with the stuff you’d want to ingest.

Honey is a Chinese herb (Feng Mi). It’s used to boost energy, quiet coughs, and lessen constipation. It can even help with ulcers.

peanut butter banana oatmeal

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
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Recipe type: oatmeal, hot cereal, breakfast
Cuisine: grains, gluten free, dairy free
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
On the next cold day, make a bowl of this simple, healing oatmeal -- it will make you smile as it warms you from the inside - out!
Ingredients
  • ½ cup steel cut oats
  • 2 cups water
  • One banana, sliced
  • 1 tsp butter
  • ¼ cup raw honey, melted, or pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup organic peanut butter, melted
Instructions
  1. Cook the steel cut oats in the water until they are done (follow the package directions); mine took 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the butter on low heat in a small saute pan.
  3. Add the sliced banana, and stir until the banana starts to melt.
  4. Scoop the oatmeal into 2 bowls.
  5. Top with the melted bananas, melted peanut butter, honey or syrup, and the walnuts.
  6. Smile and enjoy!

peanut butter banana oatmeal

Sprouted Grain Chicken Cutlets

Seeds can be your best friend. Many of them are great for digestion and are considered longevity foods. This chicken’s got a bunch of ’em…

sprouted grain chicken cutlets

This is my number 1 go-to recipe. Everyone likes it. Everyone. Ok, well, not my vegetarian and vegan friends. But everyone else. And, I’m going to be bold and say that about 90% of all those who eat it, ask me for the recipe. This recipe for sprouted grain chicken cutlets is that good. I know, you may be dubious, but don’t roll your eyes until you’ve tried it.

This chicken is crispy. The outside layer actually crunches in your mouth, but the chicken itself stays so moist. This is due to a combination of things. First, I highly recommend using boneless chicken thighs, not breasts — these are more flavorful and they don’t dry out like breasts can. Also, I use olive oil, not eggs, to moisten the chicken before dredging it in the magically easy crispy coating mixture.

And, about that magical coating mixture… it’s so easy to make (see the recipe below) and it contains superfoods to heal your body. Ummmmm…. what are you waiting for? You’ve got to try this one!

Perhaps the best part of this sprouted grain chicken cutlets recipe is its versatility. Sometimes I make them into Chicken Milanese by piling a huge mound of salad greens and tomatoes on top. Sometimes, I serve them as-is with a few dipping sauces. Sometimes, I make them into a Chicken Parmesan of sorts. But I alwaysmake enough so that I can store leftovers in the fridge. These magically cutlets make the best leftovers. Cut them up for salads, sandwiches, or just eat them straight out of the fridge.

Okay, are you ready to make them?

And, if you are looking for another awesome chicken recipe, try my Chicken Souvlaki Bowls.

sprouted grain chicken cutlets

sprouted grain chicken cutlets

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in these sprouted grain chicken cutlets:

Chicken is something I push people to buy organic if possible. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery or childbirth. People who have some conditions that we consider “excess heat” conditions should limit the amount of chicken they eat. So, if you have an illness that gives you a bright red tongue or severe dryness in your body, check with your doctor first. For example, if you have a lot of burning stomach acid, you should avoid chicken for awhile…

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc…. In this recipe, I prefer to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic because sometimes the fresh garlic can burn here, and I hate the taste of burned garlic.

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are really good for you because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Sesame seeds (the black ones) are a Chinese herb (Hei Zhi Ma). Black foods, in Chinese medicine, are knows as longevity foods. This herb is good for so many things, including headaches, constipation, dizziness, and even helping with lactation. White sesame seeds also have many great nutritional benefits. They are also an anti-aging food. If you have backaches, hair thats graying way too fast, ringing in the ears, weak knees, blurry vision or general weakness, go for the sesame seeds; just sprinkle them on everything. Long ago in China, sesame seeds were ground into honey to form a paste and was taken as a medicine to counter old-age and weakness. For this recipe, you can use black or white seeds, or a combination of both.

Flax seeds can relieve constipation and lower cholesterol.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. In the winter, I eat lots and lots of onions… I guess I should feel sorry for the people close to me! Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world! For this recipe, dried onion flakes (the ones you can buy in a jar) are perfect!

sprouted grain chicken cutlets

Sprouted Grain Chicken Cutlets
Print
Recipe type: chicken, main course, whole grains
Cuisine: American, classic, comfort food, simple
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This is my most-requested recipe. Make a batch of this and you will have healthy dinners all week long.
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400° F convection setting, or 425°F regular bake setting.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Pour the oil into a shallow pie plate or bowl.
  4. In a second shallow pie plate or bowl, combine the cereal, seasonings, and seeds. Stir until combined well.
  5. Roll each piece of chicken in the oil and then in the seed mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated. Place the chicken onto the tray, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  6. Bake in oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  7. Enjoy!

 

sprouted grain chicken cutlets