Protein-Packed Overnight Oatmeal

Do you remember how my post last week was about my overnight oatmeal? And how I needed to add protein to it?

Well, I ordered from Amazon.com (a few weeks ago) some hulled hemp nuts/seeds.  They do provide a bit of roughage as well as protein, but I guess I need it.  SO when I made my overnight oats Wednesday night, in addition to cinnamon, powdered milk and a tiny bit of nutmeg, I also added a tablespoon of the hemp nuts for protein.  Know what else? I added some powdered peaches ... I've been craving peaches lately.

Thursday morning, got up, found that it had all reconstituted nicely, and ate it cold.

So very delicious.

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Note: This was a difficult week, this one past.  On Monday I had minor surgery.  Fasted Sunday night, and at the hospital first thing on Monday for a trans-jugular liver biopsy.  That means, they cut a hole in my neck to get to my jugular, then fed a tube with a camera and claw-thingy on the end, went all the way down to my liver, looked around and took a piece. I'm not recovering very well.

THEN yesterday, on Friday, I had to go to a different hospital for an adrenal/cortisol stimulation test to see if THAT is causing my abdominal pain, bloating and nausea.

Hope to get my results soon.

Bland Overnight Oatmeal for Tummy Problems

I still don't know the cause of my abdominal pain, bloating and constant nausea. Saw my PCP yesterday who said she had no new ideas. To listen to my gastroenterologist. No help, she.

Meanwhile, I'm doing a bit of bland diet.  Making oatmeal in the morning ... EVERY morning... is getting old. Last night I put my portion of oats in a glass container, added the water called for and finished up with milk powder, cinnamon and nutmeg, stirred, covered, and let sit in the fridge.

Trouble sleeping, though, so I got up early today, got out my oatmeal, and it had all reconstituted!  Tasted delicious.

Thinking I need to add protein to it. Somehow.

MRE RECIPE: Instant Pancakes

Easy to mix in a mug!

I love pancakes! Such a comfort food, not just for me, but also a lot of other people. My son prefers them with chocolate chips. You might like powdered bananas in them. Experiment!

Ingredients:
4 cups all-purple flour
1 cup instant powdered milk (goat, cow, rice...your choice)
3/4 cup malted milk powder
1/2 cup powdered buttermilk
1/2 cup butter powder
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 3 Tbls whole egg powder
2 Tbls baking powder
1-2 tsp salt (to taste)
1 tsp baking soda
dash of cinnamon
dash of nutmeg

Directions::
Measure and sift the ingredients. Combine well. Store in an airtight/moisture-proof jar or baggie until needed. When ready to use, measure out 1 cup of dry mixture and add a little over 1/3 cup of water. Combine. Remember, it's ok to have lumps! Cook on a hot and sprayed griddle or frying pan as you would any other pancake, flipping when the first side bubbles and the edges become a little dry, about 2 minutes on each side. I like to top mine with instant or homemade jam.

MRE RECIPE: Apple Pie Oatmeal

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Ingredients:
1/2 cup quick oats
3 tsp apple dices
pinch ground cinnamon
pinch ground nutmeg
1 tsp raw sugar (our preference ... use what you want)

(If desired, add 1 tsp cheddar cheese powder)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and seal in a small air-tight/watertight bag (I use jars or seal-a-meal or mylar).  When ready to make, rehydrate with 1 cup of very hot water, stir, let sit covered 10 minutes, stir and enjoy.

Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats for this!

I make this and other quick oatmeal breakfasts in large batches!  Very yummy.  For a burst of protein, add your favorite nuts, flax seeds or chia seeds. 

MRE RECIPE: PB&J Oatmeal

We thought about how to bump up our protein in our homemade instant oatmeal, and hit upon this recipe!  Hubby LOVES strawberry jam, so we used powdered strawberries and raw sugar to get the taste.  I personally love raspberry or apricot .... use the fruit that you most love in jam form.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 tbsp peanut butter powder
1 tbsp strawberry powder
1 tbsp raw sugar

Directions:
Combine. When ready to eat, add 1 cup of very hot water. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

-Gluten-Free if you use certified gluten-free oats.
-I buy fruit powders at www.justtomatoes.com

MRE RECIPE: Banana Bread Oatmeal

I love love love banana bread, so I came up with recipe that tastes similar.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
3 tsp banana powder OR 1/4 cup dehydrated banana slices
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
2 tsp raw sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Rehydrate with 1 cup very hot or boiling water, stir, let sit with lid on for 10 min, remove lid, stir, and enjoy! If using banana slices, they might need more time. Ok... Let me know! We loved this!

NOTE:
I buy fruit powders from www.justtomatoes.com ... LOTS to choose from!

Gluten-Free: be sure to use certified gluten-free oats!

MRE RECIPE: Breakfast Oatmeal

This is the basic recipe for your homemade healthy instant breakfast oatmeal.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla powder

Add-Ins:
1/4 cup dehydrated fruit (I used blueberries here)
1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions:
Combine and seal.  When ready to eat, add 1 cup boiling water for soupy oatmeal and less for thicker oatmeal. Add sugar if desired (I use raw sugar whenever possible but you can add stevia for a low-sugar breakfast). Steep for about 10 minutes.

Works with old fashioned oats too but takes about 10-15 minutes longer. Yummy! // Works with almost all dehydrated fruit, pumpkin powder, etc. Alter spices to match add-in. Add powdered milk if you like it creamy.