It can be very easy, economical and healthy to make homemade breakfast cereal. The most common main ingredient in hot and cold homemade cereals is oats, although other whole grains such as wheat germ may also be used. Oats are whole grains and are thought to lower cholesterol, help stabilize blood sugar and add excellent fiber to the body. Muesli and granola are quick, tasty and popular homemade cereals to make.
Granola was developed in 1876 by breakfast cereal entrepreneur, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, who based it on Dr. James C. Jackson's 1863 creation of baked graham flour pieces called "Granula." The granola product wasn't commercially successful until the 1960s health food movement hit with its emphasis on whole grains. What made it especially popular was its healthy convenience and its crunchy texture brought out through roasting the oats. There are many possible variations of granola but the basic ingredients are oats, oil, sweeteners such as honey, flavoring such as vanilla and dried fruits and nuts.
Other possible sweeteners for homemade granola include brown sugar and maple syrup. Canola and sunflower are popular oils for granola, but olive oil could also be used. The basic method for making homemade granola breakfast cereal is to combine oats and nuts in a large mixing bowl. In another mixing bowl, blend sweeteners, oil and flavoring before stirring this into the oat mixture. Place the granola into an oiled pan and bake for an hour to an hour and a half depending on the recipe's instructions.
For those who prefer creamy-textured breakfast cereal, Muesli is a popular favorite. Muesli was developed in 1900 by the Swiss nutritionist and doctor, Maximillian Bircher-Benner. Muesli can be made at home by soaking oats in water and blending them with lemon juice and milk. Grated apple and cinnamon add flavor to Muesli. Any type of ground nuts makes an excellent topping. Wheat germ and oat bran could be used along with the oats and Muesli may be eaten hot or cold.
Homemade breakfast cereals should be stored in airtight containers for up to four weeks. Making breakfast cereal doesn't have to take up too much time and the benefits are great. For example, you can control the amount of sugar used. Also, the cost is likely to be a lot less than buying pre-packaged commercial breakfast cereals.
Breakfast cereal is usually eaten with milk in the morning or for a snack later in the day, but there are other good ideas for using your homemade breakfast cereals. They can be made into cereal bars for snacks or quick breakfasts on the go. Homemade cereal can also be part of a delicious, yet healthy snack when it tops plain yogurt with pieces of fresh fruit added. You may even want to place your homemade breakfast cereal in an attractive glass airtight container, attach the written recipe to the jar with ribbon and give it as a practical hostess gift.