Oatmeal packets are a popular breakfast item at my house and why not? They’re nutritious and convenient.
Tear off the top, dump the contents in a bowl with a splash of water and zap it in the microwave. Instant breakfast!
With 4 kids and only 10 packets per box, I have to buy multiples to get my hungry gang through the week and these convenience foods are quite a bit more expensive than buying in bulk, too.
Why is it that oatmeal coming from a large carton is so much less appetizing to them? They turn up their nose at having to measure and pour oats, water and brown sugar into a bowl. One of my girls quipped, “It’s not the same thing, Mom.” So,this Mom set out to make her own little oatmeal packets and wouldn’t you know, as long as they are in “packet form”, my girls declare them delicious.
The recipe is pretty straight forward. Be sure to use quick oats. Grinding up some of the oats in the blender gives it the creamier consistency of the commercial instant packets, while the maple extract pumped up the flavor.
For the packets, I stamped some lightweight muslin with a rubber stamp and ink pad, then cut out and sewed 4 X 6 inch washable bags. I stitched a 1/4″ hem along the top, then threaded jute drawstrings through. The bags paid for themselves, by saving me enough grocery money to purchase the supplies to make them in the first week! If the speed of disappearance is any indication, I think these reusable bags will come in handy.
From here on out, it’s all money in this Mom’s pocket!
DIY Oatmeal Packets
Ingredients
- 4 cups quick oats 1/2 cup for each of your 8 packets
- 2 cups finely ground quick oats 1/4 cup for each of your 8 packets
- 1 tsp salt 1 pinch for each of your 8 packets
- 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons for each of your 8 packets
- 2 teaspoons maple extract 1/4 teaspoons for each of your 8 packets
Instructions
- Mix the brown sugar with the maple extract.
- Mix all ingredients together and place 1/2 cup into each packet or assemble each packet individually.
- When ready to eat, add a single packet into a bowl and add 1 cup of water. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add fruit or dehydrated fruit of your choice (optional - blueberries, dehydrated apples, craisins, etc).
- Store upright in muslin bags for several days or place into plastic baggies to store.
I love that idea!!!!! Maybe when I have grandchildren close enough to stay for week-ends!!!
Great idea! I have thought of doing this before, but making your own pretty little bags has really inspired me. 🙂
What a great idea! I don’t have kids, but I think I would really appreciate the convenience of having breakfast pre-measured on busy mornings. Also, you should sell those bags on etsy!
Do you know the calories?
This is a great idea! I can see them being given as gifts, perhaps in a bit bigger quantity 🙂 . It’s been suggested that I make preserves or similar for Christmas presents and I think these (both the bag and perhaps some really good oatmeal) would be a great part of the gift. Thank you 🙂