Banana's Foster Oatmeal

Oatmeal:

adapted from: Paula Deen

3 1/2 c. water

1/8 tsp. salt

2 c. old fashioned oats (not instant or quick cooking)

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add salt. Stir in the oats and simmer until thickened, about 6-8 minutes. Spoon into bowls and top with desired toppings (brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, etc . . .). Yield: 2 adult servings.

Banana's Foster Topping:

adapted from: Cook's Illustrated

1 Tbl. butter

1 Tbl. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. dark rum (I added water and 1/2 tsp. rum extract)

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/4 c. pecans, toasted and chopped

pinch of allspice (I used cinnamon)

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted; stir in brown sugar and cook until bubbling. Off heat, stir in rum; return skillet to heat and simmer mixture until reduced and syrupy, about 1 minute. Stir in mashed banana, pecans and allspice. Serve over individual bowls of hot oatmeal.

Jenn's Notes: I doubled the topping recipe, except I still only used 1 mashed banana. I love the flavor of rum extract, but you could always add vanilla instead. This was a great way to serve oatmeal.