What do you mean we're out of instant oatmeal?

Growing up, this iconic paper canister was always in the cabinet. I don't recall ever using it as a cereal though, an ingredient in meatloaf and cookies, yes, cereal??? Nope






If I actually did eat oatmeal, it was out of a box/packet. All I had to do was add hot water, wait a few minutes and there you have it, breakfast.

I got a little older however and the instant oatmeal I was familiar with was just too sweet. My kids loved it (except that one who only ate Cream of Wheat, some peoples kids) anyway, I just didn't eat it any more. I began making oatmeal from scratch, you know on the stove, in a pot, way too much for one person to eat, but if you cook less than the recipe it never comes out right oatmeal. Yeah, that kind. I could put whatever I wanted in it, make it as sweet as I like, but the mess is always daunting, so I made it only on weekends, once a month, maybe.

I did find an oatmeal that was a bit more my speed, not as sweet, had flax seed in it, the fruit was real (not apples dyed to look like strawberries or peaches), yes sir, I like this brand better.




Now, just what does this have to do with being out of oatmeal? Well, like I said we are big oatmeal eaters, him 2 packets per meal, me 1 packet, 10 packets per box, 3 days of instant oatmeal. (there I go with that math again) Needless to say we run out fast. Also, my most favorite flavor in the world is getting harder and harder to find. Neither store near my home carries it (slow mover). So, the only recourse I have is to make my own, but just how does one go about making instant oatmeal packets at home? Ah, the internet, it can be a blessing.

I found several recipes, but decided to go with Monica Matheny's recipe as my base. I did leave out the chia seeds, just didn't have any, or flax or any seeds for that matter (I don't believe celery seeds would have worked). Then I had to find the "spices" in Raisins & Spice and Cinnamon & Spice. I did find them eventually, every recipe had cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice but quantities differed...a lot. It's all a matter of taste I suppose, anyway this is my adapted recipe that I used for the "spices"

Oatmeal Spices
2 tsp ground Cinnamon
2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice*
1/2 tsp ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground Allspice
1/2 tsp Cardamom (optional)

Mix all spices together. Use 1/2 - 3/4 tsp per individual packet. Store as you would any spices. (don't forget to label it) Makes 8 packets worth.

*Don't have any pumpkin pie spice in your cupboard, never fear...

Pumpkin Pie Spice

4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg