I have several friends who have really been great examples to me when it comes to embracing food that is nourishing. It is quite humorous when we get together, it’s not but a few minutes before the subject of food is brought up. We discuss brands of food, where to shop, and recipes we love, among many other things. I love foodie friends! It is often I will get a text from a friend letting me know what is on sale and where, or “the clementines are really good right now at…” It is really fun to have friends who care about what I care about. I have learned much from them, and I want to give them a special lil’ somethin’ for Christmas.
I’ve been keeping my eye open for a fun, homemade, edible gift that I can put together. Something just simple, easy, nourishing, different and low in sugar. Well, my eye finally found what it was looking for! I recently participated in a crockpot recipe blog carnival over at Passionate Homemaking. I found so many great recipes, but one made me very excited. It was the perfect homemade gift that my healthy foodie friends would appreciate. It is…
…ok, I just hesitated to tell you because now that I have talked it up, you will probably think…WHAT? Who would want THAT for Christmas? Let me prepare you. It’s not cookie mix in a jar or fabulous fudge…remember, it is for my friends who get excited talking about what the best substitute for sugar is or how to substitute a healthier fat in a recipe. Now that you have been warned, I will proceed.
Cranberry & Flax Multi-Grain Cereal …Made In A Crock-Pot
(don’t say I didn’t warn you..)
Seriously, I think they will love it. It is different, sugar- free, nourishing, and easy! The recipe was posted by “Monkeys On. The. Bed.” I am grateful to her, and look forward to browsing her very cute blog.
I plan on making a mix with the dry ingredients and packaging it cute, with the instructions printed and tucked inside. The only wet ingredients in the recipe is water and applesauce, so it will be very easy to make. It cooks in the crock pot overnight…mmmm, imagine waking up to a house that smells like cinnamon! (at least that is what I am hoping for!) I am going to put it in my crockpot tonight. I quick mixed some together so I could take a picture for this blog post. I am participating in another blog carnival for homemade gifts and will be submitting this post. The Carnival is over at Nourishing Gourmet, you must check it out! This site is full of great recipes and tips on healthy eating. I can’t wait to see other homemade gift ideas that will be posted!! (I’ve already seen one for fudge, so head on over there!)
Multi-Grain Cereal
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 5 cups water
- 2.5 cups natural applesauce
- 1.5-2 cups dried unsweetened dried cranberries (or any dried fruit)
- 1 heaping tsp ground ginger
- 2 heaping tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 Tbl steel-cut oats
- 6 Tbl wheat bran
- 1/2 cup long-grain brown rice
- 1/4 cup pearled barley
- 3 Tbl yellow cornmeal
- 2 Tbl flaxseed
Dash of Salt
11/2 tsp vanilla
I just realized my foodie friends read my blog and will now know what they are getting for Christmas. Oops! Oh well…:)
For Going Green Packages and Toppers Part 1, Click here.

the monkey's mama
December 16, 2009 at 1:03 amOH NO! I just realized that I left out the vanilla in my ingredients. I hope it didn’t ruin your cereal…it is SOOO much better without it. I edited my post and wrote a warning so that people could know but I wanted to personally tell you because i’d feel SUPER responsible for your gifts going awry!
Here is the post!
jenjen
December 15, 2009 at 3:52 amWhat a great idea. And the packaging is beautiful!
Love it!
XOOX
Jen
Amy
December 14, 2009 at 9:33 pmMore ideas…
Yeah..
gfe--gluten free easily
November 24, 2009 at 9:33 pmWell, the concept and packaging are great! I always flip over polka dots. :-)Maybe you could add more ingredients to make it less creamy? Nuts, maybe?
I love your header and title/subtitle!
Shirley
Amy@NewNostalgia
November 22, 2009 at 6:47 pmPeggy,
It is not my kitchen, but I loved the old of the mason jars mixed with the new, modern kitchen. Seemed to fit the name of my blog. I found it on flickr I think??
Thanks for your kind comments about the blog. So encouraging!
Amy@NewNostalgia
November 22, 2009 at 6:45 pmThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Brian
November 22, 2009 at 7:01 amGreat idea for a healthy hearty treat to give away.
Tasty Eats At Home
November 22, 2009 at 3:40 amLove the addition of cranberries. Yum!
Peggy
November 19, 2009 at 7:17 pmSo what is your verdict? I am always on the look out for good breakfast ideas. In fact I just made two 1.5 lb loaves of bread yesterday and my crew has eaten all but 1/2 of one loaf… I wonder how old fashioned rolled oats would work in the mixed…
By the way, I love your blog… This is my first time visiting and I can honestly say if I’m not careful I’ll spend far too much of my day on here!
One quick question… Is the picture posted at the top of your blog actually your kitchen? Just curious.. I really, really like it, even if it isn’t!
Thanks once again!!
Peggy (in the frozen north)
the monkey's mama
November 19, 2009 at 12:46 pmCute! I hope you enjoyed it this morning. I love that you used cranberries. YUM! Can’t wait to hear the verdict!