Hi, Lykkers! You've likely savored juicy, fragrant corn for breakfast—it's delicious and healthy. But how about a twist that keeps all that flavor and nutrition with a satisfying crunch? Enter homemade corn flakes!
Creating your own is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a fresh, customizable breakfast cereal. Follow this simple guide to create your own corn flakes from scratch!
Ingredients
• ¾ cup (100 g) medium-grind yellow cornmeal
• ¾ cup water (approximately)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the baking sheet
Equipment
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Oven
Instructions
Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with greased parchment paper to keep the mixture from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ¾ cup of cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the vanilla extract, honey, and 6 tablespoons of water. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is smooth, like pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a bit more water.
Baking
1. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out as thinly as possible (about ⅛ inch thick). The thinner the layer, the crunchier the flakes will be.
2. Add Texture: For extra crunch, mix a little cornmeal with water to make a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this over the top of the batter.
3. Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even cooking. The surface should look dry and cracked.
Flaking and Final Baking
1. Cool and Break Up: Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it cool a bit. Once it's cool enough to handle, break the baked mixture into small flakes.
2. Second Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 250°F (130°C) and return the flakes to the oven. Bake for another 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flakes are fully dried and crisp.
3. Cool Completely: Let the flakes cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your homemade corn flakes with milk, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts. You can also personalize them by adding nuts, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Benefits of Homemade Corn Flakes
Making your own corn flakes gives you a fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought cereal. Plus, it can save you money by making a larger batch at home. Try this easy recipe and enjoy a tasty, homemade breakfast!
