Make Your Own Instant Oatmeal Packets

For years I have been eating instant oatmeal in the packets. I have wanted to make my own packets but haven't gotten around to it. My last trip to the grocery store (forgot my list at home) ended with many forgotten items. Instant oatmeal, my breakfast every morning was missing. Then it happened that I saw the idea on Pinterest and decided to finally make my own. You really don't need a recipe because it only requires measuring and adding to baggies.
I used my favorite items, quick-cooking organic oats, demerara sugar, and cinnamon. I measured 1/3 cup of oats, 1 T sugar, and a little more than a pinch of cinnamon per bag. I measured each of the ingredients and poured them into snack size baggies. I added sliced almonds to a separate bag because I want to add them after the oatmeal has cooked.
When you are ready to make your oatmeal, add 2/3-3/4 cups water or milk (I like coconut milk), and microwave for 1-2 minutes. For me, oatmeal is one of those strange textured foods, so cook yours to your favorite texture preference.
Add your favorite garnishes after cooking. I'm using sliced almonds but my daughter suggested raisins or dried blueberries. Total cost $2.54 for 20 baggies of breakfast!

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Apple Cinnamon Granola

I'm always trying new recipes for Granola, I like putting it in my yogurt for breakfast, or just grabbing a handful as a mid-afternoon snack.  I don't like to add anything to it but sliced almonds, then depending what I'm eating with it, I add fruit or other nuts later.  I have made it several times and change it up a little each time, but this is one of my favorites. I adapted this recipe from Blackberry Farms. You can find the original recipe here.

What you need:

• 5 c oats, I used the Old Fashioned but Quick probably works too
• 1/2 c ground flax seed
• 3/4 c brown sugar
• 3/4 c Maple syrup or honey (I used 1/2 c honey and 1/4 c Apple Cinnamon Syrup)*
• 1/2 c almonds, I used sliced
• 1/2 c oil, I used Canola for this recipe
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Pour into a large bowl and mix together then spread onto a cookie sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so. Check after 35-40 minutes, mine took longer, it was too chewy, unfortunately my sister got some from that batch!  Bake until golden brown and crunchy. Let cool, then break into pieces or chunks. Store in container with tight lid.

*The Apple Cinnamon Syrup I used was Stonewall Kitchen brand, STONEWALLKITCHEN.COM - I actually found mine at our Kohl's Store...weird, I know!  Here is a delicious recipe that works great for the granola Simply Homemade Apple Cider Syrup.  Maybe you have a favorite of your own ...we would love for you to share it with us!

~Simply Angie

Kitchen Organizing- Bakeware and Dishes

So once again I was back in my kitchen trying to figure out why I couldn't get it organized "just right". Every time I think I have it organized, I start cooking or baking and realize that I'm still going back and forth in my kitchen getting things! I have already de-cluttered by putting "like" things together, getting rid of duplicate items and only keeping what I use. So this time, instead of just jumping in and moving everything around, I actually took the time to figure out what was wrong with the way my kitchen cupboards were organized! You're probably thinking "duh!" but really, this was a "light bulb" moment for me. To really get the most out of any space you need to step back and look at how you use it and where you do things. The counter space I wanted to use for my baking was not the counter I actually would use every time I starting baking.  Sooo, I moved it all around! (did you hear my family just grumble?!?)  It's now conveniently in one area...the one I actually use when I bake! Since I have more baking items than anything, I moved them to the biggest cupboard. The racks I found on clearance and one was from an office supply store for files, I turned on end.  My pots and pans, which I don't have many of, are in my smaller cupboard. I also moved my bowls into a drawer! I know.. it seems weird but it really works much better, it's next to the silverware drawer and they are now low enough for everyone to reach.  Sometimes you have to step out of "the box" or in this case..kitchen- and look at it with a different perspective to really see what you need to do to make things work more efficiently and in the long run, save you time!
Remember to  use the "Search our Blog" box for more ideas and tips on organizing your home!

Happy Friday!
~Simply Angie

Simmering Potpourri

I have always loved burning candles but haven't bought any for quite a while, partly because the candles I like have gotten so expensive and also because people in my home-who will remain nameless, have allergies and it made them stuffy and sneezy. I used to make my own simmering potpourri but forgot about it until recently when I saw it on Pinterest, there are several sites that have similar recipes. I adapted mine from marcicoombs.blogspot.com, she has cute ideas for Christmas Scent jars to give as gifts.  I changed the recipe a bit just because I didn't have all of the ingredients, but it still smells great...and no one is sneezing from it!

Here's what you need:

• a pint jar
• 3 cinnamon sticks, I broke mine in half
• 2-3 bay leaves
• cloves, I didn't have whole so I used ground, about a teaspoon
• a couple orange slices and peel (you can also just use the peel)
• 2-3 lemon slices and peel 
• lime wedge, I didn't have one so I didn't add it

Add all your ingredients into your pint jar and add water, then put it in a crockpot or on the stove in a saucepan or pot on low and let it simmer away. You can add more water as needed. When it's done simmering and has cooled,  put it back in the jar in the fridge until you want to use it again.(you might want to label it, even though it isn't toxic, you probably wouldn't want anyone to drink it...in my house when the starving children come home from school they just grab whatever they see to eat or drink!) Add what you like and what you have on hand. Apple peels, nutmeg, allspice, are all great Fall scents. Let us know if you have a favorite!

~Simply Angie