Instant Oatmeal Packets

Your mother told you to always eat a good breakfast, and that means a breakfast that is nutritious, balanced, hot and yummy. That doesn't mean unwrapping a plastic covered "pastry", pouring a bowl of sugar bombs, or going through the drive thru. With just a little bit of planning, and half an hour on a Sunday afternoon, you can provide your kids with a delicious breakfast that is fast and healthy. These instant oatmeal packets are fun to make and simple to prepare.

1/3c Thrive Quick Oats
1T Thrive Instant Milk Powder
1t Thrive Sugar - more if you prefer sweeter oats

These three ingredients will be the "base" for each oatmeal packet you make. I like to pick up a box of 100 snack sized zip top bags (about $1.99 at Walmart) and use them to make my oatmeal packets. Set up an assembly line of open containers and this process will be simple! Here are a few ideas for flavored oatmeal:

Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal: Base + 1/3c Thrive Blueberries + Dash of Cinnamon
Banana Bread Oatmeal: Base + 2T Thrive Banana Chunks or Thrive Banana Chips (crushed) + 2T Walnut Pieces
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Base + 1/4c Thrive Apple Slices (chopped) + 1/4t Cinnamon + 1t Thrive Brown Sugar
Peaches & Cream Oatmeal: Base + 1/4c Thrive Peaches + 1/4t Thrive Butter Powder + 1t Thrive Brown Sugar
Island Oatmeal: Base + 2T Thrive Mangoes + 2T Thrive Pineapple Chunks + 2T Thrive Macaroon Cookie Mix
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal: Base + 2T Chocolate Chips + 1/2t Thrive Butter Powder
Macaroon Cookie Oatmeal: Base + 2T Thrive Macaroon Cookie Mix
Brownie Oatmeal: Base + 2T Thrive Brownie Mix

Use your creativity to come up with your own combinations! To prepare the oatmeal packet, combine the contents of the bag with 1/2c cold water. Stir gently until milk powder and sugar dissolves, then microwave for 3-4 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Please note that you may need to add additional water if you use a larger amount of freeze dried fruits.