1/3 cup instant oats
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup skim or soy milk
1/4 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed (optional)
1/2 ripe banana
2T peanut butter
1/2t cinnamon (8 shakes)
pinch of pumpkin pie spice (3 shakes)
2-4t maple syrup, to taste

Directions:

1. Mix the oats, milk, pumpkin puree and cranberries (if using) in a medium microwave-safe bowl until pumpkin is dissolved. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

2. Remove from the microwave and slice the 1/2 banana into the bowl. Microwave on high for an additional 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Watch closely so the oatmeal doesn’t cook over the edge of the bowl.

3. Remove from the microwave and stir in the peanut butter, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup. Use the back of the spoon to mash the bananas and mix well. The more maple syrup you use, the more it will resemble a classic pumpkin pie. The final result: