Power Pumpkin Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a near daily affair in the Liv Life kitchen.  Wholesome and filled with fiber, oatmeal brings low glycemic carbohydrates while also bringing a healthy dose of protein to the table.  Said to help regulate blood pressure, lower risk of cardiovascular disease and decrease risks of colon cancer, oatmeal is an inexpensive breakfast (or dinner?) option  we love.

But... I've been told oatmeal is "boring".  Actually, it's "sooooo boring" (said with 16-year old eyeroll for full effect...).  And while I love the oaty grains, I guess I can see how it can get a bit old day after day.  Luckily, oatmeal is simply a blank slate just waiting to be adorned with the flavors of the season!

So today, we bring fall flavors and a dose of vitamin A-rich pumpkin to that blank slate.

Pumpkin - and it's pumpkin pie spice flavors - is also a favorite in the Liv Life kitchen, and as such a regular to our dishes year round (stock up on cans now for use in summer!).  And while we've had pumpkin oatmeal in the past, I'd simply forgotten about it until today.

Pairing a version of our Power Oatmeal (oats, flax, chia and hemp) with a scoop of organic canned pumpkin brought a lovely orange hue to the bowl.  Topped with a sprinkle of walnuts and banana as well as a dash of pumpkin pie spice today's breakfast was met with smiles all around. 

 Power Pumpkin Oatmeal
Warm and wholesome, this Power Oatmeal will set you and our loved ones off satiated and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.  The kids (and you) will love the flavors and will enjoy lasting energy for hours to come.  Top with your favorite toppings - our include chopped banana and walnuts!
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1 cup water + 1-2 Tbs if too dry
1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if desired)
3 Tbs canned pumpkin (we use Trader Joe's organic)
2 Tbs organic raisins
1 Tbs hemp seed
1 Tbs chia seed
1 Tbs ground flax meal
pinch of salt (optional)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
or
sprinkle cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg
Top with chopped bananas and walnuts (optional)
maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)

Place water on the stove in a small pot over medium high heat.  Add oats through flax meal (oats, pumpkin, raisins, hemp, chia, flax) and stir to combine.

As for the spice, you may add 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice at this time if desired.  Personally, I prefer to omit the spice at this step and sprinkle cinnamon and a dash of freshly ground nutmeg when serving).

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until oatmeal is tender - about 5 minutes (actually I usually simmer for about 3 minutes then allow to sit for 7-8 or so as I'm getting the rest of the breakfast going - follow directions on your package for exact instructions). 

Spoon oatmeal into serving bowls and top with chopped bananas and walnuts (liv loves to top hers with candied walnuts!).  Also, if desired drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar.

If you omitted the pumpkin pie spice or simply don't have it on hand, sprinkle bowls with a dusting of cinnamon and a dash of freshly ground nutmeg at this time.

Serve with your choice of milk or dairy free milk and enjoy! 

Liv Life Note:  We split this recipe into two to three serving.