Celebrating 3 with a Power Breakfast: Wholegrain Porridge with Goji Berries and Cashew Nuts

MultiGrainPorridgeGojiBerries (02) by MeetaK

7:45 AM - Weimar: I've just dropped Soeren off at school and am on my way to work. I turn up the radio as my favorite band, Coldplay rock to the sounds of "Viva La Vida". My usual trip to work always cheers me up. It's the same everyday but everyday I discover something new. At this hour the streets of Weimar are already alive and wide awake.

This is a bicycle town and regardless of the weather there are always a multitude of bicycles criss-crossing their way through their separate bicycle paths. I love watching the different characters pedaling away to their destinations.

A small group of school boys with their stylish BMX bikes race down the paths, laughing and joking, there is that business man, with his fine suit and tie fluttering in the crisp air, here comes that guy who probably chain smokes all day with his trusted cigarette tucked between the corner of his mouth and behind me I see that pimped up chick who probably has been teleported from the 80's! Finally my favorite of the day a mother with her four kids cross the street in front of me. She pedals her bike, with one of the younger ones sitting in the seat behind her, pulling a trailer with a further two toddlers, next to her, her eldest proudly perched on his own bike. It reminds me of a family of ducks crossing the street.

Weimar is in full swing already. I wonder how they all start their day. Are they the types to jump into the shower and rush out or do they prefer a nice long breakfast?

I am the type who enjoys the start of the day with a good power breakfast and some time with my family before we head off to our days. Before Soeren came along I was not like that though. Tom and I would enjoy a breakfast but it was a quick yogurt or a dry piece of toast with coffee. By mid-morning though our stomachs would be grumbling with us and while at work we grabbed the next nearest filling food - cookies, sweet buns etc.

With Soeren came also a whole new look into our nutrition and eating habits. If we were going to preach good eating habits we had to live by them too. Today we sit down together and enjoy a healthy and filling breakfast. A breakfast that will not have us craving food within an hour, instead keep us filled till lunch time and give us enough energy to tackle our hectic school or work schedule.

I do not have to go into the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - we all know that. There is a great proverb here in Germany, which touches the right note on how one should set their meals throughout the day:

"Eat like a king in the morning, a prince in the afternoon and like a beggar in the evenings."

With this is mind we orient ourselves to a good big breakfast in the mornings, a light healthy lunch and a small dinner. It works!     

My favorite breakfast is a mixture of organic wholegrain - rye, barley, spelt and oat flakes, cooked in milk until soft then sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with a touch of cinnamon. If using dried fruit I normally add them in the milk while cooking the flakes, which causes them to plump up and become juicy. Finally add a handful of nuts and some additional milk. All you now need is a spoon!

MultiGrainPorridgeGojiBerries (01) by MeetaK

What's For Lunch, Honey? is celebrating it's 3rd anniversary. I started this humble blog in February 2006, with this first post. Since then there was no stopping me! In three years I learned how to fight my way through HTML and CSS jungle, learned what DoF and Bouquet meant in photography, dared to become a baker, experimented with unorthodox tastes and played around with flavor combinations. It's been a great fun-filled path.

Almost 500 posts, 1.4 million visitors and a few exciting mentions and awards later I am here today to say thank you to you! Without you motivating me through each post I am sure this space would not be so full of life as it is today. These three years have given me not only so much knowledge and insight into the Foodie world but also has bestowed upon me great friendships too. Thank you for making What's For Lunch, Honey? a place full of pizzazz, fun and life!

Many celebrate with cake but I would like you to join me for a power breakfast of a different type. After featuring Goji Berries as the latest in my Food Guide, I thought I would show you one of my favorite ways to enjoy these power foods. I normally prepare the basic porridge the night before so the flakes soak up the milk and flavors overnight. In the morning I add a splash of warm milk, cashews and if desired fresh fruit.

Recipe: Wholegrain Porridge with Goji Berries and Cashews

Ingredients
Printable version of recipe here.

Makes enough for 3-4 servings

1 cup organic mixed wholegrain flakes, I used a mixture of rye, barley, oats and spelt
2 cups + 2 cups low-fat milk
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup
Good shake of cinnamon
1/2 cup dried Goji Berries
1/4 cup cashews, chopped

Method

  1. In a small saucepan add the mixed wholegrain flakes, 2 cups milk, cinnamon and maple syrup. On medium heat bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

  2. Reduce heat, then add the goji berries. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Leave to soak overnight.

  3. Next morning heat up 2 cups of milk. Divide the wholegrain porridge into three bowls and pour warm milk over the porridge. Sprinkle with cashews.

