Fruit & Nut Oatmeal & Granola

We've all heard it a billion times. Your parents yelled it as you were running out the door two minutes before the bell rang. Your teachers reminded you the day before a big test. Don't skip breakfast. In case you missed the memo you can read about at WebMD.

Does that mean that you should have three eggs and a pound of bacon every morning? Probably not a good idea...I <3 bacon. But I <3 my <3 > bacon. (Translation: I love my heart more than bacon.) Aaaand with that lovely segue, here is a quick and delicious, yet still heart healthy breakfast recipe.

Fruit & Nut Oatmeal
Makes 40 servings (give or take)
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 3 minutes

• 1 42 oz container old fashioned oats (Don't use quick oats.) 
• 1 24 oz bag steel cut oats (This is also known as Irish oatmeal...but the bags labeled "Irish oatmeal" usually cost a lot more. Did leprechauns grow the "Irish" variety?) 
• 1 7 oz bag sweetened coconut 
• 1 cup raisins or Craisins 
• 1 cup coarsely chopped almonds ( I just put a bunch of almonds in a sandwich bag and hit them with a mallet)

Mix all of the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

When you wake up, put 1/3 cup in a microwave safe bowl and add 1/2 cup water. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. I like seasoning it with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, or you can just use pumpkin pie spice, which is basically the same thing. I also add a packet of Splenda and a splash of milk.

This recipe is great because you can customize it. Don't like raisins? Try dried apples or apricots. Don't like nuts? Don't use them.

Eating the exact same thing for 40+ days in a row is kinda boring, so I make half of it into granola. (Note: I would also get bored if I only ate granola and oatmeal for forty days. This ends up lasting me at least two months because I have GOT to have variety.)



Granola  
Makes roughly 20 servings
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 1 hour 15 minutes

• Half batch Fruit & Nut Oatmeal 
• 1/2 cup raisins or Craisins 
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds 
• 1 cup honey or maple syrup 
• 1 cup canola oil 
• 3/4 t salt 

Preheat the oven to 275 F (135 C). Mix the extra raisins/Craisins and almonds into the oatmeal. In a separate bowl, mix the honey/syrup, the oil and the salt. Pour into the oatmeal mixture. Mix thoroughly. Spread into two large cookie sheets lined with foil or parchment. Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every fifteen minutes or so. Once the time is up, it will still be wet.  This is normal as it will harden as it cools. Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Break into small pieces and store in an airtight container.


And there you have it. Do you have any other good breakfast ideas or suggestions? Feel free to share.

Welcome!

Welcome to Man vs Fast Food!  We will be posting great recipes that will help you avoid drive-thrus, vending machines, and frozen pizzas.  Now, don't get us wrong, we love a good burger.  And cookies.  And pizza.  There are just better options out there to get these foods.  All of our recipes will be tested by us (and hopefully our brave families) before we pass them on to you.