Not too long ago, overnight oats had an overwhelming representation on Pinterest and food blogs because of the dish’s simplicity, no-cook, wholesome approach to breakfast. But the healthy overnight oats has in fact been around for well over a century. When you look at this recipe and hopefully try it, think of the beautiful summertime mountains of Switzerland for a moment : )

Swiss Oats or “Birchermüesli” was invented by Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner (1867-1939), a pioneer of holistic medicine and a whole foods diet. In 1897, Dr. Bircher founded a health clinic in Zürich, where he practiced holistic therapy which included whole foods diet, a daily walk, bathing and sunbathing. He also set up exercise equipment for his patients. He created Swiss Oats as a way to get his patients to eat more raw foods and a plant based diet. The original Bircher muesli was soaked overnight with water and lemon juice, and then eaten with yogurt.

I first tried Swiss Oats at a women’s breakfast nine or so years ago. I found it so unusual, refreshing, whole yet delicious. That’s when I did some background research on the dish and fell in love with the story of its creation. I have often shared a bowl with moms who just had a baby because it’s filling and fresh.

Swiss Oats

• 2 cups of oats

• 2 apples, cored and chopped very small (or grated)

• 1/2 cup raisins or your favorite dried fruit

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 1 teaspoons cinnamon

• 2 cups almond milk (any milk works fine)

• blueberries or halved grapes make a delicious addition when serving (bananas would add natural sweetness)

• a splash of more milk when serving

• honey or yogurt are very common additions (we’ve never used either one)

Combine all the ingredients together in a glass bowl. Top off with more milk if necessary. Cover and refrigerate overnight. You’ll enjoy the ready-to-eat, nutritious bowl in the morning.

Tell me when you make it, and I do so love to see your pictures!

with love. Damaris