What's for breakfast?

Sorry, but I don't want the same ingredients in my breakfast that I can get in a yoga mat! 

I just "tweeted" an article about what was potentially in a breakfast sandwich from the golden arches. Frankly, I would have thought that it might be one of the better choices, egg, ham, bread, cheese.  But apparently, not one of those things is as simple as it sounds. It is not surprising but it is scary, and it seems that largely we now define food as processed and packaged goods. Things we can grab and eat or cook in under 10 minutes. Rice and other grain products are bleached, stripped and changed to the point that they cook quickly. But they don't taste or resemble their raw ancestor from which they come and our taste has changed along with it.  We want things sweeter, saltier, milder, softer. Food that will last a long time in your pantry but not in you, making your blood sugars spike like any other processed food. Cooking has taken on a new meaning (not to mention cooking from scratch).

It is not an uncommon to find people talking 'ingredients' these days, and this morning was no different. While I was presenting recipes to a group about healthy eating on a budget, we talked about what was in some of the food available, like bleached white flour, canned foods and yogurt. People on a budget are limited in their access to fresh foods, but good or better choices can still be made including canned products and basic pantry items. 

My first and immediate response is always going to be; make it yourself and you'll know what's in it. Make it yourself, and it will likely be cheaper too. I know this can seem challenging and people don't know where to start. In my humble opinion it's not earth shattering, we simply start by talking about it. Ask to know what's in your food.  Read labels. You need to know. The next step is simply taking the control back - back into your own hands.

This is why I am doing what I am doing here at Sharon Dishes.  I want to show people who aren't sure, how to do it and bring some inspiration back into the kitchen...maybe even your garden or your shopping bag. Let's bring that abstract discussion about ingredients to your plate and make it real.  Real good that is.

Cheers.  Thanks for listening to my rant.  Now here's a tasty and real breakfast that you can prepare in the same time it takes to wait in that drive through.  

Muesli

Makes approximately 4 cups (8  servings) 

• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole flake oats
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) large flake unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) roughly chopped raw almonds
• 3/4 cup (175 mL) chopped dates (approximately 7 large medjool dates)
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) flax seeds
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) chia seeds

Mix well and store in an air tight jar or container.

To serve, place 1/2 cup of muesli in a bowl and pour milk (or unsweetened almond, rice or soy), yogurt or apple juice over it .  Chop a banana or grate an apple into the muesli. Enjoy immediately, or let sit for 30 minutes or more if desired.  

This recipe is intended for personal use and may not be reproduced or distributed except with the prior written permission of Sharon Dishes.