Tropical Breakfast Oatmeal

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There’s a great feeling in knowing you’re providing a hearty, delicious breakfast to your family each morning. Sending your loved ones off to school & work after a filling, well balanced meal gives you the confidence that they’re at their best and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way. This yummy Tropical Breakfast Oatmeal fits the bill and will be a sweet reminder of your love all morning long!

Growing up, my dad was a stickler about breakfast each morning, particularly on school days. He made sure I had eaten and had a glass of orange juice before we headed out the door and would remind my sister and I, “Breakfast is brain food, Girls!”. When I got to college, I pretty much discarded breakfast in favor of sleeping those few extra minutes and continued that trend through early adulthood. Then I became a mom and everything changed.

That lesson about breakfast came back to me and since sleep was basically off the table with babies and toddlers everywhere, I figured it was time to get back in the morning meal routine. Over the years, I came up with a few simple ideas that my family could personalize to their tastes and satisfied my motherly breakfast concerns.

This Tropical Breakfast Oatmeal uses Quaker® Oats, the instant variety in the original flavor. This makes morning prep about 1 minute, which is perfect when my preschooler is running in circles with one shoe on, still wearing her pajama top with socks on her hands. I like to toast our coconut and pecans in advance and store them in a jar so they’re readily available on busy mornings. Bonus: this combination is super delish as a topping on yogurt or ice cream, too, just in case you like to indulge once the kiddos are in bed at night!

Living in sunny Florida, it’s pretty warm and tropical feeling 80% of the year. Banana & palm trees are a pretty common sight as are neighbors dropping off extra fruit at the front door, which is how this delicious Tropical Breakfast Oatmeal was born!

Prepare the Quaker® Oats according to the package directions, I always use milk for added protein, slice a banana while the oatmeal is in the microwave. Add the toasted coconut, pecans, chocolate chips, & banana to the cooked oatmeal, mix well and breakfast is served! My kids love the chocolate chips and my hubs usually skips them. My oldest daughter likes to add cinnamon sugar to hers, too! This recipe is a breeze to customize and everyone will love the crunchy coconut & pecans along with the soft, ripe bananas.

While browsing Target, I came across a display loaded with new ideas to add to your morning oatmeal. With everything from peanut butter to honey, dried fruit to nuts, it’s easy to bring variety to breakfast. In fact, there’s a fun contest sponsored by Quaker® Oats happening now! The Bring Your Best Bowl event wants your best combinations for morning oatmeal mix-ins and you can win $250,000 with your unique recipe ideas! Add 2 to 5 yummy ingredients to your morning bowl of delicious oatmeal and your recipe could inspire a new Quaker® Oats flavor and be sold in stores, how exciting would that be?

Do you have any tips for helping your family enjoy a filling, delicious breakfast before sending them off to conquer the world each morning? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!

Tropical Breakfast Oatmeal

Kira and Michelle at sunshineandhurricanes.com

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Ingredients

  

• 1 Packet of Original Flavored Quaker® Oats Instant Oatmeal
• 1 banana sliced
• 12-15 chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp. toasted coconut
• 1 Tbsp. toasted pecans
• Optional: cinnamon sugar

Instructions

 

• To toast coconut & pecans, spread evenly on a baking sheet, place in a 300 degree oven for 12-15 minutes, carefully watching and occasionally turning both items, until coconut begins to brown. Let cool and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Prepare oatmeal according to box instructions, mix in remaining ingredients, and serve. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.

Need ideas to help with dinner, too? Our super easy Pinterest Meal Planning system is simple and comes with free printables to help you organize your week! And if all this talk of tropical has you in the mood for a vacation, definitely check out our Florida Family Travel page, we live in the Sunshine State and have the best info. for families!