Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

As winter draws nearer, early morning rises and cool temperatures can make for a chilly dreary day. Cold cereal or a granola bar may not cut it for your breakfast on a cold morning. At Kids Eat Smart we love to see our Clubs serve warm comforting breakfast foods to our children during their KES Club. There are always some great warm options that you can serve such as toast, scrambled, eggs, breakfast burritos and many others. One of the most comforting fall and winter time breakfasts that many principals and coordinators have suggested to us is hot cereal – a bowl of warm oatmeal or porridge topped with some of your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.

Below is a great idea that I came across recently on the internet, I think these pre-bagged oatmeal baggies would be a hit and your KES Club especially on cold, damp and dark mornings like we are having now. Bonus is that they are event budget friendly!!

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

Ingredients

Instant rolled oats (plain/original)

Nuts and seeds of choice (depending on allergies at school)

Dried fruits of choice – berries, raisins, apple, banana, mango, etc

Flavors of choice (optional) – cinnamon, coconut, brown sugar (only use small amount if using)

Sealable small portion baggies

Boiling water

Directions

Place rolled oats into sealable baggie. Add additional ingredients and create a variety of flavored homemade oatmeal packets. If using flavors such as brown sugar, please use sparingly. Seal the bags and lay them out for when the students arrive to breakfast. Pour into bowl with hot water. Help younger children with the addition of boiling water. The older children may want to do this self-serve style.

Recipe adapted from: http://www.superhealthykids.com/homemade-instant-oatmeal-packets/

Janel Genge is a registered dietitian with Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador