Birchermuesli

It means stew, or pottage, and it's derived from an Old English word meaning moose. (Go figure.) In Switzerland, it's a popular breakfast cereal based on uncooked rolled oats, fruit and nuts. My friend's mother, who was from Switzerland, introduced me to this yummy stuff when I was about 11. I found a recipe about 2 years ago, and make it often.

You need rolled oats, (I used the old-fashioned kind that take 5 minutes to cook) milk, yogurt, raisins, apples, bananas, blueberries (or three other fruits; I use these three) and nuts. Oh, and a little citrus juice and maple syrup or honey.

3 cups of oats go into a bowl, and you pour 1 1/2 cups of milk over them.



They sit for about half an hour; usually enough time to start the coffee, start a load of wash, let the dogs out, then back in, feed them, let them out again, and put 1/4 c of raisins in 1/4 c of hot water. They sit for 15 minutes. (Kind of a psychedelic photo, doncha think?)




While the oats and raisins are soaking, cut up a banana; I usually cut it in half lengthwise, and then slice it into 1/4 inch slices.



Grate three apples; the original recipe calls for them to be peeled, but, I figure, the more fiber the merrier.



Pour 1/4 c orange juice and 2T lemon juice over the bananas and apples.



I have used all orange or all lemon, but the mixture of the two seems "brighter," if that makes sense. Mix the fruit with the juices; the juices will slow down the process of the fruit turning brown, while it gives it that nice flavor.

When the oats are done soaking, pour in 1/4 c honey or maple syrup; I use the syrup.



It's not as sweet, if you can imagine that, and has a more mellow taste. I tried to get by with just 2T today, but I had to use the full amount. I'm such a conformist! This is also the time to add 6T plain yogurt.



I use Greek yogurt; this container is just 6 ounces, or 6 T, so, in it went. It isn't my favorite brand; this one is, but the one in my hand is the one I had available. Stir this all together.

Drain the raisins. Toss them into the mix. Add 1 c blueberries and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (any kind; I like almonds.) Stir gently together. I like this best with hot coffee, in my chair out on the deck, while listening to the birds sing. Your mileage may vary!