breakfast bags

there are only so many power bars i can eat when backpacking, so for our last trip i made breakfast bags to eat in the morning. it was definitely great to have something warm when we woke up to an ice-covered tent. . . in august. some (oats) are healthier than others (instant rice), but it was nice to have variety. they were fast, with no clean up, and because you just add boiling water, they could work just about anywhere—on a camping trip, at home, or at work

trail oats (adapted from trailcooking.com)

1/2 cup quick oats

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup chopped dried apples

3 tbsp powdered milk

1 tbsp brown sugar

3/4 cup boiling water – cook 5 minutes

cinnamon couscous (adapted from trailcooking.com)

1/2 cup whole wheat couscous

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup dried cherries

3 tbsp powdered milk

1 tbsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup boiling water – cook 5 minutes

mango rice (adapted from trailcooking.com)

1/2 cup instant rice

1/4 cup chopped dried mango

1/4 cup dried coconut

4 tbsp powdered milk

1.5 tbsp sugar

1/8 tsp cardamom

3/4 cup boiling water – cook 10 minutes

add ingredients to a 1-quart freezer bag, seal, and store. when ready to eat, add 3/4 cup of boiling water (i usually add less because i like my cereal more dry). once water is added, seal the bag and knead to mix the ingredients. let the bag rest upright for cook time, open, and eat.