I’m so happy because SPRING IS HERE. I’m a little premature shouting that out because apparently, we’re in for some cold weather this weekend. But at least for the time being, I’m celebrating.

On one of the last cold days this week I made cinnamon porridge with maple fried bananas. I can think of nothing more comforting for those weird spring days when it’s waaay too cold and it feels more like the beginning of winter. I needed something spicy, warming, and sweet, and this fit the bill.

Frying bananas is easier than you’d think, but it’s still a process. To make these bananas, I melted some coconut oil in a skillet and then I whisked in some maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Then I put the bananas in the skillet with the cut side facing up. I like to do this because then, you give the backs of the banana a chance to fry first and then the cut side (or the pretty side) will have a better chance of cooking evenly. It’s kind of like making pancakes: The first one is almost always a dud.

The porridge is simple to make, too. You combine rolled oats, a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and some almond milk in a saucepan and allow it to come to boil. Then, you reduce the heat and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the consistency you like. I like my porridge on the thicker side, so I cook it until it gets very dense (or until I can’t wait any longer).

I topped this oatmeal with the fried bananas, blueberries, a scoop of almond butter, hemp seeds, and sliced almonds, but feel free to get creative. I bet cacao nibs, walnuts, and raspberries would also be delicious.

In other news, Drake just dropped a new single and I’m in love. Every time I think I love Drake the most I can love him, he does something to make me love him even more. The song, “Nice For What,” is essentially an anthem to women everywhere and the struggles they face. As one writer said recently, it’s Drake’s response to the #MeToo movement.

I know there are some haters who probably say that Drake is just looking for some pats on the back and adoration from fans, and hey, maybe he is. But I applaud any artist who comes forward in a positive moment in women’s history and responds in an affirming way. Plus, I love Drake. Have I mentioned that?

Here’s the song, for your listening pleasure. I may or may not have listened to it twenty times on repeat yesterday.

Cinnamon Porridge with Maple Fried Banana

Ingredients

for the oats:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup regular almond milk (not unsweetened)
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
blueberries, sliced almonds, almond butter, and hemp seeds for topping

for the banana:
1 large banana (cut into quarters)
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp maple syrup
pinch of salt

Directions

Combine the oats, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan on high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the oats, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired consistency.

Meanwhile, make the banana. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat and once it’s melted, add the maple syrup and salt. Add the banana, cut side up, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Pour the oats into a bowl and top with the banana, blueberries, sliced almonds, a scoop of almond butter, and hemp seeds. Enjoy!