Frugal Breakfast Mixes – Instant Oatmeal and Quick & Easy Pancake Mix
Some call me cheap others call me a penny-pincher. What ever name they throw on me, well that’s OK. Because I am proud to be a cheap, frugal, penny pinching mama. Today I want to share two easy frugal breakfast mixes you can make at home. Sure you can buy them at the store, but they are so expensive. Why not just make them at home for next to nothing.
The first breakfast mix you can make is Instant Oatmeal. You know the oatmeal that comes in a box with individual packets inside. Don’t worry I to am guilty of buying them myself, but no more. You see my daughter Mackenzie loves instant oatmeal. She can eat oatmeal for breakfast, lunch or snack time.
So we can go through those instant packets rather quickly. It seemed like every time I was in the store I was buying another box. Well one day when I was scanning through a Family Circle magazine. And way at the bottom of the page I saw a article that caught my eye “penny-pinching breakfast”.
It was really small print and I almost missed it, but I am glad i didn’t. They listed a recipe for homemade instant oatmeal. I couldn’t believe it, I had all the ingredients to make it in the pantry. It was at that moment that I could of kicked myself. I kept thinking I have been buying all those little oatmeal packets and I can make it myself. Grrrr
Well you can guess what I got up and did…………. I made the oatmeal mix. The next morning I tried out the oatmeal on my daughter. I showed her how to measure the mix, add water and cook it in the microwave. Mackenzie said it tasted just like the brown sugar and cinnamon oatmeal I had been buying in the store.
She even went as far as telling me she liked the homemade mix better. I am so glad because I can get a ton more oatmeal with this recipe then with those little packets they sell at the store. I store the instant oatmeal in one of those big ice cream tubs you get at the grocery store.
I usually double the recipe so the big ice cream tubs are perfect. Then I leave a 1/2 cup measure in the container so Mackenzie can prepare it all by herself. She knows that it is 1/2 cup oatmeal to 1/2 cup water so its easy for her to remember. Plus I have it written on the top of the cover. I have included some photos of how easy it is to make this instant oatmeal mix yourself.
DIY Instant Oatmeal
1 – 18oz container quick cooking oats
1/3 – cup dry powdered milk
1/2 – cup packed brown sugar
1 – 2 tsp cinnamon
1 – cup raisins or dried fruits
Mix all of the ingredients together and store in a airtight container. Label the contianer with the directions on how to prepare the oatmeal. Yields 16 servings
To prepare oatmeal:
scoop 1/2 cup oatmeal into a bowl and mix with 1/2 cup water. You may need a bit more water if you like you oatmeal thinner. Microwave on high for 1 minute stir and enjoy.
OK now lets move onto mix number two. Quick & Easy Pancake Mix. I know what you’re thinking you love your pancake recipe so why make a instant one. Well, I love my Favorite Pancakes as well, but this mix comes in handy for school mornings or when you need a quick hot breakfast.
I found out just how handy this mix was one day when the kiddos wanted pancakes for breakfast. I didn’t have cake flour so I couldn’t make our favorite pancake recipe. Well the kiddos still wanted pancakes and then it dawned on me.
I had a container of the quick & easy pancake mix in the pantry. Now we could still make pancakes YEAH!!! This pancake mix makes really good pancakes and it’s perfect for when you’re in a pinch or short on time.
Again this easy homemade mix can be made easily with items you have on hand. Now don’t go and give up your favorite pancake recipe, but if you need a back up this one will sure to please. I have included the recipe below for the quick and easy pancake mix so you can make right at home. Enjoy!!!!
Mix all the dry ingredients together. Place pancake mix in a air tight container.
Don’t forget to add a label with directions on how to prepare the pancake mix.
Quick & Easy Pancake Mix
10 – cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups dry powdered milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking powder
1-1/2 tablespoons salt
Combine all ingredients; blend well. Place in a large container or divide by 2-cup amounts into plastic zipping bags.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 8 months.
Attach instructions. Makes 12 cups. * I cut the recipe in half and made a half batch.
To prepare pancakes:
Combine 2 cups mix, one beaten egg and 1-1/4 cups water, milk or buttermilk. Mix just until moistened; drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot, greased griddle or skillet. Turn when bubbles form on the surface; heat until golden. Makes 12 to 14 pancakes.
Recipe Source: Gooseberry Patch Face book Page
