I Dream in Paris

I had a dream last night that I moved to Paris. I was alone and walking down a crowded street studying a map from one of the guide books my Dad bought me for a birthday gift. I was wearing a scarf, which was interesting because usually I don't really pay attention or remember the outfits that I am wearing in my dreams. Do you even dream in outfits? I have no idea, but I did. I kind of like the idea of moving far away. Sometimes you have to put yourself in the most uncomfortable situations to truly appreciate your home. Even if this dream is a hint for what is to come, I know that I will always have a loving home waiting for me and that is the best kind of life insurance if you ask me.

Anyways, I did eventually wake up from my French inspired dream and was very hungry. The stomach does not wait too long after waking up to scream at every fiber of my being in a bossy way to get me into the kitchen. Yesterday, I whipped up some amazing sweet potato oatmeal from ohsheglows.com. It was a rainy morning yesterday so what better way to spend the darkening morning than in the kitchen with cozy oatmeal. This is one of my favorite recipes, I really encourage you to give it a try!

Sweet Potato Pie Oatmeal
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1/2 cup rolled oats
2 cups milk
2 small sweet potatoes
1 banana, mashed
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp honey

Topping
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour (I used whole wheat)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Peel and chop sweet potatoes, add to boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and set in a bowl. Rinse the pot.

Add two cups of milk and rolled oats to the pot and bring to a boil. Be sure to watch the milk and stir often, burnt milk is not pleasant! After the oatmeal and milk have come to a boil, let simmer on medium low.

Add sweet potatoes and banana to the oatmeal mixture and mash with a potato masher. Add in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and honey. Stir until well combined.

Make topping by adding all ingredients in a small bowl, crushing the butter with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.

Grease a casserole pan (I think mine was 8x8 inches). Spread the oatmeal mixture into the casserole dish. Finally, sprinkle the topping evenly over the oatmeal.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Afterward, set the oven to broil on a low temperature. Keep the oatmeal under careful watch while it is under the broiler so as to not burn the topping. With the broiler set a t 400 degrees F, I kept mine under for about 4-5 minutes.

Remove from oven and serve immediately!

I love this oatmeal! It is even great the next day, which is why I indeed devoured it today. There is nothing wrong with liking oatmeal that much.

I sprinkled some extra walnuts on top of the oatmeal the second day to add some crunch. 

Walnuts look like brains.