Combine ingredients in individual resealable bags, containers or mason jars. You can add additional flavour ingredients (listed below), if desired, or you can add them when you prepare and serve the oatmeal.

To prepare 1 serving of hot oatmeal:

With boiling water: Add 1 oatmeal packet to mug or bowl. Add 2/3 cups boiling water and stir. You may want to add more or less depending on the consistency you like. Let oats stand for 3-4 minutes to soften and thicken. Quick oats may need to soften an additional minute or two. Stir before serving.

In the microwave: Add 1 oatmeal packet and 3/4 cup cold water to a microwave-safe or bowl.  Make sure the bowl is large enough for the oatmeal to bubble up without overflowing. Cook uncovered on high for 1 minute; stir, and check the consistency. You may need to cook for another minute if you are using quick oats.

Overnight Oats in the Fridge: Add 1 oatmeal packet to a pint or half-pint jar (or other covered container).
Pour in 1/2 cup cold water or milk (dairy, nut, rice or coconut will work), add 1/4 cup yogurt (choose dairy or non-dairy), cover tightly, and shake vigorously until well mixed. Refrigerate overnight.

Flavouring options: Dry ingredients may be combined in containers with the original recipe and stored, but other ingredients (fresh fruit, liquid sweeteners, etc) should be added when you cook or serve.

- fresh, frozen or dried fruit (apple, raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots, etc)

- spices (cinnamon, apple pie spice, pumpkin spice blend, vanilla bean powder)

- sweeteners - keep to a minimum (brown sugar, maple syrup or sugar, honey, coconut sugar)

- chopped nuts or seeds