Homemade Cereal Like Grapenuts…But Better

Cereal is a huge convenience food but when you have a big family it is just not cost effective to buy it.  I don’t know how other  people’ s kids  are but mine eat large meals..Pancakes for breakfast? I have one child that eats 8 to 10, and most of the rest east at least 4 or 5…none of them are overweight, they are just too active.

But as I said cereal is handy to have, and it is a quick breakfast when you are busy.  There are lots of cereals you can make besides granola…I have even  made bran flakes. 

This cereal is very much like  grapenuts, only I think it is better.  Give it a try.

Cold Breakfast Cereal

2  cups whole wheat  flour, preferably freshly ground
1 cup old fashioned oats, ground to a flour
1/2 cup ground walnuts, pecans, or almonds
2 cups buttermilk
3/4cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.  Spread in a thin layer over a cookie sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees until firm, about 25 minutes.  Allow to cool.

Crumble into small pieces and put back on the cookie sheet in a 200 degree oven for 2 hours, or until  crisp.  Store airtight.

You can add dried fruit to it once it has finished.  Dried cranberries, dates, raisins, apples…whatever…all are equally good.  You can also serve it hot by heating it up in the microwave with about 1 cup of milk.

Image:Marye Audet