Step 1

Blend 1 c of the oats in a food processor until powdery. Leave the other 3 c as is - for now.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the “spice” ingredients (everything else, minus the oats) and mix well.

Step 3

PREPARATION: Do a practice run first for desired family goodness!!

To prepare one bowl of oatmeal: Combine 1/4 c. un-powdered oats and 1/4 c. powdered oats w/ scant 1/8 c. oatmeal spice mix.

To Cook: Add desired amount of milk (what my family likes) or water (around 1/2 c) and microwave approx. 2 minutes, or add boiling water and let rest a couple minutes.

Step 4

Taste for seasonings and texture. If you like this, process other cup of oatmeal so you have 2 c. powdered and 2 c. un-powdered. If you want more texture, use a 2/3 un-powdered to 1/3 powdered ratio. Now’s the chance to add more spices to the bowl (or make other adjustments) as to your personal tastes.

Fill individual snack sized bags with amount of oats and mixed spices (for one bowl each - amounts listed above) and store until ready to use! Would be great to take camping too. Just add boiled water until desired consistency and let stand 2 minutes or so.

Other additions you may like to add to your bowl of oatmeal - a dash of any extract you like (look in cake decorating area for ideas!), instant coffee, add more spices from above, or a dash of mace, star anise, ginger, mulling spice, chai, nutella, dried cereals like Bob's Red Mill's Granola for crunch, dates, raisins or other dried or candied fruit, fruit leathers, fruit zest, jams, honey, agave, molasses, anise or other seeds, nuts or nut butter, cocoa, chocolate or other flavored chips, syrups, yogurt..... and the list goes on!