In last week’s video tip, I talked about how adding zest to your food adds lots of flavor without all the fat. And I referred to a breakfast cereal that I’ve started whipping up that’s simply delicious with the added orange zest. I like this because it’s fast, easy and cost-effective, three key factors that keep us on the path to better health.

But you know what else? Whole grain cereals like this recipe are a great source of fiber that helps us feel full, nd they provide complex carbohydrates that keep our energy levels up.  In essence, less is more.  A little high quality hot cereal can keep up satisfied all morning long.

Ingredients:

1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal* (available in most health food stores)
1 1/2 half cups water
1/4 fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1-2 tsp. orange zest
chopped walnuts
agave nectar (optional)

Directions:

1. Zest the orange and squeeze the fresh orange juice.
2. Bring water, orange juice and salt to a boil.
3. Add cereal and orange zest, lower temperature and cook covered for about 10 minutes.

When cereal is ready, serve with your favorite garnishes — fresh, fruit, walnuts, raisins, almond milk — are a few of mine.

The orange zest provides a nice twist that livens up your cereal and adds variety.

Give it a try and tell me what you think.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy hot cereal and how do you keep it interesting?

*This is a gluten-free cereal. If you prefer other hot cereals, just add the zest and orange juice to the usual cooking directions.

Filed under: Agave Nectar, Breakfast, Gluten-free, Grains, Healthy Meals, Recipes, Whole Grains