Barley is a wonderful whole grain that helps build bones, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar and aid in weight loss, but we never think of eating it for breakfast. For this recipe, I’ve combined it with other bone-strengthening ingredients, such as molasses, figs, nuts and yogurt to make a delicious and well-balanced meal. This hot cereal reheats nicely on the stove top or in the microwave, but you may need to add a little water first.

- Jessica Siegel, Registered Dietitian

INGREDIENTS:
2 ½ cups water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup Springfield pearl barley, rinsed
1 tablespoon Brer Rabbit molasses
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon Wholesome Sweeteners organic agave
10 Nutra-Fig organic dried figs, quartered
3 tablespoons Jo San soy nuts
¼ cup Flanigan Farms walnut pieces
5 5.3-ounce cups Oikos Organic 0% vanilla Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS:
– Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add barley, molasses and cinnamon stick. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25 minutes.
– Stir in agave and fig pieces. Cover and cook 25 more minutes, until most of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in soy nuts and walnuts. Leave cinnamon stick in the pan if you will have left-overs, otherwise discard it.
– Serve 1 1/4 cups of hot cereal with one container of yogurt.

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