A Beautiful Bircher

Celery raw, develops the jaw

But celery stewed, is more quietly chewed.

 - Ogden Nash

This rhyme came to mind as I chomped, cow-like, through a bowl of WBC Bircher* muesli. Don't get me wrong, this is excellent stuff. Like all natural foods should be, it's 100% raw, high in fibre and protein, easy to digest, and also gluten-free.

I'm not normally a big breakfast eater (except for a naughty piece or two of Vegemite on Turkish toast, lots of butter, please) because it's a hassle to prepare something in the morning rush. Bircher muesli is ideal, because you can put a bowl of it into the fridge to soak the night before, then scoff it down the next morning. And the contents of this brekkie should not cause anyone to complain.

Ingredients in WBC Bircher are: Rolled rice (35%), Almonds (10%), Pepitas (10%), Sunflower seeds (10%), Dried Cranberries (10%), Coconut (10%), Walnuts (7.5%), and Sultanas (7.5%). You can taste the healthfulness of the nuts in particular, when you eat it.

WBC also has a cereal in the range and they've also just launched a porridge - visit their website for details. Don't forget to refer to the poo chart to check your, um, movements.

And to finish, here's another short one from O. Nash:

The cow is of the bovine ilk

One end is moo, the other, milk.

Love the bright packaging of WBC Bircher. This is the 500g bag. The unsoaked Bircher looks delicious enough on its own, doesn't it?

To prepare, soak 50g (per serving) of WBC Bircher in fruit juice (I used unsweetened apple juice) for 8-12 hours. It can be left in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The next morning, scoop out your brekkie (there may be some liquid left, just drink it) and grate some apple on top.

Traditionally, Bircher is also served with yoghurt. See it on the right.

Gosh, just looking at this makes me feel healthier already. Must be time for another bowl, my jaw and tastebuds need a workout.

*Thanks to Rebecca from Flujo for sending me the sample of WBC Bircher. WBC stands for World's Best Cereal, by the way. WBC is available online or from selected healthfood stockists.