Best Raw Cereal Ever? [Archive]

Sirova

02-22-2010, 09:34 AM

Do you mean homemade or prepackaged?
If prepackaged, I love GoRaw Chocolate Granola, and their Apple Cinnamon one is very good too (I just prefer the chocolate).
If not prepackaged, you will need a dehydrator for most recipes. Raw Food/Real World has a very good recipe.
My husband likes to just have a couple of tablespoons of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds with raisins, chopped dried papaya and raw chocolate chips, in his nut milk. Quick and easy, especially if you have pre soaked pre dehydrated seeds.

CrazyDelicious

02-22-2010, 09:46 AM

You can buy some that taste pretty delicious, but if you have a dehydrator you can make your own and it's sooooo much cheaper! I don't have a recipe I follow every time, but this is close to what I would make:

Soaked/sprouted buckwheat
Chopped almonds
Raisins
Flax Seed (soaked in a little water)
Hemp seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Agave
Cinnamon

I mix the ingredients together & spread on sheet, dry, and break apart and serve up with almond milk.

If you don't have a dehydrator you can always use nuts/seeds/raisins mix and just serve that up on its own. YUM!

xx

DebB

02-22-2010, 09:55 AM

This may fit the bill because I think it totally kicksarse!!

I got the recipe from Raw Food Tulsa's blog. My notes are in [..] because I do tweak it a bit. This is SO GOOD!!!

Ruby's Raw Granola

2 apples, any variety
1 generous cup of soaked dates [250 grams - reserve soaking liquid]
1/2 cup maple syrup [1/4 cup is plenty]
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp orange zest [2 teaspoons as 1T is a bit strong]
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup walnuts, soaked a couple of hours
2 cups buckwheat, rinsed well & soaked a few hours
2 cups almonds, soaked
3 cups pecans, soaked
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup dried cranberries [see note at end]
1 cup goji berries [I substitute raisins after it's dehydrated]
1 cup golden flax seeds, ground or whole
3 cups thick rolled oats (optional since not technically raw) [I use 2 cups whole oats that have been soaked & dehydrated ahead of time.]

In a food processor, place one apple, the soaked dates along with about 1/4 cup of the soak water, maple syrup, orange juice, zest, cinnamon, salt & walnuts....grind until completely smooth. Transfer into a large mixing bowl.

Add the remaining apple, chopped. Then place the almonds & pecans into the food processor, Coarsely chop nuts in a few quick pulses. Add them to the bowl along with the apple mixture, add all other ingredients.....combine well.

*Deb's note - I use some of the date soak water to thin this if it's too thick - I like everything coated well.

Spread the granola on lined dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 115 degrees for 6 - 8 hours. Peel off the Teflex sheeting and continue to dehydrate until the granola is crunchy. Break into pieces and once completely cooled, store in airtight containers. This granola will last for many weeks.

* Deb's notes - about the dried cranberries. These get too dried out basically being dehydrated twice. If you want them in there, I'd suggest adding the dried c'berries after the granola's finished dehydrating.

I store this in covered glass jars in the cupboard. Delicous!

Following Rene Oswald's advice, I keep a "staple stash". I soak and dehydrate all of the above ingredients that call for soaking (except the dates) ahead of time and that's how I store them - I soak & dehydrate so everything's on hand to just grab and mix this (or any recipe) up.

Mary Kay

02-22-2010, 10:26 AM

Mary Kay

02-22-2010, 10:27 AM

Okay, I'm going to the freezer and grabbing some corn to thaw....Corn flakes attempt #1, here we come.

Mary Kay

Dimond

02-22-2010, 10:54 AM

I don't own a dehydrator, though I've made oatmeal-type cereals and chia ones. Of the pre-made ones, Two Moms In The Raw Granola is the best for something homemade-tasting. It's soft & chewy. Also like Laughing Giraffe Organics, which is completely different than the other one. Neither do I eat as cereal, but more as a snack because they're so good on their own.

CrazyDelicious

02-22-2010, 11:14 AM

My kids don't like buckwheat in any kind of cereal. I've tried! I even made a semi-cooked oat based granola and added grawnola to it, and they don't like it.

Anyway, I'm thinking about some sort of flakes! You know, mixing some (truly raw homegrown frozen) corn, almond pulp, sweetener etc. Anyone ever try making a thin liquidy cereal and pouring it on teflex sheet then cutting/breaking it up into "flakes?"

I've been wanting to try this, but just haven't gotten around to it.

