On warm summer mornings, I crave something cold and healthy. Enough with cereal and milk! It's so boring; so predictable! Even a cold fruit smoothie does not satisfy sometimes. So, I often end up treating the kids and myself to a delightful bowl of homemade Swiss müesli. It's silly how easy it is to make it and unbelievable how delectable it turns out.
I don't remember when I first tasted müesli; probably a few years ago on our summer vacation at some destination in Europe. I immediately fell in love with it's texture, it's creaminess and most of all the small cute bowls and glasses they were served in. They looked so appetizing sitting on the breakfast buffet. About a year ago, I finally got inspired by Laura on her blog, My Little Gourmet which you can visit here to make my very own müesli. The great thing about this dish is that it is so versatile. I choose seasonal fruits like mango and lychee in the summer, strawberries and pomegranate in the winter.
I took this picture a couple of days ago when I made müesli for my kids, nieces and nephew in Israel during our summer break. The blue in the background is our pool and really does give this dish such a summery feel. I used fresh mangoes and it turned out to be so refreshing!
Swiss Bircher Müesli
Makes about 8 small bowls
Spice used: Cinnamon
Health benefits of Cinnamon: Some research has found that a particular type of cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Lab studies have found that cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and fight bacteria. Source: (http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-cinnamon)
Ingredients and method:
At night soak the following four ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate:
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups 2% organic cow's milk (or any other milk like soy/almond/rice) plus more if needed making sure that the oats are completely submerged
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp black raisins or any other variety
In the morning add the following ingredients to the oat mixture:
1 cup lowfat yogurt
1 ripe fresh mango, diced small
1 Gala apple, grated like matchsticks
1/2 cup green seedless grapes, quatered
1/2 cup blueberries
A generous drizzle of honey (sweeten to your taste)
A big pinch of cinnamon
Mix well and chill. Serve in small sized cups/glasses/bowls/jars and garnish with mint leaves.
(Optional: If you are short of time in the morning, you can prepare the whole mixture in the night and refrigerate).