I Dare You To Eat It

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!

FRESH INGREDIENTS

1 pkg. frankfurters

STORAGE INGREDIENTS

Instant mashed potatoes

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, drained

2 T. mayonnaise or salad dressing

1 T. dry instant minced onion

2 tsp. prepared mustard

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare instant mashed potatoes for 4 servings. Stir in pickle relish, mayonnaise, onion and mustard. Spoon into ungreased one quart casserole or small cake pan. Cut each frankfurter lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise in half. Insert frankfurter pieces upright around edges of mashed potatoes. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes.

This dish was originally called something generic like Hot Dog Casserole but I think Uncle Frank suits it much better. Let’s face it, the recipe is completely loveable AND just a little odd. Don’t get me wrong, it tastes good! Even one of my college age daughters helped herself to two servings. But…I would recommend letting the babysitter prepare and serve Uncle Frank when you and your husband have plans to dine out. Hey, if you’re using your food storage it’s easier to afford a healthy restaurant habit.

I could post a picture but you should probably see this for yourself, in person.

Years ago, I began planning our family dinners from the carbs up. (WHAT? HAS SHE GONE MAD?)

Monday: Wheat

Tuesday: Rice

Wednesday: Beans

Thursday: Pasta

Friday: Potatoes

I found that I needed to focus on the long-term storage items in order to get them incorporated into our daily diets. Is it the Word of Wisdom meal plan? As in D&C 89:14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, …  I don’t know. My favorite verses are: 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; 19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. 21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Food for thought.