Mary Kay

The first attempt I ever made at cereal was pretty flaky, which I didn't like because I was looking for chunks! I found that too much soaked flax seed made it flaky if you want to add a bit of that to your mix!

xx

RawKnitster

02-22-2010, 04:58 PM

This is my favorite raw cereal ever. There is nothing granola about the flaxseed flakes. (Not that I have anything against granola. :)) Make the entire recipe or make the flaxflakes as a starting point and add anything else you like.

Nut/Seed Mixture

Soak 1 cup almonds, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 cup walnuts, and 1 cup sunflower seeds for 8 hours. After soaking, rinse and chop, then stir in 1/2 cup Grade B maple syrup until the mixture is well coated. Spread out on non-stick dehydrator sheets and dehydrate at 105 until dry and crunchy (about 8-12 hours).

Flax Flakes

Soak 1 cup flaxseed in 2 cups of water for 4 hours. Do NOT rinse, put in a strainer and allow any excess water to drain, but it will likely be gelatinous and won't need much draining. Put in the food processor with 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt (I used pink Himalayan). Process in FP for several minutes until it is a fairly smooth batter. (Watch out it doesn't get too warm.) A few whole seeds is okay, but you don't want a lot of them. Spread the batter VERY thinly on non-stick dehydrator sheets. (Will cover most of 2 sheets.) Dry at 105 for at least 3 hours. Flip the sheets and place on mesh screens. Dry until crispy. Break into small flakes.

Mix the dried nut/seed mixture with the flax flakes. Put in an airtight container and store in the freezer.

The original recipe from "The Raw Food Primer" call for 1/2 cup maple sugar to be used for the nut/seed mixture. Because of the cost I substitute maple syrup with good results. btw: Trader Joe's has the best deal (in my neighborhood)on Grade B maple syrup.

JennaHoneyBear

02-22-2010, 09:24 PM

RawKnitster

02-22-2010, 09:48 PM

There's this awesome granola at my WF...I don't remember what it's called. I know--super helpful :rolleyes:
If I don't get back to you on here just send me a message on FB and I'll remember to check for you at WF haha

Is it Lydia's Organics (http://www.lydiasorganics.com/product_list.html)? I bought it at WF. The Grainless Apple was my favorite. I say it "was" my favorite because after making cereal at home, there is no comparision in freshness or flavor. Lydia's is still plenty good and wins hands down for convenience.

drolemil

02-22-2010, 10:56 PM

This is my favorite raw cereal ever. There is nothing granola about the flaxseed flakes. (Not that I have anything against granola. :)) Make the entire recipe or make the flaxflakes as a starting point and add anything else you like.

Ok. So I finally have come to the conclusion that you are the raw MASTER. I've been thinking about something along the lines of bran flakes for a while (cereal was my absolute favorite food of all time back when I was SAD, whether it be sugary or 'healthy'), but alas I have almost no experience with dehydrating. You live the dream. You have my respect. -bows- Raisin bran, here I come! :p

JennaHoneyBear

02-22-2010, 11:17 PM

Is it Lydia's Organics (http://www.lydiasorganics.com/product_list.html)? I bought it at WF. The Grainless Apple was my favorite. I say it "was" my favorite because after making cereal at home, there is no comparision in freshness or flavor. Lydia's is still plenty good and wins hands down for convenience.

thanks for the suggestion; while i have had lydias, this granola is a different brand. its comes in flavors like acai, blueberry, and hemp

RawKnitster

02-23-2010, 12:42 AM

Ok. So I finally have come to the conclusion that you are the raw MASTER. I've been thinking about something along the lines of bran flakes for a while (cereal was my absolute favorite food of all time back when I was SAD, whether it be sugary or 'healthy'), but alas I have almost no experience with dehydrating. You live the dream. You have my respect. -bows- Raisin bran, here I come! :p

:o I am the raw MASTER copy cat. :p I've been collecting raw recipe books for 6 years and can pretty much tell from looking at a recipe what I am going to like and how to change it to suit my tastes. The biggest thing is to experiment. Don't be intimidated. It isn't as hard as it might seem.

You are going to love those flakes. They can get soggy in almond milk so add the nuts/seeds if you want to maintain a crunch. It would make an awesome raisin bran.

RawKnitster

02-23-2010, 12:44 AM

thanks for the suggestion; while i have had lydias, this granola is a different brand. its comes in flavors like acai, blueberry, and hemp

I love acai, blueberry, and hemp! I will look for it next time I go to WF. :)

JennaHoneyBear

02-23-2010, 12:55 AM

I love acai, blueberry, and hemp! I will look for it next time I go to WF. :)

awesome! it's in a white bag with purple, blue, and green accents respectfully. with a little clear window. i like it because it doesnt have a buttload of raisins in it! i like raisins,but come on, every raw granola has like a million raisins in it :mad: hehe
this brand uses currants instead, sparingly! ;)

btw, rawknitser...
i am hopinghopinghoping that your flax flakes would be good made with chia instead. i loathe flax but love flakes (always the best part of honeybunchesofoats lol). i wonder if it could work??

