Grainy Berries & Fruity Berries

Wheat berries cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce, yogurt, fresh berries and nuts.  Can you think of a better breakfast parfait?  The berries are locally grown in Terra Alta, West Virginia, on the farm of my good friend Tom McConnell.  The recipe was inspired by Martha Rose Shulman.  

Wheat Berry Parfait

(Serves 2)

Bring berries and water to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.  Place in refrigerator overnight.
1/4 cup wheat berries
1 cup water

Add water, honey, spices and dried fruit to the wheat berries.  On stove top, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.  Remove lid the last few minutes to evaporate some liquid.  (Do not completely evaporate as the juice is very tasty).
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon dates, chopped
1 tablespoon dried apricots, chopped

Layer yogurt, wheat berries and fresh berries in a bowl.  Top with chopped walnuts.
2/3 cup Greek Yogurt
1 cup strawberries, diced
1/2 cup blackberries
2 tablespoon chopped walnuts 

I was so please to see that Tom now sells several of his local farm goodies.  I've purchased his pinto beans and hard red spring wheat at WorkingH Farm Store near Friendsvile, Md.  He's added these wheat berries, wheat bran and more.  These products are also for sale at Fish Hawk Acres and Wild Ramp Stores. 

Here are the multigrain pancakes I made with Tom's Hard Spring Wheat for another tasty breakfast:  

                               Multigrain Pancakes

Enjoy your weekend!