Serving tips:

  • You can add some toasted sugar-free granola for a nice crunch.
  • Bittersweet chocolate chips make a great chocolaty treat.
  • Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, figs or dates all offer a fantastic variety for a different flavor.
  • Use pecans, pistachios or macadamia nuts for more nutty variety.
  • Throw in a handful of toasted seeds like flax, sunflower or pumpkin.

 


Verdict

MultiGrainPorridgeGojiBerries (03) by MeetaK

You can add any type of dried or fresh fruits and nuts that takes up your fancy. We love our goji berries and cashews in this porridge as the flavors just fit together so perfectly. Only sweetened with a dash of maple syrup this makes it a perfect alternative to other pre-packaged and sweetened cereals. The multi-grain porridge keeps us satisfied and our energy at a balanced level throughout the morning. I normally round up my breakfast with half a grapefruit and a cup of coffee. Ready to face the day with such a fantastic start!

Join me this whole week as I celebrate 3 years What's For Lunch, Honey? with cake and ice-cream and more cake! You are all invited - so make sure you'll be there!

Hugs!

You might like these breakfast treats from WFLH:

AmaranthGranola 06 framed Spiced Risotto 01 framed ApricotOliveOilCakes 03 framed
Nutty Amaranth Granola with Fresh Berries Sweet Spiced Risotto with Cherry Compote Apricot Olive Oil Tea Cakes

Breakfast ideas from around the blogs:

Daily Tiffin Reading Tip:

 


All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2009 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First

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49 comments:

  1. Great advice on eating Meeta...the breakfast looks great! And congratulations on celebrating 3 years on WFLH.

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  2. I looked at your first post and am so amazed at how you have grown in such a short time!! Well done, Meeta, I enjoy your site and hope there will be many more to come!!!

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  3. Wish you the best and happy third blog anniversary Meeta. It's amazing how time flies and some of us are still around and doing well in the blogosphere! :))

    Enjoy the power breakfast and blogging. More power to you.

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  4. Three years! Congratulations on all you have achieved, and all that is yet to come. xoxo

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  5. Congratulations Meeta....and lady...take a bow...this is a fun place to come back to...good luck!!

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  6. You answered my email question on this post... we really are connected!!
    Love this breakfast and I really need to get my hands on some Goji berries....

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  7. Congratulations..............Wish many more yummy years to WFLH.....Keep rocking dear. Recipe looks yummylicious.

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  8. Three years - wow! And yes, breakfast is the best meal of the day. No point in skimping on it.

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  9. Congratulations Meeta, every post is a jewel! ...and many more to come!
    Love this breakfast of yours. Recently made my first homemade granola... so this inspires me to give it a little twist.

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  10. Congrats on three years (and here's to many more)!

    As for the breakfast, that looks like a great way to start the day. I'm always looking for something new and healthy to add to my morning routine, because my instincts tend to steer me towards desserts that pretend to be breakfast, lol--as if I need two desserts a day!

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  11. Congrats Meeta. You are an icon in the Food blog world and always will be. All the best for many more years with WFLH

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  12. Count me in! Congratulations Meeta *hugs* Its wonderful to see how you've nurtured your blog over the last 3 years, you are always an inspiration! All the awards and mentions have just started, I'm sure there's lots more in store for you :)

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  13. Congrats! I love my breakfast too! I've never thought of putting goji berries in my porridge..sounds good!

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  14. Meeta congratulations! I wish you many more years of blogging! You are a true inspiration to me!

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  15. Congrats Meeta. I just visited your 1st post. U deserve the best!

    was waiting to see where u used the goji breakfast. i stillskip breakfast most of the days:-(

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  16. Congratulations Meeta on these great three years. If I have not already mentioned- I love your blod

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  17. Happy 3rdy year to your wonderful blog Meeta.
    I have never known a blogger who as achieved so much especially in photography. Every tome your pictures leave me speechlees. Like today's picture, how much carefully you have taken the picture. Beautiful.
    Wish I was like you. I just make thing and just takefew clicks a fast.
    Wishing you many many more years of wonderull bloggin.

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  18. thanks everyone for your wonderful wishes. the best thing is i celebrate with you. it makes me really smile that you all enjoy WFLH - some of you have been with be right from the beginning. i look forward to sharing many more posts with you! hugs!

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  19. WOw congrats Meeta, count me in:d Lets have a blast surely..

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  20. Congrats on your 3 year anni. Meeta! I have to say I think your blog is pretty amazing and I truly get inspired by your energy when I visit your blog.

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  21. pistachios, House, now Coldplay, haha! You rock, Meeta :)
    Congrats on 3 years and here's to many, many more to come!

