Instant Oatmeal Packets

Instant Oatmeal Packets are undoubtedly very convenient. They are also full of sugar and very expensive. I like to set up an assembly line with my kids and we make a ton of these at once. We fill ziplock snack bags with one-serving portions and store them all in a bin in our pantry. The kids have all learned how to prepare the oatmeal packets on their own, and they love the fact that they made their own mixes.

In every baggie, place the following:

1/4 cup quick-cooking or instant oatmeal
2 Tbsp oat flour (Alternatively, you can put some oats into a blender and blend it to a fine consistency. Use that instead of the oat flour.)
1/8 tsp salt (optional)

Then, to each packet add one of the following options:

- 1 Tbsp raisins, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries and bananas
-1 Tbsp date sugar, 2 Tbsp dried apples, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, 1 Tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 Tbsp dried blueberries, 1 tsp sugar, 1/8 tsp orange zest, 1/4 tsp vanilla powder (optional)
1 Tbsp finely shredded coconut and 2 Tbsp chopped dried pineapple (This is a favorite in our house.)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp wheat germ
- 1 Tbsp milk powder and 2 Tbsp dried fruit of your choice

Options:
- Add 1 Tbsp milk powder to each packet for a creamier oatmeal and added nutrition
- Use maple sugar instead of regular sugar
- Experiment with other ingredients: dried cherries, coconut, chocolate chips; dehydrated pears, sugar, pinch of mace or cardamom; dried peaches with sugar and powdered milk, etc.