Muesli (aka Yummy Oatmeal with Stuff in it)

This tasty treat doesn't come our way often but mother makes a really yummy muesli for breakfast.  Growing up, mother couldn't stand oatmeal and its weird texture but when times are tough it is very economical and (when prepared properly) extremely nutritious meal.

Muesli

• 1  Cup Rolled Oats (See note below for GF/CF)
• 1/4  Cup Almond Slivers (Optional)
• 1/4  Cup Dried Unsweetened Coconut (Optional - see note below)
• 2 Tbl  Fresh Whey  (GF/CF can substitute 2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon - see note below) 
• 1 1/2  Cups Filtered Water

Combine all ingredients, cover and let soak for 7 to 24 hours (I make mine before I go to bed).  

• 1 Can Coconut Milk (or your favorite milk/milk substitute - see note below)
• Strainer or Large Sieve

The next morning, take a strainer lined with cheesecloth (or a large sieve) and rinse the oatmeal mixture.  Put the ingredients back in the pan, add coconut milk and bring to a boil.  Once it starts to bubble, cover and turn the burner off.  Let sit 3 minutes while preparing toppings:

• Coconut (see note below)
• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips (Look for GF/CF)
• Pure Maple Syrup

Have fun with the toppings.  Papa is the one who came up with the toppings listed here and it tastes just like a cookie.  It was the only way to get mother to eat it!

Mother used to practice the GF/CF diet and, back in those days, oatmeal was on the "cannot have" list.  Today, oats have been approved for the GF/CF diet, so long as the oats are guaranteed by the manufacturer not to be cross contaminated by gluten.








 The following recipe uses whey.  For people on a strict Casein Free (Milk Proteins) diet, this recipe can be used with apple cider vinegar or lemon as noted in recipe (Apple cider vinegar is mothers favorite.  If you haven't read it yet, check out my post "An Apple A Day..."). 






This recipe includes coconut and coconut milk.  Coconut has saturated fat but being a medium chain fatty acid, the body utilizes it right away vs. storing it in fat cells.  

It took mother a while to find unsweetened natural coconut but it can be done.  Mother stores it in the fridge to extend the shelf life.  

note:  Mother's son hates shredded coconut, so she doesn't put it in unless he is at grandma's; however, she does still use the coconut milk and he doesn't even know it!  If you or your child hates shredded coconut, try omitting it and try using the coconut milk.  If it doesn't work, you can use your favorite milk substitute.

 

Trying to find coconut milk with simple ingredients was a challenge but it can be done.  The ingredients in "A Taste of Thai" are:  coconut, water, and guar gum. 

If you are wondering why the oats are soaked overnight, there are two reasons for this.  The first, is that the oatmeal cooks faster and the second is best explained in a direct quote from Sally Fallon's book "Nourishing Traditions":
      "Soaking allows enzymes, lactobacilli and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phtyic acid.  As little as seven hours of soaking in warm acidulated water will neutralize a large portion of phytic acid in grains.  The simple practice of soaking cracked or rolled cereal grains overnight will vastly improve their nutritional benefits.
     Soaking in warm water also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, present in all seeds, and encourages the production of numerous beneficial enzymes.  The action of these enzymes also increases the amounts of many vitamins, especially B vitamins".