Creamy Wheat Berries with Honey

Name: Creamy Wheat Berries with Honey
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 3 cups milk (2% is fine, but don't use skim); 3 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste; 3 cups cooked Basic Wheat Berries (see note below); Generous pinch of ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1/3 cup pitted, chopped dates; Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

By Lorna Sass

September 19, 2013

In many cultures dating as far back as the Middle Ages, crunchy, toothsome wheat berries have been sweetened and served for holiday celebrations. In Russia, poppy seeds, walnuts, and raisins are added for a dish called kutya. In Turkey, a similar dish is called kofyas, and in Greece it's known as koliva.

The combination of wheat, honey, and dates has survived so long because it is heavenly. Serve small portions as it's quite filling.

Variations

• Use raisins or dried currants instead of dates.
• Stir in 1/2 cup chopped, toasted nuts just before serving—or use the nuts as a garnish.
• Press the cooked mixture into timbales and unmold onto dessert plates. Surround with pear or apple slices.

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