Recipe Instructions:

1 one-quart jar, decorative label, lid cover
3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
1/3 maple sugar crystals or other colored sugar crystals / sprinkles of choice
2 Tbsp dried milk powder [optional – consider diary issue]
1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
¾ tsp salt
¾ cup raisins
¾ cups of chopped walnuts [or pecans if preferred]

Combine oatmeal, milk powder, [optional] spices and salt. Mix thoroughly in a big bowl. Pour one third of the mixture into the jar and tap down with the flat end of a rolling pin. Sprinkle with half the raisins and walnuts. Add one more third of the mixture and tap down again firmly to allow the mixture to work it’s way between the fruit and nuts. Add the sugar crystal layer, and firm down. [red works well!] Finish with last layer of oatmeal mixture. Add a lid. Decorate and try not to joggle or shake the jar.