three bears buckwheat porridge

three bears buckwheat porridge (papa bear, mama bear and baby bear helpings)

i like to always change it up when it comes to our meals. it's not often that it actually happens. it's so easy to get in the routine of buying the same ingredients for the same types of meals...based on what we like and what becomes a cinch to pull together. but when i do try new things, i'm always happy i did.

recently it was buying buckwheat (when toasted also known as kasha) from the grain bins. this whole grain improves your circulation, great for cardiovascular health, has necessary amino acids (i've read, a more complete protein from a plant source than even soybeans) and packed full of protein. i didn't really look at any ways to prepare it, just followed the directions of 1 part buckwheat to 2 parts water and served it as i would our side of rice at dinner. none of us really loved it as a side that night, in terms of it being a substitute for rice, alongside salmon and asparagus with lemon butter....but when i had the bright idea of making it a hot cereal for us the next day, my thoughts on kasha immediately changed. apparently using it as a cereal is common and you should check out recipes in your cookbooks and online.

emily and i started a tradition of breakfasts together once a week on my day off, a couple of months back. so i gave it a whirl at one of our thursday get-togethers. it has since made it's way to our breakfast table on numerous occasions. the toasted groat, gives it a very nutty flavor, which is so hearty in the morning. i'm spreading the word, because aside from being packed full of great nutrients and being more rarely used grain, it really is a tasty creation!!

buckwheat hot cereal (feeds approx 4)

3/4 cup dry buckwheat (kasha)

1.5 cups of water

one can of light coconut milk

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 dash of nutmeg

top with dried cranberries and cashews (or whatever berry and nut you prefer)

cook buckwheat and water as you would rice, by bringing water to boil, adding buckwheat and turning it down to simmer with lid on for 15-20 minutes.

after buckwheat is cooked, add coconut milk, vanilla, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir (keeping the flame on simmer, just to stir it all together)

spoon it in to a bowl add your desired toppings and dig in. great way to start your day.