I’ve been trying to get the kids on board with my love for Oatmeal—with very little success. But I think I’ve figured out what will turn the tide: an Oatmeal breakfast bar.
Truth be told, I’d sort of resigned myself to the idea that I’d be eating the stuff alone. I didn’t love the idea of giving them those super sugary maple ones that seem to be the sole flavored options. Then Plum Organics sent over some of their new Mighty Mealtime line and it included two oatmeals that are flavored with fruits and spices instead of added sugar—which inspired me to try again.
I set out a colorful fruit spread and then let Hudson make everything himself. We decided to taste both the banana strawberry and the apple cinnamon flavors from Plum Organics, and make breakfast bowls together.
I’ve learned that kids really appreciate presentation and have been surprised on more than one occasion how much more they will try if it’s pretty. Setting out a platter in the morning doesn’t take too long and then you can add the leftovers to their lunchbox or put them back out for snack.
A tip for letting very young kids combine ingredients with hot water or milk: Heat the liquid on the stove yourself, and pour a manageable quantity into a pitcher that’s easy for them to hold. If it’s their first time, have them try with cold water first to be sure it doesn’t spill back onto their hand or body.
He started by making a happy face with the blueberries, but piled on more when he saw how much I was putting into my bowl.
The mango was a huge hit. Have you tried these small, yellow Ataulfo mangos? If you see them, bring one home. Leave it to ripen on the counter until it almost looks like you’ve waited too long. They’re so good.
And, okay, I let him add some sugar. Frankly, he could probably dump an entire tablespoon of the stuff into the bowl and it still wouldn’t be as much as is added to most of the brands. Just for comparison’s sake I looked at sugar on one of the most common Apple Cinnamon instant brands: the second ingredient listed was sugar—as opposed to dried apples—and it had 60% more sugar by weight. (I feel the same about kids’ yogurts, by the way. Why so much sugar?!)
He’s usually opposed to combining a lot of textures, but the thrill of making us both breakfast all by himself (he really did) meant he kept going back for more.
The oatmeal packets are a nice (quick) meal-time base for lots of colorful fruit. I set out strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, blackberries, raspberries, kiwi, and shaved coconut. That last item was new to him and was not a hit.
But I’ve learned to be persistent.
What do your toddlers and preschoolers like for breakfast? I’m happy to get some oatmeal into our rotation.
Giveaway! Plum Organics has offered to give away an assortment of the Plum Organics Mighty line to a reader. To enter: Follow me on Instagram, and comment on today’s photo, tagged #MightyMealtime, with your kids’ breakfast favorite.
P.S. Baking with Hudson and introducing new flavors to Skyler
This post is sponsored by Plum Organics but all opinions are my own. You can find recipe videos and a coupon for $1 off any two Plum Organics Tots products at www.plumorganics.com/
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