RawKnitster

02-23-2010, 01:09 AM

awesome! it's in a white bag with purple, blue, and green accents.

btw, rawknitser...
i am hopinghopinghoping that your flax flakes would be good made with chia instead. i loathe flax but love flakes (always the best part of honeybunchesofoats lol). i wonder if it could work??

Thanks, I will ask when I get there cause the store is HUGE!

I don't know. I have subbed flax for chia in a few recipes, but have not subbed chia for flax. I'm not a big fan of flax either, it depends on the other flavors in the recipe. In this recipe maple is the dominant flavor, the flax provides the texture. Perhaps it is the soaking and then processing for several minutes that makes the flax different in this case. If you do it either way, please let me know how it turns out and if you like it. :)

Mary Kay

02-24-2010, 09:32 PM

RawKnitster

02-24-2010, 09:59 PM

RawKnitster,

Thanks again....but about your flakes? You say to process them in the FP and leave some whole....Hmmm, when I process soaked whole flax seeds in my FP, they remain whole. Is that what you mean - whole flax seeds, or are they ground?

Mary Kay

Whole, not ground. I'm not sure how to describe it any better. Try pulling up the picture here and use the page zoom to increase the size for a closer look at the flakes. There are definitely whole seeds left in the process, but the outer shell is broken down and the seeds left are a lighter color, and the result is a pasty gel. The difference may be in the the food processor (I use a 7 cup Cuisinart). The length of time the soaked seeds are processed makes a big difference. The recipe calls for the soaked seeds to be processed for a full five minutes. I keep a hand on it to make sure it doesn't get too warm and let it rest if it does.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/RawKnitster/FlaxNutCereal.jpg

Mary Kay

02-25-2010, 03:37 PM

RawKnitster,

I'm getting down on the ground next to Drolemil and bowing.
WE ARE NOT WORTHY!!!

LOL. Thanks, you're a sweetie!

I never did get that corn out of the freezer, but might. I'm getting the flax in some water the minute I get off the puter!

Mary Kay

Mary Kay

02-25-2010, 03:48 PM

See CrazyDelicious? Great minds think alike. You had suggested the soaked flax breaking down. Guess I just needed RawKnitster's photo to really sell me.I guess I also must not have ever processed soaked flax long enough that it broke down. Now I know!

Thanks again,

Mary Kay

drolemil

02-25-2010, 05:43 PM

Whole, not ground. I'm not sure how to describe it any better. Try pulling up the picture here and use the page zoom to increase the size for a closer look at the flakes. There are definitely whole seeds left in the process, but the outer shell is broken down and the seeds left are a lighter color, and the result is a pasty gel. The difference may be in the the food processor (I use a 7 cup Cuisinart). The length of time the soaked seeds are processed makes a big difference. The recipe calls for the soaked seeds to be processed for a full five minutes. I keep a hand on it to make sure it doesn't get too warm and let it rest if it does.

Do you think a vitamix work instead of a food processor? I think it might work in small batches. =/ I'm planning to make these this weekend! :D Or maybe tomorrow if I have time. ;) Also, you said earlier about maple being the dominant flavor...can I sub agave? I personally like bran-y flavor and don't want to wash it over with maple (I don't want to regain my maple addiction either, I used to sip it out of the carton :p). The flavor I'm looking for is what corporate cereal brands label as "lightly sweetened": not too sweet to override everything else and not dull and grainy.

RawKnitster

02-25-2010, 07:40 PM

Do you think a vitamix work instead of a food processor? I think it might work in small batches. =/ I'm planning to make these this weekend! :D Or maybe tomorrow if I have time. ;) Also, you said earlier about maple being the dominant flavor...can I sub agave? I personally like bran-y flavor and don't want to wash it over with maple (I don't want to regain my maple addiction either, I used to sip it out of the carton :p). The flavor I'm looking for is what corporate cereal brands label as "lightly sweetened": not too sweet to override everything else and not dull and grainy.

I wondered the same thing about using the Vitamix. I don't see why not, probably don't need it on high speed.

I don't know about agave subbing for maple. From what I understand maple is the better choice for dehydrating because it will dry well, where agave (or honey) can dry sticky. You could try it on a small batch and see how it turns out. Let me know. :)

drolemil

02-25-2010, 08:02 PM

I wondered the same thing about using the Vitamix. I don't see why not, probably don't need it on high speed.

