Monday, September 12, 2011

oatmeal packets

Oatmeal.  Nothing sticks to your ribs quite like it.  What a great breakfast for kids who otherwise get hungry, um, about 5 minutes after they are done.  These make-ahead packets are healthy and frugal, not to mention yummy!  For each, measure dry ingredients into plastic containers or ziplock bags.  It makes a huge bowl so I will probably halve the recipe next time around.  The varieties are endless, but I can't replicate the tiny eggs hatching into candy dinosaurs that my oldest kids still pine after.  Maybe someday I'll add some sprinkles for a special surprise.

Cherries and Cream Oatmeal  (otherwise known as Eric's Oatmeal)
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
handful of dried cherries (the original recipe calls for 1/4 c. dried blueberries)
2 t. nonfat milk powder (I used Organic Valley)
1 t. brown sugar
pinch of salt (I leave this out)

Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
1 t. nonfat milk powder
1 t. brown sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
If desired, you can also add 2 T. chopped pecans.
After cooking, add  maple syrup to taste

To prepare packet:  Use ziplock bags or small plastic containers and add ingredients.  When ready to eat, add 1 1/4 c. boiling water, or 1 c. water and microwave on high for 1 1/2 min.  Stir vigorously for 30 sec.  Packets can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 weeks.

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