Welcome to the kick-off post for my new series, Crop of the Month! For more information on this series, check out the Crop of the Month introduction.
Our first crop, you guessed it, is wheat! And I figured I would kick it off with a great recipe to get your morning going involving WHEAT!
Later on this week, I will discuss how wheat can be a healthy part of your diet and the reason I believe wheat is demonized in our society. There is no need to fear wheat as a part of a balanced diet and jump on the gluten-free trend that has been booming.
Anyway, I was super intrigued by the idea of utilizing wheat berries in my cooking. It was not a grain I was familiar with cooking, so I researched a couple of recipes.
They recommended pre-cooking the wheat berries and then freezing them to use in recipes. Genius! I simply rinsed my hard red spring wheat berries well and then boiled them for an hour. I used 1 cup of wheat berries, 3 cups of water, and a little bit of salt brought to a boil on the stovetop. Then I covered and simmered for about an hour, I checked them after a half hour though. Once done, I drained them and let them cool before I put them into a ziploc in the freezer.
This cereal is seriously SO GOOD! The wheat berries add a lovely texture to it. I’ve also pre-made this cereal the night before and popped it in the microwave in the morning. Easy!
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (I used cranberries)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pre-cooked wheat berries
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)
- Place oats, dried fruit, and milk in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Stir to combine. Microwave uncovered for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in pre-cooked wheat berries and microwave again until hot, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Let stand for 1 minute. Enjoy!
Perfect start,
Wheat has many flavors to share. Around my age 14 our family started making our Cereal, and the textures, flavors can be altered some. Malted, (just begin sprouted) re-dried and crushed, (not hammer-milled) is my favorite.
Yummm!! Totally trying this!
Thanks for all the talking you do about wheat foods. I hope you do use our website–and subscribe to our E-Kernels newsletter. If not, there is a hotlink on the website to sign up.
Best wishes,
Judi