WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH DRIED APRICOTS, PICTIONARY
It’s something that almost never happens, but we have three dinner parties in a row this weekend! I decided to prepare three recipes of the Wheat Berry Salad with Dried Apricots. It was such a great success when I served it to friends a few days ago and…desperate times call for desperate measures.
One thing I’ve learned about recipes with cooked whole wheat berries is that the flavor improves with time. Considering my crazy schedule, anything that can be prepared ahead of time is a huge advantage.The actual recipes are posted under the wheat section on the recipe page. Here’s how it works.
Start with whole wheat kernels that have been fully cooked and slightly chilled.
I try to always have frozen bags of cooked wheat berries stored in the freezer. This is an excellent way to use up and rotate wheat that’s been stored for many years. While older wheat may not perform well as flour for baking bread, it still has superior health benefits and works perfectly when cooked like rice and added to soups, salads, and casseroles.
Microwave the frozen bags of cooked wheat berries approximately 3 minutes per bag until the kernels are loosened and separated.
Gather all the other ingredients while the wheat is in the microwave.
Measure and combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
My secret ingredient is apricot jam. I think this recipe needs just a touch of added sweetness so I would suggest 1 tablespoon per recipe of either white sugar, brown sugar, honey, or apricot jam.
It only took me 30 minutes to prepare three salads for three separate dinner parties!
This is exactly why food storage makes so much sense on a daily basis. Because I have a supply of wheat on hand I can continually find new and interesting ways to serve it to my friends and family. Livin’ the dream!
Tags: cooking for the masses, salad with whole wheat berries, using long-term storage
February 8th, 2009 at 12:01 am
You are amazing and oh so inspiring! I can’t wait to start my food storage. Thanks so much for all your posts and recipes. Can’t wait to get a hold of one of your books!
February 8th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Thank you Liesa for the yummy salad!! It really is deliscious and the combination of flavors work so well togather. I plan on making this for a quilt group luncheon but I’m going to try adding some chicken to make it more of a complete meal. I’ll let you know how it works out. Thanks again, xoxo.
February 8th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Sarah I’m so happy you’re starting to build your food storage! It’s an amazing concept. It’s amazing how much it helps, even people like me, who don’t really like to cook, develop better skills. I wish everyone had your enthusiasm. Make it happen, girl!
February 8th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Thank you Kris. You guys are great sports about trying new things. The idea of adding wheat to the salad sounds perfect. Let me know how it turns out!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
This sounds so great.
Do you have the actual recipe that I can copy? Thanks for all your awesome ideas!!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Hey Koni! I’m so glad you said something. This recipe is posted on the recipe page under the list of wheat recipes. Twice! You’ll also find it if you type “wheat berry salad with dried apricots” in the search box. Send me an email if you have any other problems. And thank YOU for saying Hi!