Warm Up to Summer

As summer hasn't quite yet shown up on Canada's West Coast, I've been starting most days off with a warm bowl of oatmeal.  This Toasted Four-Grain Cereal recipe is a welcome change from just my usual whole oat groats.

(photo from www.finecooking.com)

Toasted Four-Grain Cereal
(Source: www.101cookbooks.com)
Makes enough for 4 batches of cereal; each batch yielding 2-3 servings

Cereal Blend:
1 cup oat flakes
1 cup rye flakes
1 cup barley flakes
1 cup spelt flakes

Make a jar of four-grain cereal blend by combining the above ingredients.  Store in an airtight container and you'll have enough to make four batches with each batch yielding 2-3 servings.

The night before you want the cereal for breakfast, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan.  Add 1 cup of the four-grain cereal mixture and stir well to coat.  Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and continue to cook, stirring often, until the grains have really toasted and are quite fragrant.  They'll give off a lovely, nutty aroma (approximately 5-7 minutes).  Remove from heat, add 2-2/3 cups of water and leave overnight.

In the morning, heat the cereal over medium-high heat until itcomes to a simmer.  Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often until the cereal is cooked through.  The longer you leave it, the thicker it will get so remove from heat when it's to your liking.  If it gets too thick, just thin by adding a little water.

To keep it interesting add any toppings or sweeteners of your choice.