Hearty Oatmeal with add-ins

This is the way my kids like their oatmeal - full of stuff in it!  Because we add so much good stuff I don't feel we need to add any extra sweeteners to our oatmeal.  It has been harder to break my husband of his brown sugar in oatmeal habit, but since my kids never had it that way they happily eat it without sugar. I personally prefer it this way!

Prepare oatmeal on stove top as directed, stirring occasionally.  Allow to cool. 

Meanwhile make your add-ins! You can customize to your family's individual preferences. 

Everyone starts with a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and chia seeds mixed in.

These are the items I usually offer as add-ins:

banana slices

fresh berries (frozen would work too!)

sliced almonds

raisins

pom arils, when seasonal

My kids love milk added to it after they add their mix ins.  (I do too!)

We all love this warm, hearty breakfast that can be customized to each person's liking! (Even my husband who can sneak to the cupboard and add his brown sugar!)

When we are low on berries I dice an apple and just cook that right in with the oatmeal.  This is a favorite way to eat it too!

I make extra plain oatmeal and keep in the fridge as a re-heatable breakfast or snack on busier days.