Serving a healthy breakfast need not be boring. You can jazz up your oatmeal by adding coco jam or latik as sweetener. While shopping at H-Mart I happen to see a few bottles of Coconut Jam on display in the Filipino sweets section. What first caught my eye was it’s beautiful packaging, I can still see in my eyes the latik of my childhood encased in a ghastly plastic container. I don’t remember the brand though but we seem to always have a jar at home.

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To make, prepare your coconut jam by melting it over a double boiler for best results. Do not attempt to heat it in a microwave, I learned that the hard way. I also added about a teaspoon of milk to the 3 Tbsp. of coconut jam I used. I find that adding milk gave it a smoother texture. Set aside.

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Cook your oatmeal per package directions. You can choose whatever kind you like, I prefer the quick cooking Irish rolled oats. I also used half water and half milk as cooking liquid. When done, spoon your oatmeal onto bowls. Garnish with banana slices. I added some unsweetened toasted coconut for an added crunch before drizzling the latik on top. The coconut not only goes well with it but gives it a tropical flavor. I find that you don’t need a lot to sweeten your oatmeal, a little goes a long way. It also gave such a depth of flavor and surely tastes better than brown sugar or honey.

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