Cran-Apple Millet Breakfast Bake

When you have 4 hungry kids at the breakfast table a box of cereal disappears in about 10 minutes flat. If we had cereal every morning I figure we would be spending about a million dollars a month on the stuff, not to mention all the sugar that comes in even the 'healthy' varieties.






I have been experimenting with whole grains like whole oatmeal, millet and quinoa for healthy and frugal breakfast alternatives. Millet is one of my favorite grains because it is one of the healthiest and simplest choices out there. Millet is a whole grain, complete protein, gluten free and contains the complete vitamin B complex and more of the amino acid lysine  than wheat, rice, oats or corn.


Millet's mild taste and soft texture make it an ideal choice for breakfast porridge's and bakes. You can simply throw it in a pot with (3-1 times) water and cook it for 20 minutes, add cinnamon, some nuts and dried fruit  or put it in your stone ware and add some of your favorite, seasonal fruits and slow bake it like I did here. Millet can also be put in your slow cooker and cooked overnight for an instant breakfast in the morning.

Cran-Apple Delight!

You Will Need:
1/2 cup Millet
1 1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 TBSP Coconut Oil
1 cup whole, fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup walnuts, chopped
2 Apples, unpeeled and chopped
2 TBSP  Coconut sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger


In a small sauce pot bring water to a boil. Add millet and salt, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
Scoop into a ceramic baking dish and cover with a lid or foil.
Bake at 375F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes till the top is golden brown.
Serve in cups with a dollop of cream if desired.  This goes well with a nice hot cup of herbal tea.
Enjoy not feeling heavy and over sweetened. This can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch or even dessert.

Notes:

I boil the millet first to reduce baking time but if you wish you can skip this step and pour all ingredients into your baking dish and bake for 60-75 minutes covered, then 10 more minutes uncovered.


Millet is a very mild tasting grain so the spiced in this dish are important to amp up the taste bud pleasure experience.


The coconut oil is added to help prevent the porridge from sticking to the dish and more importantly for it's incredible health benefits.