Original post: 1/22/2014
Edited: 12/20/2022

Vegetarian
Gluten-free (if using gluten-free oatmeal)
Quick
Meal Planning

In August of 2010, I posted an entry for Instant Oatmeal Mix. As we are experiencing another cold snap, oatmeal is a good way to warm up on a bitterly cold morning.

I was pursuing Yummy Life’s instant oatmeal packets’ blog entry and found some good ideas for different types of instant oatmeal. Instant oatmeal mixes are better than the Quaker or off-brand instant oatmeal packets. You control the ingredients. Plus, it doesn’t have preservatives.

Using some of the ideas from Yummy Life and what I had around the house, I came up with divine apple cinnamon instant oatmeal.

Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal

Stars of the recipe:

• 2-1/4 c. Instant or Quick Oatmeal
• 1/3 c. powdered milk
• 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
• 2 to 3 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/3 c. dried apples
• 1/3 c. chopped nuts (I used cashews.)
• 2 -3 Tbsp Chia seeds
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. Vanilla powder (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. When ready to make oatmeal, mix 1/2 c. of the oatmeal with 3/4 c. water. (Make sure the bowl is big enough because the oatmeal expands in the microwave.)
4. Heat in the microwave for 90 seconds.

Or:

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. Mix 1/3 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. water, and 1/4 c. Greek yogurt in a Mason jar or similar jar.
4. Make sure the lid is on tight, and shake up the mixture.
5. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Enjoy straight out of the fridge, or allow it to warm up to room temperature before eating!

Printable Recipe