Three Bears Superfood Porridge

(Makes 3 cups)

**To save on cooking time, prepare this mixture at night before bed and let it soak in the fridge (covered). In the morning, simply stir and heat on the stove-top, adding more water or milk if desired.  This recipe yields a very thick oatmeal (and it thickens even more when chilled). Feel free to use more liquid if you prefer a thinner consistency.

2 large very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed well (heaping 3/4 cup)
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely grated (about 1 cup)*
1 cup finely grated zucchini
1 cup rolled oats
2 1/4 cups water or milk of choice (I like sweetened almond milk)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1-1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, to taste (I use Ceylon)
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
Maple Syrup

Directions:
In a medium pot, mash the banana until almost smooth.  Peel and grate the carrots.  Grate the zucchini.  Place both it into the pot along with the banana.  Add the rolled oats, water or milk and chia seeds.  Increase heat to medium and cook the oats, uncovered, stirring frequently and reducing heat if necessary, for about 10-15 minutes until the oats are softened and the mixture thickens. (If you soaked the oatmeal overnight, simply heat it with a little water to thin and serve).  At the end of cooking stir in the cinnamon to taste, all the hemp seeds and the maple syrup.  Top with any additional fruit you like!