Thrifty Instant Oatmeal

So the kiddos can make it themselves!

I love oatmeal for breakfast.  I prefer my crock pot steel cut oats, but my boys prefer the instant oatmeal packets.  I admit they are good and easy, but also expensive and filled with sugar.  I came across this recipe here, but found it was much too thick for our taste.  After some playing around, I came up with this one that I think more closely resembles the Quaker Instant Oatmeal packets.

Ingredients:
-1 box of Old-Fashioned Oats
-1 box of Quick-Cook Oats

DIFFICULT LIST...I know :)

I start by mixing equal parts of both oats.  I store it in the container that you see pictured above.  From that mix I scoop out about a cup and grind it in my food processor so it looks like this:

Ground mixture in a separate container

 You can pour your ground mix in any sealable container.  I tend to grind 2 cups worth, 1 cup at a time, depending on your mixer.

Then all you do is add 6 Tablespoons of regular mix with 1 Tablespoon of the ground mix and add 3/4 cup of milk.  With me so far?  Now here is where you can be creative and add whatever "extras" you like.

I like to add 1 tsp of brown sugar (or white sugar) and some raisins, and cinnamon prior to heating then add chopped apples after it is heated.

Heat for 2 - 2 1/2 minutes on high in microwave, but be sure to watch it the last 30 seconds so it doesn't bubble over.

Oatmeal Topping/Add-In Ideas:

flax seed

bananas

peanut butter

honey almond butter (Justin's is ah-mazing)

walnuts/pecans

slivered almonds

strawberry jelly

pumpkin spice/filling

cranberries

any dried fruit

chocolate

honey

kefir

any fresh fruit

maple syrup (kiddos love this)

This should help get you started :)

On a side note, if you have a wee one in the house like me...just use equal parts of your ground mixture and milk or water to make baby cereal.  I use 2 Tbls of each and add pureed prunes and kefir...he LOVES it!

Wee ones breakfast :)

A good bowl of oatmeal is a great way to start your day, but it's made even better while listening to this song...ENJOY!

Linking up to The Lady Behind the Curtain