Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Cold Cereal, Almond Milk, and Nuts

Pat and I like our cream of wheat and oatmeal with lots of fruit

I don’t have recipes for basic porridges like Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.  They are pretty easy, and probably come with their own directions. I eat it plain, but for my kids add in a pinch or two of salt, a tablespoon or two of butter, brown sugar, and a bit of vanilla. Then we pour some milk over the top to cool it down before eating. Leave it as-is or add spices, nuts or pumpkin seeds and/or a lot of fruit such as berries, pomegranate seeds, oranges, diced apples, raisins, craisins, dried figs or dates.  (You can buy Whole-Wheat Cream of Wheat too which tastes great).  

 

*Cream of Wheat tastes better made with milk instead of water 

For Oatmeal we do Steel-Cut oats more than Rolled oats.  Try sweeteners like jam, honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.  Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or cloves.  Always stir in lots of almond milk so it’s not too thick!  There are many other grains to make into a hot cereal. 

Sometimes I don’t want it hot, so I let the bowl cool down to room temperature before eating, or pour cold milk on it. Find what you like.

My favorite cold cereals are Rice Chex, Ezekiel cereal, Grapenuts, Kashi Autumn Wheat, and homemade granolas.




Soaked Nuts Put a small handful of raw almonds in water overnight.  This changes them, as they prepare to sprout, and makes them a living food when you eat them.





Almond Milk Recipe
1 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight in cool water
5 cups pure water (less to thicken, more to thin)
2 dates (pitted) for sweetness, or vanilla (I do not use these)
pinch salt (optional)

Blend almond with water in a high speed blender until creamy and smooth.  Keep it running for 1-2 minutes so you get the most out of your almonds.  Strain through a thin dishtowel over a mixing bowl.  Gather corners and lift up squeezing until all liquid in extracted.  Discard pulp or save to make baked goods.  Transfer milk to a pouring container and refrigerate.  Shake before drinking.  You can make homemade milk out of coconut, rice, oatmeal, cashews, etc.