Muesli brings to mind the Kashi type of cereal, doesn’t it? Well, that’s pretty much what it is! A mix of wholesome cereal like oats, fresh/dried fruits and nuts softened in milk or yogurt. Identical twin of granola cereal perhaps? With everyone going bananas for healthy eating, this could potentially become your favorite breakfast item to enjoy at home or pack to work so you could be the envy of your colleagues! 🙂 You know what is the best part – only your imagination is the limit to making every bowl taste! Now, how many wholesome breakfast meals can do that!!!! Honestly, I could occasionally have this for lunch or light dinner as well, especially in the summer months!
So, what has long been a popular breakfast or light evening meal in Switzerland and Germany has now found an ardent following in North America. You will hear it being referred to as overnight oats or if you are familiar with Chicago breakfast scene, “Swiss Oatmeal”. You can amp up the goodness with the addition of chia seeds or even ground flax.
This recipe uses a mix of old fashioned oats and chia seeds, the latter adding such a wonderful textural element and a boost of wonderful nutrients! Also, the fresh and dry fruits in the muesli provide the natural sweetness that you may or may not need to sweeten it further.
To make it even better…..here is a time saving tip. Double the recipe and save for breakfast next morning with perhaps different topping for a different taste!
Swiss Style Muesli with a Twist
Ingredients
Muesli Base
1 heaping cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 heaping cup chia seeds
1 1/4 cups skim, 1% or almond milk (enough to mellow the oats and chia)
Toppings/Stir-ins (LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD WITH THIS!)
1/2 Granny Smith or other sweet-tart apple, grated
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 large banana, halved and sliced thin
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup chopped sweetened dried cranberries or cherries
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 6-oz container Greek yogurt (I used pineapple Chobani)
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey and additional milk and , if needed
Freshly grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon
Preparation
1. Combine oats, chia and milk in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at the very least few hours).
2. Either prepare the toppings the previous night (saves time in the morning) or in the morning.
3. In the morning, remove the muesli bowl from the refrigerator. Add the Greek yogurt, orange juice, honey and additional milk, if needed and stir well.
4. Stir in grated apples, dried cranberries and golden raisins.
5. Layer like a parfait with bananas and strawberries and finish with chopped nuts and a sprinkling of nutmeg or cinnamon.
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