Sugar and a dollop of cream are frequently added to hot cereal. Others prefer hot cereals like grits to be seasoned with salt, pepper, and gravy. These are great additions, but there are plenty more that can liven up a bowl of hot cereal and appeal to young children.
When serving hot cereal to young children, layering the cereal rather than simply topping it adds interest to the dish. Children who aren’t big fans of hot cereal will often only eat the top half of it. So, one easy way to get your child to eat more cereal is to layer fruit or other toppings so that they have to eat their way down to the next layer.
There are numerous sugar substitutes for hot cereal. Other sugary products, such as honey, molasses, golden syrup, or maple syrup, can be added. Instead of cream, a few pea-sized drops of butter that melt nicely on the cereal could be used. Cooking cereals in apple juice provides a fructose-based sweetness rather than sucrose-based sweetness.
Consider the various fruits in season if you want to avoid refined sugars. Bananas can be added to hot cereal at any time of year, providing all of the sweetness desired. You can also use any type of berry, but make sure they’re ripe. Sliced ripe pears can also be used as a sugar substitute. Plums, nectarines, and peaches can also be used to add a new flavor. Sliced apples add texture and crunch to the mush, which may appeal to those who find theirs too mushy.
Fresh fruit is a great addition to hot cereal, but dried fruit has its own set of benefits. Raisins are a sweet natural topping. Dried cranberries are also delicious. Dried pineapple chunks and chopped dates provide a lot of sweetness. Hot cereal with dried fruit adds texture and interest. Natural food store selections can provide a wealth of ideas and alternatives.
People frequently complain about feeling hungry a few hours after eating a meal consisting mostly of grains and fruits. Adding protein with a variety of nuts to one’s hot cereal is one way to bulk it up. Almonds are an excellent choice, especially when toasted and thinly sliced. Walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans go especially well with hot wheat or mixed grain cereal. Sprinkle toasted wheat germ or brewer’s yeast on top of hot cereal for an extra boost of protein.
Spices added to hot cereal can add a new dimension. Cinnamon is a popular choice, but try nutmeg, cumin, or ginger instead. To give hot cereal more zing, some people like to add a mixed spice like pumpkin pie spice.
Cereal, particularly corn meal used in grits, mush, or polenta, can be used for a lot more than just breakfast. Use polenta or grits as the bottom layer of a main course of Mexican or Italian dishes, or pair hot corn meal with a layer of baked beans, a garlicky marinara, or use polenta or grits as the bottom layer of a main course of Mexican or Italian dishes.
Fruit or spices can also be added to cereal while it is cooking. One of my favorites is one-minute oatmeal with chopped apples, raisins, and cinnamon. This is a quick and easy recipe that is almost as good as microwaved instant cereal. Every bite is practically guaranteed to be sweet and chewy.
Hot cereal with a variety of toppings each day keeps the palate interested while providing plenty of dietary fiber. Each new topping transforms the dish into something new, as well as a new flavor adventure.