Homemade Cheerios

  Cheerios are the ultimate toddler snack, don't you think? That causes a big problem though and I am just going to go ahead and say it... they aren't good for you. You know why I think that? Mainly, the genetically modified corn and the synthetic vitamins. I just don't trust 'em. So with ingredients I can actually pronounce, I made some cheerios at home. Now I will say, I believe grains are bad for babies under one year. Even though pediatricians tell you to feed your baby cereal at four months, I don't think it is good for their little bellies. That is why I suggest making these for little one's one year or older.

  Now to make the cheerios, you will need oat flour. You can probably find this at the store or you can take rolled oats and grind them in a blender, food processor or coffee grinder.

  After combining the oat flour, all-purpose or whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder and salt whisk one egg with milk, vanilla and melted butter or coconut oil then mix it all together.You know what would be better than milk? Kefir... for probiotics! The Misplaced American's also suggest breast milk, which would be awesome for those still nursing... brilliant!

  Your dough should stay together and not be runny or sticky, think sugar cookie dough.

  Once you have your dough made up, roll out little disks and lay them on a baking sheet. I did this by using my index finger and thumb on both hands to flatten and rotate a ball of dough at the same time. Did that make sense?

  It did take me a good amount of time to do this to all of the dough but once I got the hang of things the process sped up. Depending on the thickness of the disks it should take 5-10 minutes to cook, mine took 8 minutes. Sure, they are not perfect and symmetrical but give me a break, I am no cheerio factory!

  Now they are more dense and not as crunchy but they taste like the real deal... without all the fakeness. You can even honey-glaze them for some good old honey nut cheerios. Oh and word on the street is soaking grains is good for you. I am not sure how to adapt this recipe for soaking but if I find out, I will be sure to update you.

Homemade Cheerios
Adapted from The Misplaced Americans

1 1/2 cup rolled oats, ground into a flour
1/2 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  Combine flours, sugar, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large measuring cup, whisk together beaten egg, milk, butter or oil and vanilla. Mix into dry ingredients until incorporated.

  Using your index finger and thumb shape small pieces of dough into disks about 1/8 - 1/4 inch thick. Set on lined baking sheet.

  Bake until cooked through, 5-10 minutes. Toss in honey glaze if using.

Honey Glaze

  1 tablespoon warm water
  3 tablespoons honey

  Whisk together water and honey until thoroughly combined. Pour over baked cheerios and toss to coat. Set aside to dry.