Muesli

Traditionally, muesli is a breakfast cereal of rolled oats, nuts and fruit. This recipe deviates from this tradition. For me, I do not add the dried fruit, preferring to use fresh fruit over which I place a huge dollop of Greek yogurt, then top it off with muesli.

Since I rise early and eat breakfast early, this bowl of fruit/yogurt/muesli is my second breakfast between 9 and 9:30 am. Makes a good afternoon snack, too!

Calorie Content: This is a totally awesome breakfast addition and you’re worried about calories???? Skip the donuts and morning pastries and live healthy!

‍Ingredients:

‍Musical ingredient: Paul Winter: Common Ground

‍1 cup uncooked quinoa

‍3 cups rolled oats

‍½ cup unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut

‍1 cup sliced almonds

‍1 teaspoon (heaping) ground cinnamon

‍½ cup toasted wheat germ

‍½ cup ground flaxseed

‍1 ½ cup dried fruit (optional)

‍Recommended drink: White Tea - Special Grade Shou Mei from Upton Tea Imports.

‍ Directions:

‍ 1.  Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread wheat germ evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes. Stir frequently until it starts to turn light brown. Watch closely as it can burn quickly. Cool and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.

‍ 2.  Spread quinoa evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently. Some of the quinoa will start to pop. Cool and combine with the toasted wheat germ in the medium mixing bowl.

‍3.  Combine oats, almonds, coconut, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Spread on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring frequently. Cool.

‍4.  Combine toasted wheat germ and quinoa with the oat, almond, coconut, and cinnamon mixture. Add the flaxseed and dried fruit (optional). Mix well.

‍5.  Serve with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Notes:

‍ Quinoa

‍Quinoa (pronounced: kin-wa - a Spanish corruption of the Inca word) is a grain which originated in northwestern South American. Its seeds are high in protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Some modern opinioners consider this a dietary super plant, a sentiment shared with the ancient Inca who called this plant “kinuwa,” meaning “mother of all grains.” Most grocery stores carry Quinoa on their shelves. Bob’s Red Mill and Nature’s Earthly Choice are two popular brands.

‍On it’s own, this grain has a somewhat bland taste, but mixed with the right seasonings and vegetables, it is a great addition to any meal. In this recipe, it is mixed in with other grains, nuts, and fruit.

Tea

‍Upton Tea Imports is one of the best places I have found for loose-leaf teas. They have a huge selection of black, green, white, flavored teas and tisanes (herbal teas). https://www.uptontea.com/

‍ The Whistling Kettle also has a fine selection of teas. ‍ https://www.thewhistlingkettle.com/