Eating whole grains gives you more protein and fiber! Make it ahead or use pre-cooked or quick cooking grains for this or many other recipes. It’s convenient to make extra, have leftover grains, or even cook a batch in advance, so you have the ability to save time and add nutritious whole grains to any salad, stir-fry, bowl, wrap or burrito you happen to make during the week. I’ve used many pre or par-cooked packaged mixed grains that are delicious! But, of course it’s less expensive to cook them yourself when it’s possible.
On to muesli! It’s simply a Swiss-German word for “mix” that’s a lot like granola, because muesli and granola are both made with oats (or any whole grains), nuts, and fresh or dried fruits. They’re both healthy and delicious breakfast options; both are served with milk, alt-milk, or yogurt; and they’re equally tasty. I think of granola as a dry cereal that’s mixed with cold milk in a bowl, and muesli conjures up images of a hot or chilled alternative to oatmeal, with a lot of ingredients.
When I’m entertaining a crowd for breakfast or brunch, this can be made ahead in large amounts by doubling or tripling the recipes as needed, then refrigerated overnight. By morning it’s rich, thick and more flavorful than if you ate it right away. Everyone seems to love this and often ask for the recipe. Plus it’s great for a buffet because it’s good at any temperature!
- 1 C Cooked, cooled, or leftover whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, farro, bulgur, barley or oats)
- 1 C Almond milk, or milk of your choice
- 1 t Orange zest
- ¼ C Orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 C Chopped apple (used red delicious)
- ½ C Plain or flavored Greek style yogurt
- ¼ C Agave nectar, or honey
- 1 T Vanilla extract
- ½ t Ground cinnamon
- ¾ C Sunmaid brand Mixed Jumbo Raisins, or any dried fruit you like
- ¾ C Chopped Nuts, I used unsalted almonds, walnuts, and pecans
- Fresh fruit to garnish, if desired
- Combine all ingredients into a large bowl.
- Serve immediately, or cover tightly and refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Add more milk to thin, if needed; can be eaten, warm, chilled or at room temperature.
