Oatmeal has been a big staple for breakfasts ever since we gave up our daily (and nightly) cereal with milk routine. Recently we decided to create a budget (or whatever.....grumble grumble grumble) so I've been trying to look into areas where I could slash my grocery bill. Steve took the time to soak oats overnight using real oats with almond milk, and I always just used those convenient little low-sugar packets for the kids and me and called it a wash. Weeellllll those little babies add up, and again, anything processed is just that: processed. I can guarantee you there are things in there that we can do just fine without.
To create that creaminess you get with those little packets, I ground up some oats and almonds. Added in the rest of the whole oats, whole nuts, all-natural craisins from the bulk bins at Sprouts (those plump up perfectly into half-cranberries when microwaved with your oatmeal!), dried blueberries and cherries, some brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flaxseed, and created a delicious mix! Each morning we scoop some of the mix into a bowl, add water or almond milk, microwave a minute, and you have a piping hot bowl of all-natural, anti-oxidant-rich, fiber-full, omega-three-containing, flavorful oatmeal. Check out my yummy pumpkin fall oatmeal here.Â
I put the mix in this huge canister with a lid and keep it in our pantry for mornings.
And just like a lot of recipes, this one can totally be altered to fit your individual palate. Do freeze-dried strawberries instead of craisins. Replace the walnuts with cashews. Sometimes we like to add applesauce after it's cooked. One cup of brown sugar may seem like a lot, but when it's in ratio with 10 cups of oats, 2 c of nuts, 1 c of craisins, it's not that much. You can of course decrease the brown sugar if you'd like (or increase it if you have a sweet tooth), but I found this was the optimal amount for us that we liked to still be tasty, but not overwhelmingly sweet or unhealthy.
So. Much. Goodness.
Cranberry, Almond, and Walnut Oatmeal Mix
Ingredients
- 10 c old-fashioned oats not quick oats, separated
- 1 c almonds
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- 1 c craisins dried blueberries, and/or dried cherries
- 1 c walnuts
- 1 c ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Blend 2 c oats, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in blender until ground medium-fine.
- Add remaining 8 c oats, craisins, walnuts, and flaxseed into large container. Stir in ground oats mixture. Store covered with lid.
- To serve, mix ½ c mix with ¾ c liquid (water, almond milk, milk, etc.). Microwave in glass bowl 1 minute.
Emily Kemp says
This is such a healthy way to start the day, thanks so much for sharing!
Maureen LaFontaine says
My kids and I eat instant oatmeal almost every day. Even though I buy organic, I still end up having to add a bunch of extra stuff so I feel it is healthier. This will make my life just as easy, but so much healthier! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Stephanie says
You're so welcome! Glad to help!
Leslie Sanders says
i am gonna make up a batch right now is what i meant to say. ;)
Leslie Sanders says
really cool. i am make up a batch right now!