Ranger Debb’s Hot Cereal Spectacular [aka Sexy Gruel…because it’s SO. DARN. GOOD]
**edited
Oatmeal, Shmoatmeal. That’s boring.
Hubby and I have been trying to eat healthier lately, and long-story short, we are trying to reduce our meat intake and increase our fruits, veggies, grains and whole foods.
Being a fan of hot cereal in the morning, my go-to was usually oatmeal. Not the instant kind, but the whole grain rolled oats. Sometimes I’d have Oat Bran, sometimes Red River. I love it all!
Then I started to add some ground Flax seeds. Then some Chia Seeds. Then, badda-bing-badda-boom, I had concocted this amazing medley of whole grains and seeds for an amazing morning meal! It packs a punch.
**I’ve been tweaking the ingredients for a while and I think I finally came up with a mixture that I like. It’s not too mushy, not too grainy. As in the words of Goldilocks……”it’s just right!”
I make a big pot of this and it’s good for about a week of morning goodness for hubby and me.
- 1/3 cup ground Flax seeds
- 1/4 cup ground Wheat Germ
- 1/4 cup Quinoa
- 1/4 cup Amaranth seeds
- 1/4 cup Chia Seeds
- 1 cup Scotch oatmeal OR Steel Cut Oats [or a mixture of both] OR Red River Cereal
- 1/2 cup Oat Bran
- 2 1/2 cups whole grain Oatmeal [you can also use Spelt and/or Kamut flakes]
This makes a total of 5 cups dry cereal [approx]. Add 2 1/2 - 3 times the amount of liquid.
**Optional: 1/4 cup Kasha [buckwheat]. Be sure to adjust the water content accordingly. For added protein punch, add some Hemp Seeds
FOR GLUTEN-FREE CEREAL: Be sure you are purchasing Gluten-Free whole oats and oat bran. Omit the wheat germ and replace with more flax, quinoa, chia and/or amaranth. Do not use Red River Cereal. Experiment with other gluten-free grains to find the right mixture for you!
Measure everything into a large pot. Add the liquid* (see below). Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle boil. Be sure to stir often as the amaranth tends to sink to the bottom in the beginning and can stick or burn. Turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Stir once in a while until cooked - about 20-30 minutes.
*I always cook with some milk, usually Almond Fresh. You can do a 50/50 ratio if you want, but I add at least one cup of fresh milk. If you find it a bit dry when nearly done, just add another 1/4 - 1/2 cup of liquid.
Smother it with fresh fruit, some maple syrup or Agave nectar and you’ve got yourself a kick-ass kick-start to your day!
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