Morning Time Saver: Instant Oatmeal Lots of Ways

Time gets away from us all, even those on the Farm, so little short-cuts are a big blessing. Like this jarred instant oatmeal—it’s all ready to be whipped up some busy morning when they have a million other things to do besides making breakfast.

And it makes a great gift, too.

There are several different versions, but they are all made the same: First, it is decided exactly how many servings are to be made, and the math done accordingly. I know, I know, but I have full faith in you. You can do this.

Once it’s figured out exactly how much is being made, a large bowl is set out and all the ingredients placed in and stirred until well blended. The mixture is then placed in a mason jar for later use. If it’s for a gift, you can fancy the jar up a bit with some fabric placed over the lid and under the band and tie a bit of raffia or twine to a handmade label telling what all this is about and with the following instructions:

When it’s ready to be enjoyed, three quarters cups mix is added to one cup water and set to boil on the stove in a saucepan for a few minutes or until thick.

Now, there are a few different varieties, so make sure you try them all before you go giving any away. You might just find you want to keep them all for yourself.  

Plain

Per serving: one third cup instant steel cut oats, one quarter cup dried milk powder, two tablespoons almond meal, one tablespoon slivered almonds, two teaspoons brown sugar, one half teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, one quarter teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and a dash of salt. (Dried Cherries or those dreaded raisons may be added after all is cooked.)

Orange Chocolate

Per serving: one third cup instant steel cut oats, one quarter cup dried milk powder, two tablespoons coconut flakes, two tablespoons dark chocolate chips, one half teaspoon dried, grated orange zest and a dash of salt.

Lemon/Almond/Coconut

Per serving: one third cup instant steel cut oats, one quarter cup dried milk powder, two tablespoons coconut flakes, one tablespoon almond slivers, two teaspoons brown sugar, one half teaspoon dried, grated lemon zest and a dash of salt. (Dried cherries may be added after the oatmeal is cooked.)