Microwave Muesli

I have been meaning to document this for a while! After trialling a bunch of different methods of making toasted muesli, I stumbled across this method (I can't remember the website), and have been tweaking the recipe ever since. This is about what I've settled on for now.



Ingredients:
1/4 C honey (whichever variety I have at the time, currently clover)
1/4 C sunflower oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
pinch cloves

3 C wholegrain rolled oats
1/2 C cashew pieces
1/2 C sliced almonds
1/2 C sunflower seeds
1/2 C pumpkin seeds

1/2 C coconut chips/flakes
1/2 C raisins
1/2 C sultanas
1/2 C diced apricots
1/2 C dried cranberries

Stir the first set of ingredients (honey through cloves) in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until bubbly - (60s + 30s in our microwave).



Stir in the oats, nuts and seeds, mix thoroughly. Microwave for 3 minutes, stir. Continue to cook in 1 or 2 minute bursts until toasted. Our microwave takes 6-7 minutes total cooking time. I use the pumpkin seeds as an indicator of toastedness, they puff nicely when they're cooked.



Stir in the coconut and fruit, allow to cool, eat. Enjoy!

*There is plenty of room for variation, I've found the proportions that I like best are 3 C oats, 2 C nuts/seeds, and 2 C fruit. (The coconut is just a bonus, and I sometimes put it in partway through the toasting process).

Mmm, chocolate...

On Wednesday I made this. Well, I made a half batch, and messed with the spices, and approximated the liquid quantities. I think I made it a bit less solid than it's meant to be, as it behaves like a very thick syrup when it's in the fridge.

I can confirm that it does make a nice hot chocolate. It is also a good ice cream topping, and the consistency I got is about right for that purpose. On vanilla ice cream it is much nicer than the standard chocolate ripple ice cream you tend to find.

And I've also discovered it makes a pretty good nutella substitute. Obviously it doesn't fulfil any hazelnut cravings, but it has the chocolate part covered pretty well.

I will definitely be making more, although I think the next batch will leave out all the spices, and possibly even the vanilla. I may also try throwing some brown sugar in, but it will depend on how I feel on the day.