Grainy Goodness and Beauty

She was perfectly quiet now, but not asleep — only soothed by sweet porridge and warmth into that wide-gazing calm which makes us older human beings, with our inward turmoil, feel a certain awe in the presence of a little child, such as we feel before some quiet majesty or beauty in the earth or sky — before a steady glowing planet, or a full-flowered eglantine, or the bending trees over a silent pathway.

George Eliot (a.k.a. Mary Ann Evans), English Victorian novelist (1819-1880)

Every morning for the past few weeks I relive wonderful breakfasts beside a cool, clear lake and amidst towering trees by making "Obed porridge". I feel as soothed and as warmed as George Elliot's child.

The instructions I received are quite simple: "Just mix one portion of whatever grains you like with a double portion oats; pour over some dried fruit in the bottom of a pot; sprinkle in some salt; pour four portions of boiling water over top; cover pot and let it sit overnight. In the morning, cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil."

As I mix the grains together I'm struck by their beauty. They are the epitome of health. Tomorrow's porridge is a mix of kamut, spelt and kasha grains with sunflower, sesame, flax and chia seeds, hemp hearts and steel cut and rolled oats, and sweetened with coconut chips and dried cherries. The next morning will be different. I'm not a breakfast eater but I love this grainy goodness!