Sweet Sweet Breakfast

       The idea for this post came from wondering every morning what we will have for breakfast that day. I don't know about you, but very often I find myself struggling with ideas on what to eat. And we eat breakfast. Every morning. As I researched for the post, I found that many people (friends and family), simply skip it. I have to admit that I was more or less the same before I got married. In the last (almost five) years, breakfasts have come to last as long as an hour, and they are the main grounds from which we plan our day and discuss the yesterdays. Now I don't know how I would function if I skipped my breakfast. Come to think of it, I cannot remember even the last time I did so! Who is this person I've become?

       This time around, I wanted to give you three breakfast suggestions. So, let's start with the recipe for homemade granola - I prefer it because I can make it just the way I like. The ready-made ones from the store are often too sweet for my taste. Only after I tasted the homemade granola did I understand what I was missing all this time. I dare you to try and see for yourself. This one is also delicious as a snack on its own. I am thinking about making it into granola bars - it would be perfect!

Homemade Fruit and Nut Granola

Ingredients

500 g rolled oats
2 cups nuts and seeds - you can use whatever you have at hand (this time I used almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds)
3 tbsp large coconut flakes
1/2 cup apple juice
2 tbsp raw honey
2 tbsp coconut butter/oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt

1 cup dried fruits - I used cranberries, raisins, and chopped apricots

Preheat the oven to 160 C (320 F). Mix together nuts and seeds in a large bowl. Chop larger pieces to medium size.

Combine apple juice, honey, coconut butter or oil, cinnamon, black pepper, and sea salt in a small pan, and heat up over low heat until they are completely combined. Slowly pour over the nut and seed mixture and stir so that it is evenly coated. Line the baking sheet with baking paper and spread the mixture evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Stir the mixture every ten minutes or so to prevent burning. Cool completely. Combine with dried fruits and store in an airtight container.

Serve with milk or plain (or vanilla) yoghurt. Garnish with fresh fruits and/or chopped, raw pistachios.

Banana Vanilla Smoothie 

       As I was putting this post together, I realized that all the breakfast suggestions are on the sweet side (even though only one recipe actually calls for sugar). Well, that just means that soon I will have to make up for that by concocting more breakfast alternatives. 

       Some time ago, I read about the nutritional benefits of banana (even that it can serve as a substitute for a small meal). Armed with that knowledge I am suggesting a quick and nutritious smoothie to mix and drink on the go. This is for those of us that run around the house in the morning getting ready, and who knows, perhaps your little ones will enjoy it too. 

       The recipe is below. You can also add a squeeze or two of lemon, to keep it from oxidizing too quickly (and losing it bright yellow color) and to add a zesty touch. The recipe below uses oat milk which is already beige. If you use plain milk, the smoothie will be a lighter color.

Apple, Raisin and Cinnamon Toast - A Sunday Brunch Thought

        I am a big fan of toast, especially when made with brioche and fried with butter. It is my Sunday guilty pleasure. Cinnamon makes it very aromatic, while apples take the edge off the sugary coating. A glass of cold milk and I am sold. You will find the recipe below.    

       Lastly, on our Facebook page we have announced that Layla Says is collaborating with a very talented lady to make our blog page prettier and more functional. We hope that the new layout will be up and running really soon. 

       I am very excited.