Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

All my friends who know me well enough will not be surprised to know that the first subject I am writing about is food!

I created these one day after coming across a recipe for banana pancakes using banana-flavored instant oatmeal packets.  Now, I love the occasional bowl of pre-flavored instant oatmeal, but the packets contain too much sugar to be incorporated into a food that is traditionally covered in additional sugar before eating.

While I prefer to make pancakes from scratch, I've found that a good instant pancake mix to which you just have to add water can be a lifesaver.  Especially on those weekend mornings when I open the refrigerator and realize that we are completely out of eggs.  These were perfectly light but dense pillows of banana goodness that my kids and husband, well, went bananas for.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures before we devoured them (I'm new to this blogging thing, remember?) but I will try to remember to post a picture the next time I make them.  I hope you like them!

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

1-2 very ripe bananas, peeled
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
2 tb brown sugar
2 c instant pancake mix
1 c old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
2 c water

Mash the bananas with a fork in a large bowl.  Add the cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar and continue to stir and mash, until you have a delicious, smooth banana goo.  Add the pancake mix, oats, and water and stir just to combine.

Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle to medium and coat with vegetable oil or spray.  Scoop out batter using a 1/3 cup measure and pour onto hot surface.  Cook until the top surface of pancake appears dry, then gently flip.  If you have trouble lifting them out you may need to let them cook an additional minute or so; the banana makes these pretty delicate.  Cook until the other side is browned and the pancakes are no longer gooey in the center.  This makes about 12 pancakes.

Serve warm with syrup, Nutella, peanut butter, whipped cream, or any combination of the above.  My personal favorite topping is Nutella, but my husband happily ate them unadorned.