HOT CEREAL MERRY-GO-ROUND

Serves 5.

Note: The amount of water required to cook the cereal is directly dependent on the circumference and depth of the saucepan used; a wider saucepan will necessitate more water. Serve with a splash of warmed milk, half-and-half, heavy cream or coconut milk. See the accompanying tips list for more add-ins. From cookbook author Lisa Yockelson.

• 4 1/2 c. water, divided

• 1/2 tsp. salt, preferably coarse sea salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 c. old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 c. rolled wheat flakes

• 1/2 c. rolled spelt flakes

• 1/3 c. miller's bran (also known as unprocessed wheat bran; not bran cereal)

• 1/4 c. brown rice farina (also known as brown rice grits or creamy rice)

• 3 tbsp. golden flaxseed meal

• Dried fruit (see options above)

• 2 to 3 tsp. vanilla extract (optional; may substitute other sweetening agents; see above list)

Directions

Combine 31/2 cups water and salt in a large, heavy saucepan (preferably enameled cast-iron) and bring to a boil over high heat. If you are using one of the sweetening agents (see above list), now is the time to add it, stirring well to blend it into the water. When the water is boiling, sprinkle in the remaining ingredients, one at a time and in this order, stirring after each addition: old-fashioned rolled oats, rolled wheat flakes, rolled spelt flakes, miller's bran, brown rice farina and flaxseed meal.

Reduce the heat to low; cook for about 5 minutes, then stir in 1/3 cup of the remaining water, adjusting the heat as needed so the mixture bubbles gently. Repeat two more times, so the remaining 2/3 cup water is added at 5-minute intervals and the mixture has cooked during this stage for a total of 15 minutes.

After about 10 minutes of cooking, you can add dried fruit (whole or diced), as the fruit plumps beautifully and will not need rehydrating beforehand.

It is preferable to stir the mixture frequently, though not constantly, with a wooden spoon during the cooking time to keep it from sticking to the saucepan and to maintain an even texture. When cooked through, the ingredients should be tender and well blended. If you are adding vanilla extract, stir it in, to taste, once the saucepan is removed from the heat.

Divide the hot cereal among individual bowls. See the above list for garnish ideas.

Nutrition information per serving (cereal only):

Calories156Fat3 gSodium193 mg

Carbohydrates30 gSaturated fat0 gCalcium37 mg

Protein5 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber6 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 2 bread/starch, 1/2 fat.