Make-Ahead Instant Oatmeal Jars

Make-Ahead Instant Oatmeal Jars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (40 grams) uncooked quick oats
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon spice
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries (or dried fruit of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon almond slivers (or nuts of your choice)
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. To make your oatmeal jar, layer the ingredients in the following order: oatmeal, salt, cinnamon, cranberries and almond slivers. Make as many jars as you’d like and store in a dry area. If you don’t have mason jars, feel free to make oatmeal packets using zip-lock bags. Remember to label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
2. To cook the oatmeal with boiling water, bring 1 cup water to a rolling boil. Pour water into oatmeal jar and stir. Let the oatmeal stand for 4-5 minutes to soften. Then, stir and enjoy!
3. To cook the oatmeal by microwaving, pour oatmeal into a microwave-safe container large enough for it to bubble without spilling, then add 1 cup water. Microwave (at power level 7) for 2 minutes.

Serves: 1 | Serving Size: 1 oatmeal jar

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 229; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 152mg; Carbohydrate: 38g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 6g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 170mg; Iron: 12%; Vitamin A: 0%; Vitamin C: 1%; Calcium: 4%

Energizing Tips (optional)

• Swap water for 1 cup of reduced fat (2%) milk to bump up calories and protein. (Per serving: Calories: 351; Total Fat: 11g; Carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 19g; Protein: 14g)

• Mix in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter before serving to bump up calories and healthy fats. (Per serving: Calories: 334; Total Fat: 14g; Carbohydrate: 41g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 10g)