Why I Love...Cereal (or "Ode to my O's")

My goal with this blog is to post 4 or 5 times a week. I've decided not to leave a recipe every day, because I want to make sure the ones I post are really special. I have been thinking of other things I can write about like restaurant reviews, culinary school, baking experiences, etc.... I've decided to include a continuing post called "Why I Love...." where I will simply blog about food that I love to eat.

So without further ado... Why I Love Cereal

I really think I may eat cereal more often than anything else. I can eat it any time of day, and it's perfect as a snack or meal. Here are some reasons why:

1. Cheap and easy: I'm definitely not always all about cheap and easy when it comes to food, but, hey, when it's also good and often healthy, I'm not going to turn my nose at it. Even if a box of cereal costs $5 (and it's usually less), there's at least 5 or 6 bowls to be had in that box. That's quite a deal!

2. Healthy: Or at least sometimes. I am not a big breakfast eater. Well honestly, while I'd love to eat oatmeal and eggs, I usually just never get up on time to make myself a good breakfast. BUT every morning I try to have a bowl of Trader Joe's High Fiber O's, or maybe some Shredded Wheat, with fruit on top (berries or a banana). I think that's a pretty fibrous way to start my day, and it keeps me full. Lastly, cereals are usually fortified with lots of vitamins and minerals. This is pretty much the crappiest way to get your vitamins and minerals, but still it's better than not getting them.

3. Satisfying: It's not all fibers and grains with me. I love a good sugar cereal. As a matter of fact, it's my guilty pleasure. My favorites are Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams, and Cocoa Puffs. (sometimes I buy organic versions of these and tell myself that they're healthy...) These I don't eat for breakfast. They are crunchy and sweet and so good with 2% milk, that I usually have them for dessert. Sure there's calories and sugar, but a lot less than a piece of cake or a bowl of ice cream.


4. Comforting: I have childhood memories of my mom giving me cereal before bed, and once I saw my cousin giving her kids cereal before bed also. I don't know if it's a family thing or just practical, but when I want to wind down at night I reach for the box. It's perfect to eat while I watch stupid sit com reruns or check my email before bed. It's like my story and milk.

So there you have it. Why I love cereal. I know you will be looking forward to further editions of this blog. Thank you.