Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Today I am sharing with you my favorite breakfast that I make with peanut butter ~ Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal!  It's easy, inexpensive and so good for you.  And it can be made in less than 5 minutes!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal is a simple balance of natural, wholesome foods.  The complex carbs from the oats, along with the good fats and protein from the peanut butter, are the perfect combination to power you through your day.  I also use a very ripe banana as a natural sweetener - no added sugar needed.

I normally make this by putting everything in one bowl, but it's also fun to cook the chocolate and peanut butter portions separately and swirl them together in your serving bowl, as pictured.  It all works.   It's chocolate; it's peanut butter; it's breakfast! 


Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Yields 1 serving

Ingredients
1/2 cup quick oats
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
1 tablespoon flax seed meal (optional)
1 cup water
1 very ripe banana, mashed
chocolate chips and peanuts (for garnish, optional)

Directions (one bowl)

1. Put oats, cocoa, peanut butter, flax seed (if using) and water in microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until oats have absorbed the water to desired consistency.  Stir in mashed banana and microwave on high for another 20 to 30 seconds.  Garnish as desired, and serve.

Directions (for swirl)

1. Put 1/4 cup oats in 2 separate microwavable bowls. 
2. Add cocoa and flax seed (if using) to one bowl. 
3. Add peanut butter to the other bowl.
4. Pour 1/2 cup water into each bowl.
5. Microwave, both bowls, on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until water has absorbed to desired consistency.  
6. Stir mashed banana into peanut butter bowl until blended.
7. Drop dollops of each oat mixture into serving bowl.  Use a knife to stir/swirl mixture.  Garnish desired and serve. 

Note:  Microwave times may vary based on your appliance.