I use regular oatmeal (quaker or store brand whatever is on sale). I take 1/3 cup oats and dump it in a bowl and then I add half of the 1/3 cup (so I guess 1/6??? I just eyeball it) of water and microwave it for 60 seconds. After that I add mix-ins. Here are some of the variety of things I have tried and Liked (I only use 2 or 3 each time): rasins, chopped banana, diced apple, dried apple, dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, fresh raspberries, peanut butter, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, a little brown sugar, a few chocolate chips, cinnamon. I do a serving of fruit, some protein, and sometimes a tiny bit of something sweet. I add it in when the oatmeal is still warm and mix it up. If I am using fresh fruit I add it after mixing. I add a little milk to make it cool and creamy. My 21 month old fights me for it every morning. If your little one is a little younger and needs it softer you can add more water and increase the cooking time. If youuse baby food or puree you can add that as well. If it is too thick you can put some oatmeal in the blender by it self before cooking just for a few seconds to make it smaller. Do a bunch and put in your freezer. You can also make a big batch and put in in a muffin tin line with wax paper and pop in the freezer. Once you reheat it you can add what ever you need. Than might be the fastest, easiest way. As you can see there is so much variety. I never get bored. I am always thinking of new combos to try too! enjoy!