Instant Oatmeal Mixes

Your own homemade flavored instant oatmeal mixes are low-cost, additive-free alternatives to the pricy, chemical-laden prepared mixes in the grocery store. Try the flavor variations offered here or make up your own favorites. Adapted slightly from Make Your Own Groceries.

3 cups quick-cooking oats
salt
8 plastic sandwich bags
optional flavor ingredients (below)

Blend one cup of the oats in a food processor until powdery (if using a blender, blend, do this in two batches).

Into each sandwich bag place 1/4 cup unpowdered oats, 2 tablespoons powdered oats, and a scant 1/4 teaspoon salt. Store in a box or airtight container.

TO SERVE: Empty packet into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup boiling water; stir and let stand for 2 minutes. For thicker oatmeal, use less water; for thinner, use more water. You can also use cold water and microwave on high for 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 minutes.

Yield: 8 servings

VARIATIONS:

Sweetened Oatmeal
To each packet add 1 tablespoon sugar.

Creamy Oatmeal
To each packet add 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk.

Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal
To each packet add 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons chopped dried apples.

Cinnamon-Spice Oatmeal
To each packet add 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a scant 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.

Oatmeal with Raisins & Brown Sugar
To each packet add 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon raisins.

Wheat Germ Oatmeal
To each packet add 2 tablespoons any kind of wheat germ.

Fruit & Cream
To each packet add 1 tablespoon dry milk and 2 tablespoons chopped dried fruit.