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.

French Toast with Blueberry Syrup

There's nothing like breakfast for dinner after a long day! It's quick, easy, and generally pleases everyone in our house. Tonight I decided to do a little something special and make blueberry butter and blueberry syrup to top our french toast - yum.

Blueberry butter is amazingly simple. Mix 2T Thrive Butter Powder with some powder from the bottom of your can of Thrive Freeze Dried Blueberries. No powder? Just crush a few in a zip top bag by smashing them with a mallet or rolling over them with a rolling pin. Add a little bit of honey and 1T water. Stir, adding more water if necessary until you reach a consistency you like. Chill it in the fridge until your french toast is done.

Yes, it really is that purple!

 To make your own blueberry syrup, combine 1/2c Thrive Freeze Dried Blueberries with 1c maple syrup and simmer gently in a saucepan. The berries will rehydrate and soften nicely while you make your french toast. If your family isn't a blueberry fan, feel free to use any of the Thrive berries.

While the syrup warms on the stove, make your french toast:

1c Thrive Instant Milk, prepared
6T Thrive Whole Egg Powder
1t Ground Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients well. If you have a martini shaker, it will make this process much easier. I like to use the Ziploc containers that have a screw on lid. Once your dip is mixed thoroughly, pour it into a shallow dish. Heat a griddle or skillet to medium high heat and grease well. Dip the bread of your choice into the egg mixture, coating each side well, and cook for 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve topped with blueberry syrup and blueberry butter!

What is your favorite "breakfast for dinner" meal?