In the Garden and Ancient Grains

I spent the morning drinking tea and working in a wet and muddy garden. I like to do my weeding when it's a little damp because it's so much easier to pull out those pesky things. I know it's not good to work in a wet garden because it's easier to spread disease and such but it's a price I am willing to pay for easier weeding. Weeding is the worst!

This year is turning out to be such a great garden year. My garden is bursting with green! We've been harvesting herbs and lettuce regularly and I can't wait until we have fresh peas and beans! My fingerling potato plants are basically skyscrapers and our strawberries are turning red and almost eatable! After weeding, I sat in my chair and listened to the birds, sipped cherry blossom green tea and blissed out for an hour until my stomach took over and I was ready for breakfast.

What's for breakfast?!

Amaranth is considered a "pseudograin." It was grown by those crazy-smart Aztecs for thousands of years. If they liked it, I am most decidedly down with the stuff. Amaranth is high in protein, fiber, vitamin B, and good fats and is gluten-free. Is there anything wrong with amaranth? Sometimes it can be difficult to cook since the seeds tend to stay crunchy while creating a soft consistency on the outside. It can take on a sandy porridge quality. You should still try it out for yourself because you may just love it like I do!

I like to make hot cereal with this stuff! You can even prepare a pot the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. It will be ready to hit the stove while you work on your face in the morning.

This recipe will make enough for two people.

1/2 cup amaranth rinsed

1-1/2 cups plain soy milk (or sweetened if you so desire)

pinch of cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

1 large apple (or other seasonal fruit that will stand up to cooking)

Place everything in the pot and bring to a boil stirring frequently. Cover pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until amaranth is soft. Top with your favorite nuts and more soy milk if you like your cereal to be swimming.

Have a great weekend my people!