The United States of Grains

I was shocked at age 8 when I realized that not all bread was white.  As you can tell my mother did not make bread or buy anything but white sandwich bread when I was young.  Both she and I have changed with time.  Anyway,  when I started baking and making shortcake, I began looking at the cookbook and saw the bread section.  They talked about wheat bread.  Wait, I thought, isn't all bread made from wheat?  What's the difference in flour they are talking about?  With time I discovered the world of grains.  In college I spent about 3 months being a vegetarian.  Then again I also wore a crystal, dressed in black and walked around barefoot.  You have got to love college days.  There was this great middle-eastern store and restaurant.   There it was all about humus and new types of beans and cereals.  As I got older, I wanted to use these different types of grains in my everyday life, but wasn't sure where to start.

SO here goes my beginners tips to using grains in everyday life in a very simple way.  Today, let's just focus on breakfast.  If you are nervous about cooking just go for the whole grain cereals you can buy at the store.  Easy; cereal, milk, bowl and milk.  :)  Ready for a bit more, whole grain bread toasted and covered in butter and jam.  If you are up for cooking, then it is time for oatmeal.  My grandmother Dorothy was 100% Scottish and Oatmeal was at every breakfast. Ever her cats ate oatmeal.  There is a debate on whether whole grain oatmeal or quick cooking oatmeal is best, but hey, in the end it is all oatmeal.  The trick here is to work out the ratio that works best for you in water and/or milk to oatmeal.. First time out just follow the instructions and don't forget to stir.  With time try different amounts of liquid to see what is the consistency you like best.  Try adding different flavors with fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, tarragon, chocolate, nuts, etc (just not all at the same time, and yes I am being sarcastic)  Have fun with Breakfast.  Tomorrow we'll talk about lunch and feel free to leave your ideas for others to see too.