Fuel your busy days with DIY instant oatmeal: Easy, nutritious and customizable

It’s back to school time already! Can you believe it? Many of us are about to have our lovely relaxing summer come to a screeching halt and the rigors of routine thrown in our sun-kissed, freckled little faces.

With the return of the school year comes a more regimented schedule. Mornings are hectic and anything that relieves stress is a good thing.

And making mornings easier isn’t just for families heading back to school. We can all use a little help to ensure an easy start to our days.

One way to reduce stress is to have an inexpensive, nutritious and delicious breakfast that cooks in only one minute. I’m happy to share my secret weapon to de-stress mornings: DIY instant oatmeal packets.

Yes, you can buy pre-made instant oatmeal packets inexpensively, but look: The average cost is about 50 cents a packet, and most people eat at least two. Making them yourself brings the cost down to 20 cents per packet or less.

Now here’s the fun part. You can put whatever goodies you like into your oatmeal packets.

Some ideas: raisins, pumpkin pie spice, freeze dried strawberries, dried blueberries and slivered almonds, any variety of trail mix, mini chocolate chips and coconut, dried cranberries and pistachios, dried bananas and walnuts, dried apple and crystallized ginger, chopped pecans and maple syrup. The list goes on.

You can also use these packets for overnight oatmeal. Just place the contents of a packet in a bowl, add milk or milk substitute, and refrigerate overnight. Serve cold or heat in the microwave.

Bonus! The plastic baggies can be reused many times because they don’t get dirty.

Start your days off right with these convenient and budget-friendly DIY instant oatmeal packets. With just a minute away from a wholesome meal, you’ll have more time, money and peace of mind to tackle whatever the day brings.

So, stock up on these delightful packets and savor the stress-free mornings ahead!

DIY Instant Oatmeal Packets

Servings: Approximately 18 packets

Ingredients

10 cups quick oats, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar, or more to taste

1 cup powdered milk, optional

2 tablespoons cinnamon

1 to 2 cups add-ins, optional

18 to 20 snack-size zip-top bags

Procedure

Put 7 cups of the oats in a large bowl. Place the remaining 3 cups of oats in a food processor or blender. Blend until powdery, then pour into the bowl with the whole oats. Add the salt, brown sugar, powdered milk and cinnamon in the large bowl. Mix well until combined.

Measure 1/2 cup of the oatmeal mixture along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of add-ins into each snack-size zip-top baggie and seal. Store the baggies in your pantry, or in the freezer for the longest shelf life.

Tip: If you prefer making oatmeal with milk, you can skip the powdered milk altogether. For cost-saving options, try using a combination of half milk and half water. Personally, I find that making it with milk during cooking enhances the flavor compared to using water and powdered milk.

To use the packets: Pour the contents of a packet in a bowl and add the desired amount of water or milk. Start with 3/4 cup and adjust to the thickness you desire. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir and serve.