For a healthier and less expensive alternative to instant oatmeal packets, try this homemade instant oatmeal mix. Adapt the spices and add-ins to suit your taste and leave the jar on the counter for a quick and easy breakfast that beats cereal.
1cupdried fruit, dried apples, raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc.
1cupbroken nut pieces, pecans, almonds, or walnuts
1tablespooncinnamon, optional, good if using dried apples
Instructions
Mix 6 cups quick-cooking oats, 1½ cups nonfat dry milk powder, ¼ cup sugar, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup dried fruit, 1 cup broken nut pieces, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional, good if using dried apples) thoroughly in a large bowl. Crush any clumps of brown sugar to blend with other ingredients. Store in an airtight container.
To serve, mix ½ cup oatmeal mix with ⅓ cup boiling water. Mix well and let sit for 1 minute to thicken. Adjust the amount of water added for preferred consistency if needed.
Notes
If you find that the oatmeal is not as thick as you would like, try processing 1-2 cups of the dry quick oats in the blender before mixing them in with the rest of the ingredients.