Make-Ahead Oatmeal Jars
An Art-Food Recipe by Bhaeravii Devi
By purchasing rolled oats oatmeal, freeze dried fruit and nuts in bulk, you can make your own version of instant oatmeal, and save money at the same time. Use adorable multi purpose Mason jars to portion out your meal. Carry breakfast and skip buying expensive oatmeal at coffee shops. Carry to work, school, traveling, commuting.
Preparing the Jars
I like pint-sized jars for this, as they allow a little more room for adding nuts, raisins, and milk later. Use wide mouth Pint glass canning jars to ensure that you will have room for your liquid & stirring. They can also be warmed in the microwave. Add 1/2 cup dry rolled/old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats and a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom/and sweetener into the bottom of the glass jar. (note: this method will NOT work with steel-cut oats). Add your favorite flavor combos in layers, such as 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries or raisins, and 1 tablespoon slivered almonds or other nut. Do not add fresh fruit or wet ingredients like honey. Seal tightly with the screw top lids, and store in the pantry at room temperature until ready to use.Then all you have to do is grab one and go on your way out the door.
Optional Mix-Ins
Cinnamon or other spices
Raisins or other chopped dried fruit
Freeze-dried organic dried fruit: mangoes, bananas, grapes, blueberries, peaches, apples, raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, cherries, black currants, pears
Chia Seeds
Pumpkin seeds/Sunflower seeds
Goji berries
Nuts or seeds
brown sugar, date sugar, maple sugar, stevia
When ready to SERVE:
Remove the lid on the jar. Pour 1 cup BOILING HOT water, or milk (unsweetened almond, coconut, rice milk, or cashew milk are favs) into each jar. (note: These jars can handle the heat because they are made for canning & high heat). Let stand at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to thicken. You can also pour the dry ingredients into a bowl, then add the hot water or milk. Grab a spoon, and enjoy on-the-GO!