I have really been enjoying eating whole grain organic goodness for breakfast. Trouble is, purchased cereal smells like cardboard when you open the box. The contents are kind of hard to chew and I find I am imagining myself eating a home spun version. Packaged products take away from the idea, aromas and tastes of home made granola. I find the store bought brands are quite sparse with the tasty sweet and nutty ingredients too. I have been contemplating coming up with a bulk version that is more jam packed with the toasted flavour of ancient grain and nuts. And so I did! I have developed a recipe that adds a toasted element, really heightening the flavours. The bonus is that it is packed with a healthy serving of high fibre grains, seeds, and dried fruits.
My cereal is also rich in protein from the kamut flakes and puffed quinoa. Kamut is also a great source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that helps to maintain a healthy immune system It is thought to guard against cancer. Studies suggest that people with high intakes of selenium have also been found to have lower rates of skin, lung, stomach, and esophageal cancers.
Did you know that rolled oats are simply the groat rolled out flat under heavy rollers and then steamed and lightly toasted? Research show that eating oats, oat bran and oatmeal helps lower elevated blood cholesterol level.
When purchasing puffed quinoa, make sure it is the sole ingredient with no additives, preservatives, fats or sugar. “GOGO” brand is a reasonably priced one to try! For the dried fruit…well one cadillac organic brand is “Fruit d’Or” as it has big beautiful fruit naturally sweetened with apple juice. You can use any dried fruits that suit your budget or your fancy.
This recipe is measure, toast, dump and do. It makes a good quantity of cereal to enjoy for a couple of months. Let me know how it works for you!
Honey Nut Whole Grain Seeds and Berries Cereal Makes about 16 – 2/3 cup servings
6 teaspoons, extra virgin olive grapeseed or canola oil 6 teaspoons honey (maple syrup or agave may be used) 4 cups organic rolled whole oat flakes 2 cups organic kamut flakes 1 cup organic seeds, we used a combination of sunflower and pumpkin ½ cup organic flaxseed, coarsely ground 2 cups dried berries of your choice, we used Fruit d’Or Organic Dried Mixed Berries (sweetened with apple juice) ½ cup, almonds, skins on ,coarsely chopped and toasted 2 cups puffed quinoa, we used GOGO 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 2 tablespoons cinnamon, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix together the oil and honey until combined.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, kamut flakes, seeds and cinnamon if using.
Place in a large shallow roasting pan or baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Then stir and bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Mix grains and seeds with the flaxseed, almonds, puffed quinoa, dried berries and coarse kosher salt. Add the honey oil mixture and coat all the ingredients.
Store in freezer or in a food grade container until ready to use. They can take on a stale taste after 6 months if not frozen. So try to use them up before then.
To serve: take 2/3 cup of the cereal, a serving of skim milk, and if you like your cereal sweet, add 1 teaspoon of your favourite sweetener.
Serving suggestions: Add a serving of fresh fruit or serve warm with low fat yoghurt.