Wheatberries and Blender Wheat Pancakes

I know you've been wondering where I have been.  Well, I was just called as Relief Society President in our ward so I've been BUSY!  The first activity we had (2 weeks after I was called) was a ward activity on cooking with wheat.  I didn't realize you could make such delicious foods using wheat--actually using wheat berries.  Cooking wheat berries provide an excellent way to extend meats, enhance soups and stews, add nutrition to desserts and introduce your family to the wonderful taste of wheat.

Pictured above are the Blender Wheat Pancakes, which were absolutely delicious--and so easy.  I've also included some of the other recipes we made that were unbelievable.  Yes, unbelievable because they tasted so good.  So hope you enjoy, but be careful if you're not use to eating wheat.  Don't eat too much at one time.  But these recipes are so good it will be hard to stay away!

Wheat Berries

1 cup wheat kernels
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups water

Combine ingredients.  Bring to a boil and let simmer about one hour.
Now you can eat them hot and cooked (great breakfast food).  You can add brown sugar and milk, or even a little honey.  You can use wheat berries like you would use rice and you can use them in the following recipes.

Blender Wheat Pancakes

1 cup uncooked wheat berries
1 cup milk
Blend about 3 minutes and then add:
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
Blend until well mixed.

Cook on hot griddle and serve with toppings of your choice.


Boston Baked Wheat

4 cups wheat berries
1/2 - 1 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
1 onion , sauteed
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses
3 - 4 teaspoons mustard
3 slices bacon, cooked and diced
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together and bake 30 minutes at 325 degrees. 


Wheat Chili

1/2 pound hamburger
4 ribs celery, chopped
l large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cups cooked chili beans
1 quart whole tomatoes, chopped (or use diced tomatoes)
2 cups wheat berries
3 - 4 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Brown hamburger with onion, celery and green pepper.  Add beans, wheat, tomatoes, and seasonings.  Bring to a simmer for the flavors to blend.  Taste test for personal spiciness.
**You can add wheat berries to your favorite chili recipe.


Tuna Wheat Salad

2 large cans tuna (drained)
2 1/2 cups wheat berries
1/2 cup celery, diced
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Mix all together and serve as salad, sandwiches, or on crackers.


Wheat Berry Waldorf Salad

5 cups wheat berries
2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup seedless raisins
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar

Mix together and serve.  You can also add craisins and mandarin oranges.


Well, better end this post now.  Gotta go to a meeting!