CP Bircher Muesli
A delicious combination of oats, yoghurt, apple and cinnamon, our CP Bircher Muesli is a refreshing and healthy snack - perfect for the warmer months and as an alternative to porridge on centre menus!
Origins:
Bircher Muesli originated in Switzerland around the 1900s, but nowadays, it has gained in popularity and is eaten across the world. Much like the dried muesli version most of us are familiar with, there are numerous variations of the original.
The recipe:
Traditionally, Bircher Muesli is made by soaking oats overnight in a combination of one or more ingredients such as milk, yoghurt or fruit juice. It’s then mixed with chopped nuts* and grated apple, and sweetened with a little honey** or a similar natural sweetener. Quick and rolled oats speed up this process, meaning they only need to soak for as little as one to two hours. However, if you'd rather make it the day before and have the space to store it in the fridge, go ahead and you'll have morning tea ready when you arrive.
* Because most early learning centres in New Zealand opt to be nut-free, we make our CP Bircher Muesli with no nuts, but if that's not a concern for you, feel free to add your favourite nut or a combination. We love the taste of roasted almonds with ours.
**We also keep it honey free, if serving for children under 1, as honey may contain the spores that may lead to botulism, and is not recommended for children under 1 year. If you'd like to use honey, you could always make a separate batch for under and over 1s, clearly labeling each one. However, we find it sweet enough as is, especially if serving with sliced or mashed bananas, mangoes, or other fruits which are naturally sweeter, ripe and in season. Yum!
Other ideas beyond the centre’s menu:
At home: perfect to make at home and enjoy for breakfast as a family
Lunchbox: portioned individually in mason jars or similar for everyone’s lunchboxes (whanau and ECE staff)
Classroom activity: make the day ahead and enjoy as morning tea
Promote healthy eating : Share blog link or recipe with whanau in the newsletter, FB or your communication app
Special occasion/ celebration: make a batch with the children and ask whanau to provide a piece of favourite fruit. Make a beautiful and colourful fruit platter or fruit salad and serve alongside Bircher Muesli for a rolling morning tea whanau and kids can share and enjoy together.
CP Bircher Muesli
Recipe by Clean Plate
Serves 10 (as a snack)
Ingredients:
1 cup oats
2 Tbsp sultanas, raisins or diced apricots
Juice of 2 oranges
125 ml milk
1 cup Greek-style yoghurt
1 apple, cored, unpeeled and grated
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)*
Fresh fruit, to serve – e.g. sliced bananas, quartered strawberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwifruit, or any other fresh fruit available.
Method:
1. Place oats, sultanas and orange juice in a large, non-metallic bowl. Stir and leave soaking while preparing the other ingredients.
2. In another bowl, mix the milk, yoghurt, cinnamon and honey (if using), until well combined. Add to the oats and mix.
3. Add the grated apple to the muesli and stir to combine.
4. Cover the bowl and let it stand for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
4. Serve the Bircher Muesli topped with fresh fruit.
*Omit the honey or maple syrup if serving the Bircher Muesli to children under 1 year-old.
And here is a printable version of the recipe to add to your CP recipe collection. Enjoy!! :)