friday breakfasts.

{baked oatmeal with bananas, apples, walnuts, and cinnamon}

{oatmeal and avocado, spinach, provolone omelet}

Every Friday morning, my friends Bekah and Kristi come over for breakfast. It has become consistent this year, and something that I look forward to and cherish each week. Bekah and Kristi are sisters, and can literally make me laugh until my stomach hurts. Our conversations usually feel like waves of humor, intentionality, and play. Bekah, 3 years older than Kristi, always adds nuggets of wisdom and witty remarks, while Kristi entertains with her bubbly and exuberant personality. Each week I do something fun, and new for breakfast. Last week, I was feeling both salty and sweet. Breakfast happens to be my most favorite meal, and I find that it is best to have a taste of both the sweet and the savory. We lingered on peppermint mocha coffee while indulging in a decadent baked oatmeal with bananas, apples, walnuts, and cinnamon. We also had an avocado, spinach, and provolone omelet. The baked oatmeal is a warm and comforting winter food, satisfying and full of goodness. We drizzled it with brown sugar and maple syrup for a little added sweetness.

{served with maple syrup and brown sugar}

Baked Oatmeal with Banana, Apples, and Walnuts (serves 4)
2 cups rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned)
1 cup chopped apples
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 large egg - beaten
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare a 2-quart baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mix together milk, egg, vanilla, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry. Gently fold in apples, bananas, and walnuts. Pour into prepared dish. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Spoon into serving bowls and serve with milk, brown sugar, and maple syrup.