Beyond the Bowl: Creative Recipes Featuring General Mills’ New Cereals
General Mills has once again graced breakfast tables (and beyond!) with a fresh wave of exciting new cereals. While enjoying them in a bowl with milk is a classic, these innovative flavors and textures offer a fantastic springboard for culinary creativity. Forget limiting yourself to just breakfast – we’re diving into a world of delicious recipes showcasing the versatility of these new General Mills cereals. Get ready to transform your pantry staples into delightful desserts, savory snacks, and even surprisingly sophisticated dishes!
Why Cook with Cereal?
Before we jump into specific recipes, let’s explore why using cereal in cooking is a great idea:
* **Texture:** Cereal can add a delightful crunch to toppings, coatings, and fillings. Think beyond breadcrumbs and embrace the unique textures that different cereals offer.
* **Flavor:** Each cereal has a distinct flavor profile. This allows you to easily infuse your dishes with sweetness, nuttiness, spice, or even fruity notes.
* **Convenience:** Cereal is readily available and requires no special preparation before using. It’s a convenient way to add flavor and texture to your recipes quickly.
* **Fun:** Cooking with cereal is inherently fun! It encourages experimentation and adds a playful twist to familiar dishes.
Getting Started: Essential Tips for Cooking with Cereal
* **Consider the Sweetness:** Cereals vary in their sweetness. Adjust the amount of sugar in your recipes accordingly. Some recipes might even benefit from reducing or eliminating added sugar altogether, depending on the cereal used.
* **Think About Texture:** Some cereals are light and airy, while others are dense and crunchy. Choose a cereal that complements the desired texture of your final dish. Crushing or grinding cereal can also alter its texture.
* **Experiment with Different Cereals:** Don’t be afraid to mix and match cereals to create unique flavor combinations. A blend of sweet and savory cereals can add depth and complexity to your recipes.
* **Storage:** Store your cereal-based creations in airtight containers to maintain their crispness.
Featured General Mills Cereals (Examples):
While specific new cereal releases vary each year, let’s create some recipes based on hypothetical, but plausible, new General Mills cereals for illustrative purposes. Remember to adapt these recipes based on the actual cereals available to you!
* **Cosmic Crunch:** A galaxy-themed cereal with star-shaped pieces, a blend of fruity flavors (berry, grape, and a hint of citrus), and edible glitter for a magical touch.
* **Peanut Butter Blast:** A cereal packed with intense peanut butter flavor, featuring crunchy clusters and a creamy peanut butter coating.
* **Cinnamon Swirl Squares:** A cereal reminiscent of cinnamon rolls, with a warm cinnamon flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
* **Tropical Sunrise:** A cereal bursting with tropical fruit flavors like mango, pineapple, and coconut, with colorful O-shaped pieces.
Recipe Ideas: Cosmic Crunch
**1. Cosmic Crunch Cereal Bars:**
These no-bake cereal bars are a fun and easy treat perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Cosmic Crunch cereal
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine
* 4 cups miniature marshmallows
* 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional, for extra cosmic flair!)
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
3. Gently stir in the Cosmic Crunch cereal until evenly coated.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly with a greased spatula or your hands.
5. Sprinkle with sprinkles, if desired.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
**2. Cosmic Crunch Yogurt Parfaits:**
A colorful and delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a healthy dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
* 1/2 cup Cosmic Crunch cereal
* 1/4 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a glass or bowl, layer yogurt, Cosmic Crunch cereal, and mixed berries.
2. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
3. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.
**3. Cosmic Crunch Cereal-Crusted Chicken Tenders:**
A surprisingly delicious and kid-friendly way to add a touch of sweetness and crunch to chicken tenders.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound chicken tenders
* 1 cup Cosmic Crunch cereal, finely crushed
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 tablespoons milk
* Vegetable oil, for frying (or use an air fryer)
**Instructions:**
1. In a shallow dish, combine crushed Cosmic Crunch cereal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together egg and milk.
3. Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then dredge in the cereal mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (or preheat air fryer to 400°F).
5. Fry chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (or air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through).
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
## Recipe Ideas: Peanut Butter Blast
**1. Peanut Butter Blast Energy Bites:**
A protein-packed snack perfect for a pre-workout boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Peanut Butter Blast cereal
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup protein powder (optional)
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a food processor, pulse the Peanut Butter Blast cereal until finely ground.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground cereal, peanut butter, honey, and protein powder (if using).
