One of our staple cereals is Raisin Bran. Not because I like it, but because Nate likes it. When its on sale at Safeway, I've been known to buy an entire case. I hate having more than one box of cereal open because it goes stale, so when a box of Raisin Bran is open, that's the cereal I have to eat too. But I despise raisins. I can't think of one thing that I find is enhanced by adding raisins. So, before I pour the milk over my Raisin Bran I take the time to pick out every single raisin. Meanwhile, I'm cursing those two scoops - if they skimped on the raisins I would have less work to do.
The particular brand that has two scoops of Raisin Bran is not easily found here in Europe. And when we first moved to Europe, Switzerland was home, where we discovered how much we loved muesli. I think of muesli as an uncooked, healthier version of granola. But, like my usual quips about cereals and trail mixes, no brand has just what I want. Its always too much of this and not enough of that. Solution? Make my own.
My muesli has a little bit of oats, spelt, and bran flakes, lots of almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and dried cherries, cranberries, and pineapple.
Rather than drown all these delicious bits with milk, I add greek (strained) yogurt on top, with a drizzle of honey, and freshly grated apple. It's my new favorite thing to eat.
Of all places, I fell in love with muesli in Ireland! And then it was reinforced in the Philippines, where it's soaked in yogurt overnight and is a staple at hotel breakfast buffets. I'm having a hard time finding exactly what I like over here - most have sunflower seeds and raisins, for which I do not care. I should take a page from you and make my own special mix!
I love the honey and grated apple!
Posted by: Tangled Noodle | Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 02:38 AM
Your muesli sounds amazing--lots of great texture. I especially like the pineapple and pumpkin seeds. Thank you for a nice dose of healthy inspiration. A necessity for me around this time of year with all comfort food and pies swirling about. =)
Posted by: lisa | Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 06:05 AM
I also love to make my own muesli! I love that you topped it with grated apple & honey: yummie!
Posted by: Sophie | Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Though I'm eating a lot of porridge for breakfast these days, I do like having muesli with yoghurt (and often with apples too) and, I agree with you, it's hard to find one that had just the right mix. The solution is, indeed, to make your own!
Posted by: Daily Spud | Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Oh I love your muesli! I think the best ones are the ones you make yourself.
Posted by: Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite | Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 02:10 PM
So glad you posted about this. We've just recently been introduced to the traditional style of muesli with the milk & we love it. I would definitely like the yogurt too. Yours sounds great with all those nuts and seeds. I also feel the same way about raisins. I can handle them in baked things, but could never eat them for a snack. The thought makes me cringe.
Posted by: Lori | Tuesday, December 01, 2009 at 11:54 AM
That is some delicious looking museli!
Posted by: cheffresco | Wednesday, December 02, 2009 at 03:17 AM
That's hysterical because the only time I like eating raisins is when I'm eating Raisin Bran!! Can't really stand them otherwise!
The muesli sounds delicious. I've never put together my own but I'm tempted to now.
Posted by: maria | Wednesday, December 02, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Would it be a bad thing to put this over ice cream? Just sayin'. :)
Posted by: The Duo Dishes | Friday, December 04, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I l-o-v-e the photography here! (so lovely to meet you yesterday!)
Posted by: Katrina | Saturday, December 05, 2009 at 11:38 AM