Odds and Ends

Home

Bathroom Cleaner
Dehydrating Your Own Potatoes
Designer' Oatmeal
Flavorprints of Spices and Herbs
Homemade Anti-Bacterial Spray
Homemade Wipes -- These are NOT all just for babies
Laundry Soap
Leftovers
Home made Mixes
Seasoning Cast Iron Pans
Softening Your Clothes
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Teething Biscuits
Designer' Oatmeal

If you love those "fancy" vanilla-flavored oatmeal packets but balk at paying the outrageous price, here's a tasty and much more economical substitute: Start with "quick" or "old fashioned" oatmeal. (I buy the big 2 pound 10 ounce canister of Great Value brand, which costs $1.77 in my local Wal-Mart, and provides me with about 21 days' worth of breakfasts.)
 
For one hearty serving, place 1/2 cup oatmeal and 1 cup water in a generous-sized microwaveable bowl. (If the bowl is too small the oatmeal will erupt over the sides while cooking. Use a bowl that can hold 2 cups or more.) Microwave as directed. Cooking time is anywhere from 1 1/2 minutes for the "quick" oatmeal to 5 minutes for "old fashioned" type. When done, add your syrup, brown or white sugar, butter etc. -- along with 2-3 drops of vanilla and 1 tsp. dry milk powder. Stir well to blend.
 
The result is a great breakfast that tastes every bit as good as the "designer" stuff, costs less than ten cents per serving and is much better for you, too!