Mighty Muesli

Ever been to Susan Feniger's STREET on Highland? I have, but I haven't been there for brunch. The last issue of Gourmet back in '09 featured recipes from this eatery and there was one for muesli that caught my attention. It's been a little over a year since I tore this page from the magazine, and I've made Kajsa Alger's Muesli almost every week! You can make a batch over a weekend and you've got a wholesome breakfast everyday for the rest of the week. Kids love it. I swear by this stuff.

Kajsa Alger's Muesli
makes about 6 cups

2 cups rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
1 1/2 cups puffed millet
1 cup raw almonds (with skin), chopped
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup flaxseeds
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup dried currants (4 oz)
1 cup dried pitted dates (5 oz), chopped

- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line 2 large (17 x 11 in) 4-sided sheet pans with foil and lightly oil the foil.
- Stir together oats, millet, almonds, seeds, kosher salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl until combined. Add oil and brown sugar and toss to coat, breaking up any lumps of sugar with your fingers.

The recipe recommends dividing the mixture between the two sheet pans and baking them on racks placed in the upper and lower thirds of the oven, and switching the pans' positions halfway through baking time. If I were out to impress someone I might be inclined to make the effort, but when I'm lazy I forgo the jiggerypokery and I just throw it all in one pan and give it a stir while it bakes.

Bake until toasted and golden, 16 to 20 minutes total.

- Cool completely in pan(s), then stir in dried fruit.

Muesli keeps in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 1 week.

Notes:
1. puffed millet can be found in the cereal section at Whole Foods or any other health food store.

2. I have read that we don't really digest whole flaxseeds too well, so you could always substitute the whole flaxseeds with ground. Since flaxseeds do go rancid, you're probably better off adding a spoonful or two of the ground flaxseed just before you consume your bowl of muesli. Enjoy the muesli with yogurt or a splash of milk with fresh fruit!