Fruit & Nutty Cream Of Wheat

When the weather is chilly or just down right cold, I tend to head straight for a box of Cream of Wheat. 

Now, I love it just on it's own, but some mornings I feel the need to play a little bit of dress-up with it.  Dried fruit & nuts are an instant hit and give you a bit more to help you get through the morning.

First I heat the milk (or you could use water) In a small saucepan until it comes to a low boil. Once it starts to boil, I turn the heat down to low. Add a little salt. Then add in the Cream of Wheat and stir with a whisk until it thickens.

You've got to watch it though, Cream of Wheat tends to thicken up in an instant and can easily scald on the bottom of the pan.

As soon as it's done, pour the comfort cereal into a bowl.  If the cereal has become thicker than you like, simply at a tablespoon or two of milk and stir until you get the desired thickness. 

Then  top with dried fruit. (I like cranberries and golden raisins)

And then some pecan pieces. And if you need some more sweetness, add a little bit of raw sugar to taste.

Why raw sugar?  I don't know, it just seems to go well with warm cereals. You could also add a dash of cinnamon if you're feeling it. (I highly recommend it)

Isn't that a pretty bowl of comfort?

 

Then stir it all around. Mmmm

When I want to be really bad I toss in a few dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. *Hee hee*

Fruit & Nutty Cream Of Wheat

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1 c. Milk or Water
3 Tbsp. Cream of Wheat
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Raw Sugar
1/4 c. Mixed Dried Fruit, Raisins & Cranberries
1/4 c. Pecan pieces
Dash of Cinnamon (optional)
A palm full of dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

In a small saucepan, heat milk or water to a boil.

Reduce heat to low.  Add Cream of Wheat and salt.

With a whisk, stir constantly until cereal thickens.  Be careful to avoid scalding the cereal on the bottom of the pan.

Once thickened, pour cereal into a bowl.  Add sugar and sweeten to taste. (Optional: Add a dash of cinnamon)

Add dried fruit and pecans.

Stir and enjoy!