Let's finish off this month of health recipes with some Muesli - Cinnamon Raisin Muesli

Have you ever found encouragement from someone you don't even know?  Or in a book that was written, before you ever even thought you might be writing...well what could be called frequently.  In the past couple of weeks both have happened.  I ran across a new blog written by another 20-something female across the pond.  She makes me want to grab life by the horns and be fun.  I mean she seems to be way more out going than me and lives what seems a I will be fun no matter what life, but I get her.  (The Dalston Years) 

Then as I was diving into my new book "A Slice of Life" courtesy of the library book sale, when I found writing inspiration from a non-food writer.  The short story/article was about a writer who found solace in writing from a diner.  The noises and life were real life "white noise" and the "characters" of the diner overtime became characters in his writing.  He went on to say that there is an "unmistakable connection between cooking and writing - writing, like cooking, is a bringing together of elemental substances for transmutation over a hot flame." - Jay Parini

My questions to you then are, where do you find inspiration to live a fuller life?  To really enjoy everyday.  Is it on the quotes page on Pinterest? Through a blog that you can completely relate too? And, where do you find inspiration for your work?  Whether it is the work you do for fun in your spare time or even the work that pays the bills?   I guess no matter where it comes from, use it and enjoy everyday!

P.S. I can't wait to read the chapter In Memory's Kitchen

This muesli was inspired by Joy the Bakers post last week.  Although I originally started making it over two years ago when I had muesli for the first time on a cruise of the Mediterranean my mom and I went on.  The muesli on-board was soaked in a creamy delicious, probably not skim-milk milk, which is what I do now.  But I enjoyed it so much, that I got home and had to make version of my own.  This is simple and easy, it makes a big batch that will last you for days.  Plus, it is healthy, cinnamony and delicious.  Well, Enjoy!

I had fun with these pictures. I literally laid it all out and add one item to the bowl for each picture.

First things first, add the Uncle Sam cereal to the bowl with the toasted oats.

Then in goes the cinnamon so it can coat the still warm oats.

Next comes the toasted and coarsely chopped walnuts.

Next toasted sunflower seeds.  These really just add an awesome flavor.

And the flax seeds.  These are just so jam packed with Omega-3s...plus I add them to my oatmeal.

In go raisins for sweetness, since there isn't any added sugar here.

And for just a bit more sweetness with some tang, cranberries.

All done!  Serve soaked in milk (I literally let them soak for 30 to and hour or even over night) or with yogurt.

Cinnamon Raisin Muesli:

4 cups rolled oats, lightly toasted just until brown.

2 cups Uncle Sam cereal (can be found at most grocery stores.  I get mine at Trader Joes')

3 tablespoons cinnamon

1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted

1/4 cup flax seeds

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup cranberries

1.  Mix all in a bowl.  Store in an airtight container and serve with milk of yogurt.  Allow the muesli to soak in milk of yogurt for at least 3o minutes or overnight to soften the oats.

Here are the health facts per serving: (12 total servings)

278 calories per serving

Total Fat 11.1g

    Saturated Fat 1.0g

    Trans fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 35mg

Total Carbohydrates 39.5g
    Dietary Fiber 8.5g  =  34% of daily value

    Sugar 7.9g

Protein 9.4g

%Daily Value

Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 6%

Iron 14%

**Note most of the calories in this are from the rolled oats