Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Microwave Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is typically high on sugar and other additives. Try cooking the real thing in the microwave. Pre-mix quick-cooking oats with cinnamon and raisins or other dried fruit, and store in an airtight container to scoop as you need it - or make your own packets of oatmeal using snack-size zip-lock bags. You can even write instructions on the bags with a permanent marker.

Tip:Make your own single-serving oatmeal packets by pre-mixing quick cooking oats, cinnamon and dried fruit in resealable bags.


INGREDIENTS:

3 cups quick oats (750 mL)
3 tbsp brown sugar, or to taste (45 mL)
1 tsp cinnamon (5 mL)
1/4 tsp salt (1 mL)
1/2 cup raisins (optional) (125 mL)


DIRECTIONS:

1. Stir together all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer to an airtight canister or other container. Alternatively, divide it in 1/4 cup portions into snack-sized resealable bags.

2. To prepare your oatmeal, scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture into a bowl and add 1/2 cup water. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring after a minute, until thick and bubbly. Serve as is, or with milk.

Makes 12 servings.


PER SERVING:

160 calories, 2.3 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat, 0.8 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat), 6.6 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 0 mg cholesterol, 4.2 g fibre.