Instant Oatmeal Jars

Just add hot water and stir, and you've got the perfect size breakfast in it's own little jar. To make, line up ingredients and fill jars in a little assembly line. This would be perfect for kids to help with. They make a great on-the-go breakfast, you can mix it and put the lid back on and eat it on the way. Or, take it to work with you for a mid-morning treat.

You'll need half pint canning jars. Makes a scant 1 cup serving.

For each jar, measure:
scant 1/4 cup whole oats
1/4 cup quick oats
1 tbsp. ground oats (grind up by pulsing in the food processor a few times OR throw some in a coffee grinder until it's like coarse sand)
1 tbsp. non-fat milk powder (this is what makes it creamy)
2 tsp. raw sugar
tiny pinch of salt

Layer the ingredients in the jar, then top with whatever toppings you'd like. Here are some ideas:

• sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice & dried cranberries
• broken up banana chips, sprinkle of cinnamon, and a few nuts
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• raisins & cinnamon
• freeze dried strawberries
• coconut and dried pineapple or mango pieces
• dried apple pieces & cinnamon

To make the oatmeal, fill the jar with very hot water up to the 2nd line on the rim for thick oatmeal and the 1st line for thinner.