DIY Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is a bikepacking staple for me. When I'm out doing a multi-day route, the last thing I want to do is cook from scratch, especially first thing in the day. This recipe is satisfying, filling, and takes the work out of breakfast. All you do is boil water for oatmeal, coffee, and wait 3 min. for your meal to be ready. Prep for this is a snap! The basis of the recipe is quick oats, dried milk, salt, sugar, some dried fruit, nuts, and any amount of bonus ingredients to customize it to your taste - think about things like spices, and PB2, dried coconut powder. When you're out burning calories all day, anything that gives you a base of fat and calories is essential. Last year on the Oregon Timber Trail, I dehydrated two eggs for each packet and added those for a one-pot breakfast. Have fun with this recipe and think of other powdered foods you can add to your liking. It's pretty endless. Want a caffeine punch? Think about adding matcha or espresso powder. Tumeric or Beet root powder for anti-inflamatory/endurance booster? Yeah, you get the drift. Keep a mason jar full of your instant oatmeal mix and you'll find yourself reaching for this when you need a quick, healthy breakfast as you run out the door. It's pretty easy to bring your ti dangle mug and find hot water at a convenience store, or if you're the coffee outside type, bring your jetboil/alcohol stove for #breakfastoutside.

(Makes 6 medium or 8 large servings)

Ingredients

4 c. quick oats*

1/3 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. milk powder

2 tsp salt

Optional Ingredients

*Decrease oats to 3 2/3c. - Add 1/3 c. of one the following: quinoa flakes OR oat bran OR wheat bran

½ c. nuts of your choice

½ c. small or chopped dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries, apples)

1- 2 tsp cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc.

3 Tbsp chia seeds

¼ c. peanut butter powder

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder

Directions

1. Take half the oats (or oats and flakes or bran) and pulse 10 times in a food processor until it looks more like a coarse powder. Add brown sugar, milk powder, salt, and spices. Pulse three times to combine.

2. Put the remaining 2 cups of oats into large mixing bowl and add in any optional flavorings (nuts, chia, dried fruit, etc.).

3. For camping/bikepacking, divide into 6 or 8 individual servings into ziplock bags or vaccum sealed bags. For home use, store in airtight container for up to 3 months.

4. To serve, add ½- 1 c. boiling hot water. Let sit 3- 4 minutes.

Note: Don’t try to use rolled oats for this. Quick oats will work best!

Instant oatmeal isn’t just for camping. This makes a great quick breakfast option at home too!