The first time I poured my youngest daughter a bowl of Fruit Loops, her eyes widened in awe and wonder as she quietly exclaimed, “It’s so beautiful!” Oh, how a simple bowl of cereal can bring such joy to a small child. Cereal has become such a staple to the breakfast table that we often overlook this unsung hero. In celebration of National Cereal Day on March 7th, let’s all take a moment to truly appreciate the magic of cereal.
The beauty begins in the simple, yet versatile nature of this beloved breakfast food. There is no cooking involved, very little prep work, and hardly any cleanup. With only two dishes and two ingredients, we can have a complete meal in less than 30 seconds. It is truly the perfect option not just for busy mornings, but really for any time of the day. Do my kids need a quick after school snack? Cereal. Have I had a stressful day and the thought of deciding what to cook for dinner, let alone actually cooking it and then cleaning up, sends me into a spiral? Cereal. Am I craving a midnight snack? Cereal. With very little effort, cereal can satisfy our hunger round the clock.
The versatility continues with hundreds of flavor options. While stationed in the UK, I had the life-changing opportunity to visit the Cereal Killer Cafe in London. A cafe devoted entirely to cereal, their walls were filled with selections from all over the world. Diners could craft their perfect combination of flavors, then choose from a variety of milks including chocolate or strawberry. It was a beautiful showcase of the endless possibilities that cereal offers.
Though typically poured into a bowl with milk, cereal is so much more than a food. It is a relationship builder, a learning tool, a craft supply. Core family memories are formed while teaching our kids to make Rice Krispie Treats and Muddy Buddies. Colors are learned and patterns are created with Fruit Loops. Cheerios become art when strung to make a necklace or formed into a self portrait. Cereal extends far beyond nutrition. It is an integral part of our lives.
While National Cereal Day definitely falls into the category of silly holidays, I truly am grateful for its existence. It has given me a chance to reflect on the many reasons I continue to list cereal as one of my favorite foods. It is often the simple things that bring us great joy. And of course, I will always appreciate an excuse to enjoy a bowl of cereal.