I don't know about agave subbing for maple. From what I understand maple is the better choice for dehydrating because it will dry well, where agave (or honey) can dry sticky. You could try it on a small batch and see how it turns out. Let me know. :)

Kay, I will. :) I will probably try splitting it half maple-half agave, too, or one third to two thirds. Something will work out. :p

JennaHoneyBear

02-25-2010, 09:46 PM

here is the cereal i like:

http://www.shop.livingintentions.com/category.sc;jsessionid=10DFA46EEEDBE503A48312A8E3C C3E78.qscstrfrnt01?categoryId=22

just bought some chia ginger today. this stuff is awesome

i love the bag design too, doesnt look all cheap and homemade like other raw food packaging

Mary Kay

02-26-2010, 11:05 AM

Mary Kay

02-26-2010, 11:19 AM

Drolemil and RawKnitster,

I made the flax flakes before going to bed. The recipe should also state that this works if spread onto two teflex sheets.

Drolemil, it is somwhat but not overpoweringly maple-y, but I'd bet with half agave this would tone it down. Maybe to stiffen up, you could add just a tad almond flour or coconut flour.

I also see why they call for maple sugar. It's been in all night (On the teflex sheet though), and I took it off and broke it up. I'm hoping it's dry enough by the aft but is still flexible. Next time, I may actually make the flax soak water WITH the maple syrup....

I could not get the flax to break down in the FP (I have a five cup KitchenAid). I kept shutting the FP on and off, but even after blending for a total of 15 min, I gave up. Put it in the Vita-Mix, and it was done on oh, #8 on low in about a minute. then for good measure, I flipped it to high for about 10 seconds. Next time I'll bypass the FP. But I'm wondering if I hadn't soaked the flax over night if it wouldn't have been softer and the FP might have broken it up. I have some and may try.

I'm also going to experiment with maple sugar instead. Maybe even some date sugar, but I know if I add whole dates that will make it more rubbery, not crispy.

So far, my daughter poo-pood it, my son thought it was okay. Not great.

I have more flax and will try minus the cinnamon - which might be why she doesn't like it.....

Anyway, now I know that blended flax is good as a base and I can take it from here.

Instead of plain soak water for the flax, I can see adding various blended /liquefied things to make different flavors:
bananas
blueberries
sour cherries.....

And you could combine them to get different-colored flakes.

Thanks a lot everyone. The experiments rage on.

Mary Kay

JennaHoneyBear

02-26-2010, 11:59 AM

JennaHoneyBear

Thanks for the links. I just can't imagine my kids will like them due to the buckwheat, but I've written them to see if I can get a discount on a six-pack with all the samples.

Mary Kay

The buckwheat really isn't a strong flavor. the other flavors of the cereal are so strong, you don't really notice the buckwheat. I bought the chia ginger flavor, and it tastes like a really nice gingerbread with undertones of pumpkin seeds

RawKnitster

02-26-2010, 06:08 PM

I made the flax flakes before going to bed. The recipe should also state that this works if spread onto two teflex sheets.

Yes, it covers most of two sheets.

I also see why they call for maple sugar. It's been in all night (On the teflex sheet though), and I took it off and broke it up. I'm hoping it's dry enough by the aft but is still flexible. Next time, I may actually make the flax soak water WITH the maple syrup....

Maple syrup is called for in the flax flakes. The maple sugar is actually called for with the nut/seed mixture, but I subbed maple syrup on the nuts and it worked fine.

I let it dry until it is completely dry and crunchy, 24 hours or more.

Put it in the Vita-Mix, and it was done on oh, #8 on low in about a minute. then for good measure, I flipped it to high for about 10 seconds. Next time I'll bypass the FP.

I'll try that next time. Looking at this recipe book again, I notice that it does not have any recipes that use a Vitamix, which may be why it says to use the FP. The mix would be too thick for a standard blender.

So far, my daughter poo-pood it, my son thought it was okay. Not great. I have more flax and will try minus the cinnamon - which might be why she doesn't like it.....

I really like the flax flakes and the nut/seed mix combined. The nuts add serious crunch.

Anyway, now I know that blended flax is good as a base and I can take it from here. The experiments rage on.

No doubt, you will come up with something fabulous that the kids will love. :)

Mary Kay

02-27-2010, 12:31 AM

RawKnitster,

I can TOTALLY see how the combo recipe with the nut mixture would be FABULOUS. I just added some slightly ground/chunky almonds and a few raisins and thought it was great!!! However, I'm not trying to make this for myself, but for my family. I just can't eat the sweet stuff-----I was only going to have a small cup, but ended up having three..... :O

But it's difficult to make cereal for them when they don't like nuts, buckwheat or coconut - and I'm not sure about cinnamon. Sigh, it sounds like they're picky, but I think that's actually about ALL they don't like. Mostly my dd though.

