For Cold Weather Mornings: Hot Cracked Wheat Cereal (with Coconut & Sesame Seeds)

Looking for an alternative to oatmeal that still delivers the same nutritional punch and sticks with you? Then try this really delicious hot cereal from the Weimar Institute. My mother in law has been making it for years and now it's become our Saturday morning breakfast.

We like to make it with soymilk--it adds a real creaminess. But you can make it with milk. The cracked wheat (look for it in the bulk foods section of your natural health food stores or prepackaged by Bob's Red Mill brand) adds a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. You will love the slight crunch from the sesame seeds and the natural sweetness brought by the dates (no extra sugar or honey is needed). I suggest using a nonstick pan, but any saucepan will do.

My toddler can't seem to get enough, but kids and adults all seem to like this.You can make it ahead of time and just reheat it and a little milk or soymilk (makes delicious leftovers).


HOT CRACKED WHEAT CEREAL
adapted from the Weimar Center of Health & Education

1 cup cracked wheat
2 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbsp. raw sesame seeds
8 pitted dates, chopped (note: these add sweetness)
½ tsp. salt
4 cups water (preferable to use milk or soymilk instead for a creamier texture)
Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Toast wheat and coconut by stirring constantly in dry saucepan over medium heat for several minutes, until lightly browned.

Add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a boil. (WATCH so the pot doesn't overflow and make a mess on your stove).

Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Serves about 4.