Getting Your Oats
 Eating breakfast is the secret to staying healthy, according to evidence unearthed by doctors in the US. Their study found that people who eat whole-grain cereals every morning are among those most likely to see the health benefits.
Oats have more protein and oil than other grains – the extra oil means more valuable essential fatty acids. They’ve also more fibre than other cereal grains and are a good source of thiamin, niacin, vitamin E, iron and zinc.
Muesli – made primarily of oats – is considered to be an important element of a healthy diet, and fresh muesli is a tasty way to start the day with one or two portions of fresh fruit.
Some types of nuts (especially walnuts) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with many health benefits, including the development of the nervous system, and milk products, often served with muesli, are a rich source of calcium and protein.
Today, muesli is widely available in the form of pre-packaged mixes. The trouble with buying packaged muesli is that it generally contains salt and sugar, often in larger quantities than you might choose for yourself.
Making your own is quick and easy, and you can change the ingredients and alter the proportions to suit your own tastes.
Swiss Almond Muesli
8 servings
Ingredients
- 250g oats
- 115g diced dried apples
- 85g toasted wheat germ
- 85g cup raisins
- 85g slivered blanched almonds
- 25g cup hulled but not toasted sunflower seeds (raw sunflower seeds)
- 2 tbsp packed light brown sugar (optional)
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl or airtight container. Store in a cool dry place or in a refrigerator. Best eaten within a couple of weeks. Serve with milk.
Basic Muesli Recipe
Ingredients
- 200g jumbo porridge oats
- 25g flaked bran or wheat germ
- 75g barley or rye flakes
- 50g hazelnuts, lightly crushed
- 50g flaked almonds
- 50g sultanas
- 50g dried, ready-to-eat apricots, roughly chopped
- 50g dried, ready-to-eat figs, roughly chopped
Method
Preheat the oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3.
Place the oats, flaked bran or wheat germ, barley or rye flakes, hazelnuts and almonds on a large baking tray and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, shaking and turning in the tray halfway through. Take the tray from the oven and leave to cool: this should take only about 10 minutes.
Mix the toasted ingredients with the sultanas, apricots and figs. These fruits are only suggestions: you can use whatever you prefer. For example, dried apple, mango, papaya, dates or cherries.
You can eat this muesli straight away with milk.
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