Country Breakfast Cereal

Country Breakfast Cereal Recipe - Brown Rice, Raisins, Nuts, and Cinnamon

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 45-55 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Country Breakfast Cereal is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for starting your day off right. Made with simple ingredients like brown rice, dried cranberries, and cinnamon, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it with milk or cream, honey or brown sugar, or fresh nuts, this cereal is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your household.

History

Country Breakfast Cereal has been a staple in many households for generations. This simple and wholesome dish has its roots in traditional country cooking, where ingredients like rice and dried fruit were readily available and used to create satisfying meals. Over the years, this recipe has been passed down from family to family, with each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked brown rice
0.25 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
0.5 cup of seedless raisins or dried cranberries
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2.25 cups of water*
milk or cream (optional)
honey or brown sugar (optional)
fresh fruit or toasted nuts (optional)

How to prepare

In a 2- to 3 qt (2.84-liter) saucepan, combine rice, salt, butter, raisins, and cinnamon with water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve the rice with milk or cream, honey or brown sugar, and fresh fruit or nuts, if desired.
For moister rice, add 0.25 cup of water.

Variations

Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- For a creamier cereal, add a splash of milk or cream before serving.

- Customize your cereal with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.

- To save time in the morning, prepare the rice mixture the night before and simply reheat it in the morning.

Serving Suggestions

Country Breakfast Cereal can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete meal. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice mixture over low heat to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid properly.

- Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice for a different flavor and texture.

- Replace the dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice mixture the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the morning and add your favorite toppings before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Country Breakfast Cereal in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this cereal with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting breakfast experience. Add a side of fresh orange juice or a fruit smoothie for a refreshing touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cereal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 1mg

- Calcium: 20mg

- Iron: 1mg

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Country Breakfast Cereal is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. With a moderate amount of calories and no allergens, this cereal is a great option for a healthy breakfast.

Summary

Country Breakfast Cereal is a wholesome and satisfying dish that is perfect for starting your day off right. Made with simple ingredients and customizable toppings, this cereal is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your household. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar for a delicious and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a chilly autumn morning, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a handwritten note fell out, detailing a recipe for Country Breakfast Cereal.

I was intrigued. I had never heard of this dish before, but the ingredients sounded so simple and comforting: oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of honey. It seemed like the perfect way to start a cozy weekend morning.

I decided to give the recipe a try that very day. I gathered all the ingredients from my pantry and got to work in the kitchen. As I measured out the oats and chopped the nuts, the warm, toasty aroma filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Once the cereal was finished baking in the oven, I scooped a generous portion into a bowl and drizzled it with honey. I took my first bite and was instantly transported back to my childhood, sitting at the kitchen table with my own grandmother, enjoying a similar breakfast on a crisp fall morning.

From that moment on, Country Breakfast Cereal became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for my own children, who loved the sweet and crunchy combination of flavors. They would always beg me to make it on weekends, and I was happy to oblige.

Over the years, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding different nuts and fruits to create new variations. Sometimes I would sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy kick, or drizzle the cereal with maple syrup instead of honey for a richer flavor.

I also learned to adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions. When my daughter became gluten intolerant, I started using gluten-free oats in the cereal, and it turned out just as delicious as the original version.

As I continued to make Country Breakfast Cereal, I thought about the origins of the recipe. I wondered where my grandmother had learned to make it, and who had passed it down to her. I imagined a long line of women, each adding their own twist to the dish before passing it along to the next generation.

One day, I decided to do some research on the history of Country Breakfast Cereal. I discovered that it had humble beginnings, originating in rural farmhouses where ingredients were simple and wholesome. The dish was a way to use up leftover grains and fruits, creating a hearty and nourishing breakfast that would sustain hardworking farmers throughout the day.

I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations. I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe; it was about connecting with the past and honoring the memories of those who had come before me.

As I grew older, my love for Country Breakfast Cereal never wavered. It became a symbol of family and tradition, a dish that brought us together around the breakfast table on lazy weekend mornings.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of oats and honey, I feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my heart, my family will always have a taste of home.