Homemade Instant Oatmeal

Every so often, we get on an oatmeal kick for breakfast.  This recipe for for making "instant" oatmeal at home.  It costs pennies and doesn't have all of that sugar that comes in the pre-packaged stuff.  I usually make a batch and put it in an air tight container.  So when breakfast rolls around, all I have to do is scoop a bit into my bowl, add hot water, and have a nice warm bowl of oats.

5 cups instant oatmeal

4 tablespoons brown sugar

1 cup dried fruit (I prefer craisins, but raisins, mango's, cherries, apples, bananas...anything goes.)

3 tablespoons dry milk powder

(depending on the dried fruit you are using, you can also add spices and nuts to make it tasty)

In a large bowl combine all ingredients and store in air tight container, or measure out into zip lock baggies.

To serve: Place 1 cup of mixture and 1/2 to 3/4 cup boiling water (depending on how thick you like your oatmeal) into a cereal bowl.  Let stand until thickened.