Creamy Wheat Porridge

serves four

Oatmeal is a popular breakfast at our house, but this oatmeal alternative receives special cheers from my kids whenever they see it on the stove. Use whatever variety of wheat berries you have available, but we find we especially prefer soft wheat. We also like to make this recipe with millet. Swirl some Simple Berry Sauce into your bowl to make it even snazzier.

1½ cups soft wheat berries or millet

2½ cups whole milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Place the wheat berries in a bowl, cover them with several inches of water, and soak overnight.

The next morning, drain and rinse the wheat berries and place in a blender. Pulse for about 1 minute, or until the wheat berries resemble steel-cut oats. (Add 1 cup water if the blender gets stuck.)

In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk, butter, salt, and 2 cups water to a gentle boil.

Add the wheat berries and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until softened. Serve with maple syrup, a drizzle of cream, or fresh fruit and nuts.