Breakfast Inspiration - BIRCHER

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration. I find we slip into a routine very quickly, especially when it’s just Butch and me. Every meal is a repeat of the day before, as we’re both busy and meals at home serve their nutritional purpose, keeping us sustained and hopefully healthy.

It was on a recent weekend away that a friend introduced us to BIRCHER. I must confess I hadn't heard of it. Breakfast, as a rule, isn't my favourite meal, and I’d rather avoid it. Coffee is my staple.

I read up on it, and this is what I found:

Like traditional muesli, Bircher Muesli is a perfect breakfast choice to help you feel full and energised all day. Made with rolled oats, milk, apple and lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, grated apples, dried fruits, berries, and toasted coconut, Bircher Muesli is great with yoghurt. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free oats or dairy alternatives. Definition of muesli. A breakfast cereal of Swiss origin consisting of rolled oats, nuts, and fruit.

We all know muesli, of course. Yes, they are similar, but with Bircher, the rolled oats, fruit and nuts are soaked overnight and then finished off before enjoying in the morning.

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This is my recipe for:

FRUITY BIRCHER:

Mix all the ingredients, then pour into a storage canister with an airtight lid. Place in the

refrigerator overnight.

Before serving:

Remove the rooibos tea bags.

To serve:

Then add your choice of condiments; I have 4 prunes soaked in rooibos tea (500g stoned prunes soaked overnight in boiling water, generously covering the prunes). Add three rooibos tea bags. Next day, remove the tea bags. Keep in the fridge and use as needed. Refrigerated, the prunes soak up the liquid and become sweet with a lovely sauce)

All ingredients are optional; create your own variations with your favourite seeds, nuts, fruits, or flavours. Making healthy, personalized breakfasts can be fun and satisfying, and I hope you enjoy experimenting.

TIP: For camping or meal prep, combine all the dry ingredients, store in an airtight container, and add liquids just before serving. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to [number] days. Berries make a great garnish, and you can prepare spice and seed mixes in advance for convenience.

The benefits of eating oats and oat bran are endless.  The recommended daily fibre intake is 30g.  One banana contains 5g of fibre https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oat-bran

Build up your immunity to fight colds, flu, and viruses by using liberal doses of: Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon. They’re all tasty and easy to add to shakes, teas, smoothies, soups, casseroles and now BIRCHER! 

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Not only do we need to wash our hands constantly, but we must also put good, healthy foods into our bodies. If you think you’ve got a virus/cold/flu brewing, wear a mask so your spittle doesn’t infect someone else, especially children and older folk.  Sore throats are often the first symptoms of a cold; make a gargle using 15ml Bicarbonate of soda in 125ml of warm water. Gargle.  Repeat 4X daily; if it stops it in its tracks, so much the better.

A few years ago, my daughter, on a visit, recalled a meal she’d had with a friend, and this is what she said: “Oh, Mom, it was an old people’s meal. Cold meat and salad.” Let’s not fall into that trap of convenience. It beckons especially when we’re very busy doing other things. Preparing a good, healthy meal for our loved ones is therapeutic and rewarding.

“My wife and I tried two or three times in the last 40 years to have breakfast together, but it was so disagreeable we had to stop.” Winston Churchill

Thank you, Megan, for introducing us to Bircher.  It’s changed the way I approach breakfast!