I have decided I will occasionally post entries about pantry items I love and feel are really useful for when we have no time to make everything from scratch. I wish I could not use any processed ingredients, but convenience sometimes rules when you have 3 children and 2 parents with jobs.

This is a lovely staple in my pantry. Ancient Grains Heritage Grain Blend.This mix includes red and white quinoa, par-boiled brown rice, wild rice and amaranth.

Cooks up pleasantly chewy and really tasty if you season the pot during cooking or cook in broth.

My favorite way to cook this product is with water and Penzey’s Chicken Soup Base. It tastes so much richer than any other bullion and even better than stock or broth. Go get you some!

NUTS AND BOLTS

• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 cup Heritage Grain Blend
• 1 Heaping Tbsp Chicken Base

WHAT TO DO WITH IT ALL

Place water in a pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil with the soup base to dissolve. As soon as the base dissolves to create your stock, add the grains to the pot and stir.

Cook uncovered at a low boil until most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. So simple!

ADD-INS

Add any of these after cooking to make more of a complete meal or side dish. Get creative as well. Let me know if you try something that works!

• 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (flavor of your choice). Do not drain
• 1 can Beans of Your Choice, Drained and Rinsed
• Raisins or Diced Apricots
• Frozen Peas
• Chopped, cooked Greens, Like Spinach

MONKEY METER

The eldest adores this, as is or with various Add-ins. 4.5 of 5

The twinkies call it rice and will eat it whenever I make it happily. They particularly like when I add tomatoes and beans. 5 of 5

The grown ups love it and even know it is meant to be a healthy grain. 5 of 5