One of my comfort foods is oatmeal with cinnamon and bananas. First enjoyed on September 17, 2001 in a hotel in Nashville with my dad. It is a very specific memory of my father. And with my memories, I get a little video reel in my head of the moment.
You see, I expected my dad to fly into LA on September 11, 2001 to meet me then after his work trip we’d fly home together. His flight to LA never landed. I later learned he wasn’t on it, he was sent to a different meeting in a different city at the last minute. I feel sick this day every year. Other colleagues went to that LA meeting and their plane never landed. Relief and grief wrapped so closely they’re one thing.
Each year, today hits me hard. I’ll admit being alone with just the kids makes it easier. Not having to acknowledge the date makes it easier. But I’ll never forget. Sending hugs to anyone else who is haunted by this date. This is why even though I am very genuine and will talk about nearly anything, the subject that quiets me in a somber way is 9/11.
That road trip with my dad the weekend after the attacks was trying to get home while airports nationwide were shut down and we were emotionally reeling from the attacks. I spent 36 hours on Greyhound buses and even slept in the floor of the El Paso bus depot. Two teens, William and Matthew Porter traveled the same route on their way back home to Chattanooga and watched out for me, a young woman traveling alone. I remain so grateful to them and that my dad got to meet them.
So there I was not letting go of my dad in the Dallas bus station parking lot and he completely understood because he wasn’t letting go either. We ate frozen pizza in his hotel and the next morning started the two-day drive back home to Maryland. The next night was spent in Nashville where I enjoyed that gloriously comforting oatmeal for breakfast. That’s probably why being safe with my dad eating banana oatmeal is one of my comfort memories.
Today, I am sharing how to make this lovely comfort food. Not quite a recipe. No measuring for me with this dish. This post is more about the process anyway.
Cinnamon-Banana Oatmeal
First, I gather my ingredients, which is butter, oatmeal, milk, some brown sugar and cinnamon, sliced bananas (not too ripe so they don’t turn to mush). I slice the bananas on an angle so they have more surface area.
I dip both sides of each banana in the cinnamon-sugar blend.
Brown it on both sides in the pan with butter.
Flip to brown the other side.
This looks good, just a little bit longer and they’re done.
Once they’re nice and brown on both sides, remove and set aside.
Meanwhile, have the oats cooking in milk. I like to use quick cook oats and I microwave them at 60% for four minutes with milk and a little maple syrup.
Spoon the oatmeal into your bowl and top with the banana slices.
It is a warming, comforting bowl of oaty goodness.
One more view of the result. Very nice and great to sneak some extra potassium into your morning routine. I have a whole post with breakfast recipe ideas too!
What is your comfort food that reminds you of feeling safe and loved?