Here in New Zealand, there are two popular breakfast foods: Toast (as in, toasted, sliced bread) and muesli.  Some Kiwis eat cereal, and there are a few varieties in the supermarkets, but there are heaps of choices of whole-grain, hearty muesli.  It is available toasted or just plain.

Rus and I have enjoyed muesli since Day One here, but it is quite expensive, especially considering we like ours as organic and garbage-free (i.e. preservative, additive, extra sugar and salt, etc.) as possible.  Bags can cost up to $11 each for about four servings!  There is relief, however, because it can be made at home cheaply from ingredients that can be purchased in the bulk section of most local supermarkets.  This Tasty Tuesday is all about how to make your own wholesome, healthy, breakfast cereal.

This is how I make it - and save lots of money on “the most important meal of the day” (of course, it can be modified to fit your chosen dietary restrictions and preferences):

4 cups rolled oats (not instant)

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 ground flax seed

2 tbsp rice bran oil

1/4

1/2 chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup sliced or chopped almonds (optional)

1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, apricots, mangos, bananas - anything!)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).

2. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, nuts, and rice bran oil until thoroughly coated.

3. Place the mixture in a baking dish or lasagna dish and into the oven.

4. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, turning the mixture over every few minutes until the desired toast level is reached.

5. Once the level of toast is reached, pour the toasted oats into a bowl.

6.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir.

7. Allow to cool and serve with milk or hot water.  Enjoy!