Homemade muesli is one of the healthiest breakfast options I know. Not only that, it's also super quick and easy to make and so much better than the ready made variety. There is every reason why you should make your own.
If you do not want to toast the ingredients simply combine them, give a good stir and store in a jar/airtight container for up to 2 weeks.To make toasted muesli preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C/ gas mark 4. Line a large baking sheet with parchment and spread the oats (and other flakes if using) over the sheet. Bake in the centre of the oven for about 8 minutes (do not brown them). Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
While the oats are in the oven prepare the rest of the ingredients. Toast the nuts (optional) in a large pan until golden brown stirring frequently. You can also toast the seeds and desiccated coconut (optional) but do so separately (they are smaller than nuts so take less time to toast). Cool completely before adding into the muesli mixture.
In a large mixing bowl combine the muesli ingredients and stir thoroughly. Transfer into a large jar/airtight container and store in a dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
The proportions used are recommendations only and you can adjust them to your liking. Bear in mind, however, that adding more nuts and sweetened dried fruit will increase the calories of your muesli.
Use any whole grain flakes, such as oat, barley, quinoa etc. You can use raw or toasted flakes (toasted taste better and are crispier but the choice is yours).
You can, but don't have to, also dry toast the nuts and seeds. Toast nuts and seeds separately - seeds are smaller so toast faster (chia do not need to be toasted). Ensure all the toasted ingredients have cooled completely before placing them in a jar.
If adding larger fruit into the mixture (apricots, prunes, dates etc) chop them up roughly first.
You can also add a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into your muesli.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Serve with any milk, either cold or hot. Also delicious with plain or flavoured yogurt, or fresh fruit.
Total time includes the time needed to toast and cool the ingredients.