29.12.14

Beautiful Bircher Muesli

I've been putting off this post waayyy too long. How long, you ask? Sorry. No can tell.

Just take it as my Christmas gift to you! It's better than that, really. It's the most gorgeous, deliciously healthy, super simple and elegant breakfast that you could ever imagine. Going back to Christmas, happy holidays to all! I hope you've been spending the festive season laughing with loved ones and indulging on yummy (and nutritious!) food. 

Back to this Bircher muesli. This post is so aptly timed, to be honest. I just returned from a week-long getaway to Switzerland, the home of Bircher muesli! This muesli is so unpretentious and unassuming that you'll wonder how something that's seemingly so mainstream can be this good. It's overnight oats dressed up. It's creamy, chewy, sweet, nutty, fruity and just oh-so-perfect! Just remember one thing: it needs to be soaked the night before you want to eat it!

My version uses freshly grated apple, chopped dates, a homemade berry sauce and a light drizzle of honey for sweetness. None of those pre-packaged fruit yogurts that are often loaded with added sugars. Don't get me wrong - they're not bad, they're just not ideal. Whenever possible, use unsweetened yogurt and sweeten it yourself however you wish just so you can control how much extra sugar is going in to what you eat. 

The berry sauce truly is optional. If you get the chance, please do make it! It does take the muesli to a whole new level and looks so pretty as well! But of you're short on time, don't have berries, didn't plan ahead or simply can't be bothered, just don't make it.

Although I've specified a "berry" sauce, any fruit compote will be wonderful - think peaches, cherries, applesauce or even simple sliced bananas! My favorite nuts to use are either pecans or almonds, but once again, whatever tickles your fancy is the way to go! Same with apple - red, green, pink lady, granny smith - all work (my favorite is granny smith because of its sweet yet tartness).

Ingredients
Serves 2
6-8 heaped tbsp whole rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
pinch of freshly grated orange zest (lemon or grapefruit will do the trick too)
2 large dates, each chopped into 10-12 bite-sized chunks
1 tbsp honey
2/3 granny smith apple, grated coarsely
2 tbsp pecans (or nuts of choice), roasted and chopped
3-4 tbsp unsweetened greek yogurt
berry sauce (optional)

Instructions
The night before, put the oats, milk, zest, dates and honey in a bowl. Stir gently and place in the fridge overnight.

In the morning, mix in the grated apple, nuts and greek yogurt. Split between two serving glasses/bowls and layer with the berry sauce. If you don't have taller serving glasses like I've shown, simply put it in in a bowl and pour over the berry sauce.

Ta-da! It's as simple as that. Enjoy!

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