Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

My kids love oatmeal for breakfast, and they especially love those packets of instant oatmeal even better. But the packets are so small that they often wind up using two of them, which doesn't end up being an economical meal option after a while. So I found a tutorial on how to make my own packets and went from there, and this recipe is the end result. One batch will fit in a #10 can and I have the cooking instructions written on the lid so my kids can easily make this themselves in the mornings. They love eating it, and I love how inexpensive this is to make. Win-Win!

Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

10 cups quick cooking oats, divided
2 tsp. salt
1 cup non-dairy creamer 'or'
2 1/2 cups instant non-fat powdered milk
1-2 cups brown sugar (I use 1 1/4 cups)

Place 7 cups oats, salt, and creamer in a large bowl. In a food processor or blender, place the remaining 3 cups of oats and the brown sugar and pulse/blend until the oats are like flour and the sugar is mixed in. Pour the oat flour/brown sugar mixture into the oats in the bowl and mix well. Pour mixture into a large airtight container and attach the instructions for preparation, or divide the mixture into individual baggies in 1/2 cup increments. Store in a cool dry place.

**To Use** Pour 1/2 cup oat mixture into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup water and stir. Cook in mircowave for 1-2 minutes until done. Stir and let cool for a few minutes. Top as desired and enjoy.

**Add-Ins** You can easily add your favorite freeze dried fruit to your oatmeal, just add it in before cooking either in your bowl once you add the water, or you can add it to each individual baggie for even quicker morning prep. For every 1/2 cup of oat mixture or baggie of oat mixture  add 1/4 cup freeze dried fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, bananas, pineapple etc. You can also add 2 tbsp. mini chocolate chips. If you prefer fresh fruit, just add your fresh fruit of choice to your oatmeal after cooking.