Make Your Own Instant Oatmeal Mix

You can mix this up and store it in a large, clean, dry glass jar or tin cannister with a tight lid. Instant oatmeal sold in boxes in individual paper packages are convenient--but mixing your own saves money and involves less packaging. You can reduce the amounts of sugar and salt depending on your dietary requirements and taste.

• 5-1/4 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 7 cups (or less) brown sugar
• 7 cups raisins or other dried, chopped fruit
• 2-1/2 tbsp. (or less) salt
• 1-1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tbsp nutmeg

Mix ingredients in a big bowl and store in a tightly closed, dry container. to prepare, stir 1 part dry mix into 2 parts boiling water or fat-free milk. Boil 1 minute. Cover. Remove from heat. Wait 2 minutes and serve with milk or cream. Add toppings like fresh fruit if desired.