Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Hot Millet Amaranth Cereal


You Will Need
2-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup millet, toasted (see Tip)
1/2 cup amaranth
Honey, maple syrup or raw cane sugar
Milk or non-dairy alternative
Dried cranberries, cherries or raisins, optional
Toasted chopped nuts, optional

What to Do
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water to a boil. Add millet and amaranth in a steady stream, stirring constantly. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Serve hot, sweetened to taste and with milk or non-dairy alternative. Sprinkle with cranberries and nuts, if using.

Tips: For best results, toast the millet and amaranth before cooking. Stir the grains in a dry skillet over medium heat until they crackle and release their aroma, about 5 minutes.

Unless you have a stove with a true simmer, after reducing the heat to low I recommend placing a heat diffuser under the pot to prevent the mixture from boiling. This device also helps to ensure the grains will cook evenly and prevents hot spots, which might cause scorching, from forming. Heat diffusers are available at kitchen supply and hardware stores and are made to work on gas or electric stoves.

Slow Cooker Method: Use a small (3-1/2 quart) lightly greased slow cooker. Use a small (3 1/2 quart) lightly greased slow cooker. Combine ingredients in stoneware, adding 1/2 cup (125 mL) additional water to mixture. Place a clean tea towel folded in half (so you will have two layers) over top of the stoneware to absorb moisture. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or overnight, or High for 4 hours.

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