You can use old-fashioned or steel-cut oatmeal for this dish. This dish is kind of like Bananas Foster, without alcohol, ice cream, or the dramatic presentation with fire. 

Rather than simply slice the bananas, I like to split them down the middle.  I’ve done this ever since I learned that they easily split lengthwise into three sections. Peel the banana, and stick your finger into one end. The banana will split into three as you gently press it apart.  It’s a great party trick for non-believers.  Then I break sections into bite-sized pieces. 

Serves 4

• 1 cup steel-cut or old-fashioned oatmeal, prepared according to directions on the package

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 2 bananas, sliced or finger-split lengthwise and broken into bite-sized pieces

Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar, pecans, and bananas.  Cook over medium heat until bananas are soft.  Put oatmeal in a bowl, and top with the hot banana mixture. Eat immediately and enjoy.