Almost Instant Oatmeal

Perfect to keep in the pantry--cheaper and more environmentally friendly than those tiny packets of instant oatmeal and just as convenient.

Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal Mix

In a large bowl combine:

6 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup dried apples, diced
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix well and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to six months.
Yield: about 8 cups total

To prepare: Shake mix well. In a large microwave-safe bowl mix 1/2 cup oatmeal and 3/4 cup water. Cook on HIGH 3 minutes, stirring every minute. (or do what I do and prepare cereal in an 8-cup glass measuring cup--I find that the the cup is deep enough that even 2 servings of oatmeal cooked at a time don't boil over)

Flavour variations: Change the oatmeal by substituting different dried fruits and spices. To make cream flavours substitute nondairy powdered coffee creamer for some of the skim milk powder.