Bircher Muesli with Figs and Raw Honey

By Nelleke Elston from her blog 

I’ve always been big on breakfast, I’d go as far as to say it’s my favourite meal of the day. I mean, what’s not to love about Hollandaise sauce, perfectly poached eggs with soft warm centres, crispy dark chocolate croissants,  and berries…

I’m that geek that is usually the only one at the table ordering the health breakfast when I’m out for brunch with my friends, but not for any other reason other than that I genuinely love a fruity, healthy kick-start to my day.  You see, I’m kind of like a boy in the regard that I wake up hungry and the first thing I think about is what to have for breakfast. My husband  has had to learn that getting in the way of me and my breakfast has dire consequences for him.

In summer I love a cold breakfast, but in winter there’s nothing that makes my heart so happy like a bowl of warm oats with fresh berries, honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Bircher muesli is something that you often see on menu’s in the last few years and a breakfast I have really grown to love for many reasons: It has so many health benefits, with oats as the base, it’s loaded with cholesterol-lowing benefits, magnesium, zinc, selenium, as well as being able to lower your chances of developing cancer or heart disease. Plus, it keeps you feeling full for longer, it’s quick and can be made ahead of time, meaning less to do in the morning. 

Here’s a real keeper, a standard delicious recipe that everyone should try at least once. Even if you’re not the breakfast-eating-type. The great thing about this recipe is that you can really add your own creative flair. I’ve added toasted almonds, chopped dried peaches, dates and banana chips, but my  favourite is still fresh berries with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Enjoy, and here’s to breakfast!

Bircher Muesli

Serves: 2 portions

Ingredients:
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated
1 Cup of rolled oats (preferably Organic)
1/2 Cup of natural cloudy apple juice
1/2 Cup to 1 cup of full cream Greek yoghurt
a Pinch of cinnamon
Fresh fruit like: figs, gooseberries, blueberries, raspberries
Honey to drizzle
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Method:
Mix the grated apple, oats, 1/2 cup of the yoghurt, apple juice and the cinnamon together. Cover it and leave it in the fridge overnight or for a few hours.
Once ready to serve mix it with the remaining 1/2 cup of yoghurt and serve with fresh fruit, a drizzle of raw honey and toasted nuts.