Bircher Museli

I was staying at a hotel in Singapore when I first discovered Bircher Museli. They had the most beautiful breakfast buffet. Plenty of traditional Asian dishes and a rather extensive European breakfast spread. And it was there I became obsessed with Bircher Museli.

Bircher Museli reads like a luxurious bowl of creamy overnightoats. I'd chalk it up as Europe's more sophisticated response to what we Americans have come to know as overnight oats.

Rather than simply combining oats and milk, this recipe includes a healthy amount of greek yogurt. Contributing creaminess but also a decent amount of protein. Without much else, these oats would read more like wallpaper paste. But what sets this apart for me is the fruit... crunchy, tart apples; chewy, sweet raisins; and juicy summer berries.

In an effort to manage the waistline, I reach for non-fat yogurt and almond milk. Admittedly a bit of a downgrade vs. the original bowl of oats I enjoyed in Singapore. But still exceptionally satisfying! For added nutrition, I even mix in ground flax and chia seeds. I'll leave it to you to modify. You'll enjoy it no matter what!

Bircher Museli

Ingredients

For the berry compote

·       1 cup frozen wild blueberries

·       1 cup frozen raspberries

·       1 cup frozen blackberries

·       1 tbsp honey

·       Zest of a lemon

For the museli

·       1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt

·       1 ½ cups milk of choice

·       2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)

·       2 tbsp honey

·       Pinch of salt

·       1 ½ cup rolled oats

·       ½ cup golden raisins

·       1 granny smith apple, diced fine

·       Sliced almonds, optional

For the compote… In a small saucepot, combine the berries, honey and lemon zest. Cook on medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes until the berries begin to burst. Remove from heat. Transfer to an airtight container, and chill until ready to serve.

For the museli… In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, milk, vanilla, honey and salt. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the oats, raisins and apples. Store in an airtight container, and chill overnight.

When ready to serve, spoon some of the museli into a bowl. Top with a heaping spoonful of the compote and a sprinkle of sliced almonds, if desired.

Serves 4

Gluten Free Friendly!

Double check your nutrition labels to ensure the oats, raisins and almonds are processed in a gluten free facility.