Gift in a Jar: Fruit and Nuts Oatmeal

Spread oats and nuts in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until oats are lightly browned, stirring twice. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

In a 1-quart glass jar or a 32-ounce canister or container with a tight-fitting lid, layer ingredients, one at a time, in this order: 1/2 of the oat mixture, dry milk powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, wheat germ, dried fruit, and remaining oat mixture. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next.

Give as a gift with a jar of honey, if you like, (or store the layered jar of cereal ingredients at room temperature up to 1 month) and attach a recipe card with the following instructions:

1. Before using, shake ingredients in jar to mix.

2. For two servings: In a medium saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups water and, if you like, 1 tablespoon butter to boiling. Add 2/3 cup of the jar contents; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes or until cereal reaches desired consistency (cereal will thicken slightly as it cools). Let stand 1 to 2 minutes before serving. To serve, drizzle with honey if you like.

3. For one serving in a microwave: In a large microwave-safe cereal bowl, combine 3/4 cup water, 1/3 cup of the jar contents and, if you like, 1 teaspoon butter. Microwave, uncovered, on 50 percent power (medium) for 8 to 10 minutes or until cereal reaches desired consistency (cereal will thicken slightly as it cools). Let stand 1 minute before serving. To serve, drizzle with honey if you like. Makes 4, 2/3 cups dry mix (14, 1/3-cup servings).