3. Stir until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips, if desired.
4. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bites to firm up.
**2. Peanut Butter Blast Milkshake:**
An indulgent and creamy milkshake perfect for a hot day.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Blast cereal
* 2 tablespoons peanut butter
* Whipped cream and chopped peanuts, for topping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, Peanut Butter Blast cereal, and peanut butter.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and chopped peanuts, if desired.
4. Serve immediately.
**3. Peanut Butter Blast Cereal-Coated Pretzels:**
A sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for snacking.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag (10-12 ounces) pretzel rods or twists
* 1 cup white chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Blast cereal, finely crushed
**Instructions:**
1. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. Dip each pretzel into the melted white chocolate, coating completely.
3. Immediately sprinkle with crushed Peanut Butter Blast cereal.
4. Place the coated pretzels on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
## Recipe Ideas: Cinnamon Swirl Squares
**1. Cinnamon Swirl Squares French Toast Casserole:**
A decadent breakfast casserole perfect for weekend brunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf (1 pound) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 6 cups Cinnamon Swirl Squares cereal
* 6 eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* Maple syrup, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and Cinnamon Swirl Squares cereal.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cereal mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the bread is soaked.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup.
**2. Cinnamon Swirl Squares Cereal Milk:**
Capture the delicious flavor of Cinnamon Swirl Squares in a creamy and comforting milk.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups milk
* 2 cups Cinnamon Swirl Squares cereal
**Instructions:**
1. Combine milk and cereal in a pitcher or jar.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
3. Strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the cereal.
4. Serve chilled.
**3. Cinnamon Swirl Squares Crumble Topping:**
A simple and delicious topping for muffins, pies, or fruit crisps.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup Cinnamon Swirl Squares cereal, finely crushed
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, crushed Cinnamon Swirl Squares cereal, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping over your favorite muffins, pies, or fruit crisps before baking.
## Recipe Ideas: Tropical Sunrise
**1. Tropical Sunrise Smoothie:**
A refreshing and vibrant smoothie perfect for a hot day.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup frozen mango chunks
* 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
* 1/2 cup Tropical Sunrise cereal
* 1/2 cup coconut milk
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Serve immediately.
**2. Tropical Sunrise Trail Mix:**
A customizable and energizing snack for hiking or on-the-go.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Tropical Sunrise cereal
* 1/2 cup dried mango, chopped
* 1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped
* 1/4 cup coconut flakes
* 1/4 cup macadamia nuts or cashews
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well.
3. Store in an airtight container.
**3. Tropical Sunrise Cereal Pancakes:**
Add a tropical twist to your pancakes for a fun and flavorful breakfast.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 cup Tropical Sunrise cereal
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Gently fold in the Tropical Sunrise cereal.
5. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
8. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.
Beyond These Recipes: Expanding Your Cereal Culinary Horizons
These recipes are just a starting point! Here are more ideas for incorporating General Mills’ new cereals into your cooking:
* **Cereal-Crusted Fish:** Use crushed cereal to create a crispy coating for baked or fried fish.
* **Cereal-Based Stuffing:** Add cereal to your holiday stuffing for a unique flavor and texture.
* **Cereal-Infused Ice Cream:** Soak cereal in milk or cream, then strain and use the infused liquid to make ice cream.
* **Cereal-Topped Cupcakes:** Use crushed cereal as a topping for cupcakes or muffins.
* **Cereal as a Binding Agent:** Use finely ground cereal as a binding agent in meatloaf or veggie burgers.
* **Elevate your cookies:** Add crushed cereal to your favorite cookie recipe. Especially chocolate chip cookies are great with added cereal.
Adapting Recipes to Your Favorite Cereals
The key to successful cereal-based cooking is adaptability. Remember to consider the flavor profile and texture of your chosen cereal and adjust the recipes accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! Most importantly, document your successes, and keep refining your new favorite recipes with cereal.
Conclusion
General Mills’ new cereals offer a world of culinary possibilities beyond the breakfast bowl. By embracing creativity and experimentation, you can transform these pantry staples into delicious and unexpected dishes. So, grab a box of your favorite new cereal and get cooking! You might just discover your new favorite recipe.