Laurel of Leaves

getting back to my roots: my journey in true health and natural living

Breakfast, Real Food Recipes

Homemade Toasted Muesli

Since I’ve been in New Zealand all of 5 days, I’ve already started a file on my computer for new recipes that I’ve discovered!

This muesli recipe is one of them. And it’s one of my new favorites.

Our breakfast since we’ve arrived at this host’s Kiwi Heritage Homestay has consistently been comprised of a fried egg on toast with butter, jam, & avocado slices and a bowl of homemade muesli with rice milk.

Muesli with Rice Milk

Admittedly, I wasn’t super familiar with the term ‘muesli’ at first, but what our host Karen pointed to in a plastic container when she said the word looked like a combination of cereal, granola, and trail mix. We don’t eat much cereal (or pasteurized milk for that matter), but we were grateful for what had been provided for us. I knew this concoction couldn’t be too bad, what with the almonds, raisins, dried apricots, and cashews that were obviously included.

Muesli in a Bowl

I did, however, notice something that looked an awful lot like corn flakes in there too. That made me assume the whole batch actually came from a box.

BUT! I found a recipe for Homemade Toasted Muesli tacked to a cork board in the kitchen! So when the current batch dwindled, I offered to make a fresh one.

I love that this can be a gluten-free, nutrient dense alternative to typical processed, sugar-laded cereals.

You’ll start with 5 cups rolled oats in a big pan.

5 cups rolled oats

This is the part that I wish was different. I would greatly prefer a grain-free cereal, so if anyone has any ideas for a substitute here, feel free to share it!

Not that I have a vendetta against oats. Quite the contrary. I rather like oatmeal.

And most especially when oats are part of a Cranberry Apple Crisp crumble topping.

But grains are not nearly as nutrient dense as nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, and legumes. Plus they turn to sugar much faster in your body. So as little grain as possible is better in my book.

But onto more fun items!

Next is 1 cup pumpkin seeds and/or sesame seeds.

I didn’t have any pumpkin seeds on hand when I made this batch, so I used all sesame seeds.

1 cup sesame seeds

Then 1 cup sunflower kernels.

1 cup sunflower kernels

After that add 1 cup mixed chopped nuts.

1 cup mixed nuts

I used almonds and cashews. Almonds are chock full of antioxidants and healthy fats to help balance your hormones and keep your brain sharp. They also have protein and l-arginine, making them great to eat after a workout. Cashews again have great healthy fats and can help fight depression!

1 cup shredded coconut goes into the pan next.

1 cup shredded coconut

Coconut has to be one of my favorite foods. The healthy fats found in coconut are ridiculously good for you (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). They will help balance your hormones, fight depression, and even help you lose weight!

Next pour in 1/2 cup grapeseed oil.

1/2 cup grapeseed oil

I like to do this first, so that when I add the next ingredient, 1 cup of honey, it won’t stick to the sides of the measuring cup as much.

Katikati Honey from New Zealand

Here’s the list of ingredients one more time:

5 cups rolled oats
1 cup mixed chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
1 cup sunflower kernels
1 cup pumpkin seeds and/or sesame seeds
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup oil
1 cup honey
1 cup raisins and/or dried apricots

Mix all ingredients together in a large pan and bake at 300 F / 150 C for approx. 30 minutes, stirring at 10 minute intervals.

Remove from oven when golden and stir often as ingredients cool. Otherwise you’ll end up with one big muesli bar inside the pan.

Stirring Toasted Muesli

When cool, add 1 cup raisins and/or chopped dried apricots.

Chopping Dried Apricots

Raisins & Apricots

And then enjoy by itself, with rice/almond/coconut/raw cow’s milk. It’s also fantastic with fresh banana slices!

The Finished Product-Homemade Toasted Muesli

Are you a cereal addict? What is your favorite breakfast food?

This post is linked to Mouthwatering Monday, Tuesday Twister, Tasty Tuesdays, Dr. Laura’s Tasty Tuesday, Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try

  1. Debbie@Lovethedecor

    February 15, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    THis is just the kind of thing I love for breakfast. Thank you for sharing

  2. HaleyLeann

    February 16, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Lori, I am brand new to the organic and real food world. My husband and I are jumping in with both feet! Your blog looks like the blog of my dreams! Thanks for linking up on Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try! I’m your newest follower. =)

    1. Lori Winter

      February 18, 2011 at 10:05 pm

      Haley,

      Welcome!! My husband and I did the same thing as you guys–jumped in with both feet to the organic and real food world. I’m so glad to connect with you!

  3. HaleyLeann

    March 12, 2011 at 4:04 am

    BTW, I made this last week and it’s delicious! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Lori Winter

      March 12, 2011 at 4:43 pm

      Yay! So glad you liked it :-D

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