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  22. Hi, Meeta
    I found your blog a couple of weeks ago, and I fell in love with it from the second I opened it uo. Your bright photos and healthy choices make us all want to go prepare something in the kitchen and be smarter about the food choices.
    Thanks for being a blogger and allowing us to peek into your food world.
    I've already tried some of your recipes, like the tropical fruit salad and it's delicious.

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  23. congrats on the 3rd blog anniversary Meeta ..... I have been looking for breakfast tips and this post really helps :) ...... adore the photograph ... specially the jar of milk

    -Ashima

    p.s. - I am interested in hosting MBP ... have sent you an email .. please let me know which slot is free?

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  24. Happy 3rd Anniversay Meeta..:)
    Lovely breakfast..:)

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  25. Hi Meeta,

    I mistook that you are the organizer of MBP event ... please disregard the MBP request .... I apologize for the confusion ... am feeling so dumb :(

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  26. congratulations ! I am an ardent fan of your blog and of you.. Yes I just love the way you interact with Soeren..
    I always seek for tips on being a good mom in your posts!

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  27. Happy birthday WFLH!

    This porridge is like kheer... almost :)

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  28. Congrats Meeta! Your blog is my favorite and never have I missed reading u're post but would have missed commenting! Lovely blog! Wishing you many more years of happy blogging!

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  29. Congratulations on the 3 years, that's so exciting. This breakfast of yours look so tasty, I love the addition of cashews. Thanks for the recipe, I can't wait to try it out!

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  30. That looks like a substantial and nutritious start to any day. Youve made me curious about goji berries now!
    Happy 3rd!

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  31. Meeta congratulations on your 3rd anniversary!! I just got a pack of goji berries from the store... Now I know what to do with them !!!! I have been wondering about them though... Lovely pics and Hugs!!

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  32. Meeta congratulations on your 3rd anniversary!! I just got a pack of goji berries from the store... Now I know what to do with them !!!! I have been wondering about them though... Lovely pics and Hugs!!

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  33. ;-) Thanks everyone. All your wishes are making my day bright and cheery. Glad you are liking the power breakfast!

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  34. Sounds like a wonderfully nutritioous and tasty way to start the morning.

    Congratulations of three blogging years!

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  35. Meeta, did you see this? You are in the top 50 blog list!! congratulations!!

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article5561425.ece?token=null&offset=24&page=3

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  36. Congratulations on the 3rd yr as well! Happy birthday to your blog! :)

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  37. Dear Meeta,

    visiting you after a long time! how have u been?

    your post today made such a huge difference.....it just reminded me that i missed my first aniversary of my blog...can u believe that....thanks for such wonderful posts and keep doing good work....Congratulations for ur 3rd year !

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  38. a question: do you think you could reheat the porridge after making it? I have been looking for breakfast options I can prepare one day and then reheat for another day or two to save time and have been seeing lots of tasty porridge recipes lately. Do you think they would work over a few days?

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  39. thanks everyone for your comments.

    Megan, I would not advice you to make this more that a night ahead. It becomes fairly solid if kept any longer and the flakes loose their texture. To have it warm the next morning, I normally heat up some milk in the microwave and mix it into the porridge. Works well. Reheating the porridge entirely once again causes it to become too soft and mushy. I prefer having a bit of texture and bite to the porridge - however if you prefer it softer than by all means do try it.

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  40. Happy Blog Birthday!
    That's a power-packed start of the day.I'm regular on oats for breakfast,still hunting for goji though.

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  41. Congrats on celebrating 3 great yrs of blogging. I love reading your blog & always end up admiring the beautiful pictures. Heres wishing you many more such wonderful years!

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  42. Ack this post has been open for days - did I actually remember to come and say Happy Birthday?
    I would really, really like to try this, but seriously have no idea where I would get that cereal. Any online ordering sources you can recommend?

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  43. congratulations, dear meeta. wish you many more wonderful years of blogging.

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  44. oh what a beautiful way to start your morning! and happy blog birthday, of course - also belated congratulations to being in the TIMES list of the best food blogs... you so deserve this!

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  45. Fabulous breakfast Meeta and many congrats on a wonderful three years of blogging!

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  46. misssed trhis post, as I was away from the the blogging world that week.
    Hearty Congratulations on completing your 3rd year!
    It is always a pleasure to be here. Your pictures are much more than just beautiful, they transmit a lot of positive engery, maybe it is also the stories you write with them! :)

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  47. These pictures are amazing! Its been great watching you/WFLH grow.
    Smita

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Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hugs
Meeta