Recipe: Fruity & Nutty ‘Go Your Own Way’ Breakfast Cereal
When you get tired of the same box of cereal day in and day out, this is the recipe to add zest, fun, and experimentation to your morning routine. I have become so addicted to this cereal, I make it every week adding new twists every time! In fact, I buy the main ingredients (oats, coconut flakes, and cereal flakes) in bulk whenever I have the chance. That makes this cereal economical, environmentally-friendly, and keeps the pantry stocked in the event of an unexpected quarantine.
Sometimes I slice a banana on top for some extra potassium, but it’s just as healthy with your favorite milk (mine is coconut milk). In a rush to get out the door? Put it in a mason jar and eat it on the go. It’s a hearty beginning to the day that doesn’t get soggy bottom syndrome too quickly.
The Final Product
WHAT YOU NEED
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened large coconut flakes (not shredded coconut)
1 cup of nuts, roughly chopped
1 cup of dried fruit, roughly chopped
1 cup of seeds
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
½ tsp ground ginger
3 cups cereal flakes
Milk, for serving
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Preheat oven to 350° F (177° C).
Spread the oats evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Layer the coconut evenly on top of the oats. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the coconut is toasted to a golden brown. Watch it closely – you don’t want burnt coconut! Times may take some adjustment, depending on your particular oven.
Toasted oats and coconut
In a large mixing bowl, combine the nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. Once the oats and coconut are done and cooled a bit, toss it with the nuts, fruit, and seeds.
In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (or warm on the stove if preferred). This mixture should be warmed through and the consistency thinned.
Nuts and dried fruit – cashews, mangoes, bing cherries
Drizzle the warmed maple syrup and vanilla extract over the dried ingredients, mixing it as you drizzle for a light coating. Add the cinnamon, ginger, and allspice and give it a final mix. Pour the entire mixture back onto the baking sheet, spreading it out to allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes.
Finally, get a large sealable storage container and pour the flakes in. Once the mix on the baking is sheet dry, add it to the container, mix it up, and enjoy!
Mixture drying before adding the cereal flakes
Storage
As there are no added preservatives, this cereal is best kept in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, serve yourself a scoop or two, add the milk, and enjoy this healthy start to your day! The cereal will defrost almost immediately.
These are great for the cereal flakes!
Ingredient Options
Nuts – almonds, nuts, mixed nuts, pecans, walnuts – whatever nutty mood you’re feeling! I had some cashew pieces this week, so that was my choice this week.
Dried Fruits – cherries, flattened bananas, dates, raisins, craisins, that random dried fruit that’s been in the pantry a while. I discovered dried mango recently and that has been my latest choice. I threw in some dried bing cherries for some extra tartness.
Seeds – pepitas, hemp, chia, flax, sunflower – or a mix of all or some of these!