Orange Date Muesli with Cacao Nibs

Wow, that's a lot of snow that fell outside our home this week.  Winter is in full force and it makes me want to just stay inside, build a fire and bake all day long.  The kids' dreams of a snow day were realized and they were able to delay the return to school by two days.  Thankfully I had done a big grocery shop this week before the snow fell.  We've been doing bits and pieces of the Bon Appetit's Food Lover's Cleanse this New Year  which came with its own shopping list.

Most weeks I would not have been that prepared or have so many ingredients at the ready in our home.  With a small grocery store just down the street, I make frequent stops there.  If there was ever an intervention on my bank account spending I suspect their first question would be: do you really need to buy groceries 5 days a week?  The short answer is no, the long answer is, I'm happier this way.  Although being so prepared and well stocked this week has made life easier, perhaps this should be my new year resolution?

Don and I have enjoyed this for breakfast several times.  Made the night before, it's perfect for those busy mornings when school isn't cancelled and work awaits.  As a daily smoothie breakfast drinker, I was surprised how nourished and delicious this option was.  The texture can be a bit thick, so feel free to add a little milk to loosen things up a bit in the morning if you like.  The dried mulberries and goji berries could be any dried fruit, like cranberry, cherry or raisins if you like.

 Orange Date Muesli with Cacao Nibs

note: we have made this both with the fresh squeezed orange juice and without.  There is no doubt it's a little tastier with that addition, but I recognize not everyone has it on hand.  Feel free to sub milk or even a little water.

adapted from Bon Appetit

1/2 cup orange, peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice (optional, see notes)
1-2 Medjool dates, finely chopped
1/2cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1/3cup old-fashioned oats
1 Tbsp Goji berries
1 Tbsp white mulberries
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp cacao nibs

Stir together chopped orange, orange juice, dates, yogurt, berries, chia seeds and oats. Cover and chill overnight. Just before serving, top with cacao nibs.  Enjoy!