Who doesn't love oatmeal? It's hearty, healthy and extremely versatile. Get your kids to love it, too, by letting them garnish their own bowl!

By Jennifer Low

Basic Banana Oatmeal
3 cups water
Pinch of salt
1 ripe banana, sliced
2 cups oatmeal (quick or old-fashioned oats)

1. Bring water and salt to a simmer.

2. Add sliced banana.

3. Cook until banana begins to break down (2 to 3 minutes).

4. Stir in oats. Cook, stirring occasionally, until oats are done (1 min. for quick oats, 5 min. for old-fashioned oats).

Jen's Coco-Banana Oatmeal
Scoop a bowl of the basic banana oatmeal and add a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder, a touch of brown sugar, more banana slices, a splash of milk and a few toasted sliced almonds or pecan pieces.

Her Kids' Secret Recipe
Scoop a bowl of the basic banana oatmeal and add sliced bananas, chocolate chips (a few!), milk and (maybe) a shake of cinnamon sugar*.

* Three parts sugar, one part cinnamon.

Click here for more of Jen's fantastic foolproof family breakfasts!