JennaHoneyBear --Thanks again. I'm def going to try to give that cereal to the kids and dh! That's why I want to get ALL the flavors. If they like them, I'll prob try to duplicate them.

Mary Kay

drolemil

02-27-2010, 12:58 AM

Okay, I have my two trays of flax flakes in the D. :) I used about half agave-half maple, which worked out perfectly because that was exactly as much maple syrup as I had left. ;) I also used only a dash or two of cinnamon. The dough itself was pretty yummy, can't wait until it's done. :p

Thanks so much RawKnitster and Mary Kay! :D If these work out well, I'll have to go and try choco-flakes.

Mary Kay

02-27-2010, 01:06 AM

Drolemil,

Let us know what you think.

MK

RawKnitster

02-27-2010, 02:11 AM

-----I was only going to have a small cup, but ended up having three..... :O

Me, too!! I don't take it out of the freezer very often because I know one bowl is not going to be enough. :p

drolemil

02-28-2010, 09:50 AM

Ok, from the 2 trays I started with, my mum and I ate one whole tray while it was still flexible and the other tray I managed to rip into cereal-like pieces, only to have me and the neighborhood kids to pick pieces all day. So, I ended up having exactly enough for a single bowl full after 24 hours or so. :o

It was an AMAZING bowlful! I threw in some raisins and in magically transformed into raisin bran~ It didn't taste exactly like the famous commercialized kind to me, but my favorite variation I would get from costco (Kirkland brand). It was firm and crunchy, and slightly absorbed the hazelnut milk I poured over it like a normal cereal would. I couldn't taste any maple at all (I used half agave-half maple), but loved the flax flavor. This was such an easy recipe too, I'll be sure to keep making it! :D

BTW, while the cereal is still flexible it makes a great "bread" for a honey-banana sandwich. It tasted EXACTLy like my favorite sandwich growing up. :) (I used agave, though :P)

Once again, thank you RawKnitster and Mary Kay sooo much! I am totally going to have to try flavor variations, like soaking the flax in orange juice or adding cacao powder. ;)

RawKnitster

02-28-2010, 03:22 PM

drolemil, I'm so glad you like it! What kind of flax seeds did you use? I use golden flax. Yours looks like it may be brown flax seeds....? If so, I will have to try those.

drolemil

02-28-2010, 03:38 PM

drolemil, I'm so glad you like it! What kind of flax seeds did you use? I use golden flax. Yours looks like it may be brown flax seeds....? If so, I will have to try those.

Yep, I used brown. I still haven't tried gold yet. Aren't those supposed to have a nutty-er flavor than brown? I've been just using brown for recipes that call for it. :o

RawKnitster

03-01-2010, 01:13 AM

Yep, I used brown. I still haven't tried gold yet. Aren't those supposed to have a nutty-er flavor than brown? I've been just using brown for recipes that call for it. :o

That explains the darker color of the flake. :) Since the nutritional value is the same, I don't think it matters. I like variety. You try the gold, I will try the brown, then we can compare. :)

drolemil

03-01-2010, 07:03 AM

That explains the darker color of the flake. :) Since the nutritional value is the same, I don't think it matters. I like variety. You try the gold, I will try the brown, then we can compare. :)

Sounds good. :cool: I'll pick gold flax seed next time at WF. Hopefully today, since I am out of my daily staples. :rolleyes:

CrazyDelicious

03-01-2010, 03:02 PM

DebB

03-01-2010, 03:07 PM

debB - Thanks for that recipe!

I decided to go a little elaborate with my eating since I have the time now that I'm on mat leave, so I made that cereal recipe! I omitted the goji berries & raisins and used dried wild blueberries. But I really love the mix that the cereal is coated with - and it stays in chunks instead of the buckwheat breaking off! Delicious! I agree about the orange zest - I went a bit overboard, so next time I think I will omit the zest altogether.

Thanks so much for a delish recipe! :)

xx

I'm so glad you like it! It's Penni Shelton's recipe, one that she used to sell at the Farmer's Market. I'm getting ready to make a batch.

I've been soaking the whole oats in the fridge (changing water daily) for 5 days now and they're ready to be dehydrated a bit before tossing it all together.

Yes - I do love the binder. I also leave out the goji berries. The dried blueberries sound wonderful, I'd definitely put those in instead of the raisins if I had them! *Ü*