Hot Wheat Cereal

Pictured: hot wheat cereal, hand ground fine, topped with molasses and milk.

Original recipe from family.

Call it what you will--cream of wheat, cracked wheat, hot cereal, mush--this hot, unprocessed breakfast is fibrous, filling, and even boasts a bit of protein.  Like oatmeal, your topping options are endless.

Ingredients:

• 2 c water
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/2 c whole wheat kernels (3/4 c ground)
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped, opt
• raisins to taste, opt

Directions:

1. In a medium pan over high heat, bring water and salt to a boil.  
2. Meanwhile, grind wheat to desired coarseness--coarser wheat will take longer to cook.  With a hand grinder, we like to use the finest setting.  With an electric grinder, we use the roughest (though our electric grinder is still to efficient and usually makes a gelatinous consistency when cooked).  
3. When water boils, slowly pour ground wheat into pan, whisking as you go.  Fold in optional items.  Turn to low and simmer 5-20 min (depending on coarseness), adding more water as necessary.  
4. When water is absorbed and cereal is tender, serve with desired toppings.  
5. Also make this cereal for baby.

Pictured: hand ground cereal with yogurt and mulberry jam.