BLACKBERRY BUCKWHEAT CEREAL

BLACKBERRY BUCKWHEAT CEREAL

I am thrilled that spring is finally here! It is absolutely beautiful here this week and although it was my intention to study I am finding myself slightly distracted with long walks out in the sunshine and pulling out all of my cookbooks for new inspirations. In keeping with nature, I find that every spring my body naturally craves lighter foods. It just feels so much better when I focus on lighter grains like buckwheat and quinoa, delicious superfood salads and of course my smoothies and juices. As beautiful as spring is we are all well aware that the April showers sometimes does more than bring the May flowers we all crave. The dampness of Spring might also increase inflammation for some. I find that eating lighter often gives my body the extra energy to cope with this. Whatever your situation is we all could definitely use more energy! The recipe below is my latest favourite morning boost. It is My Current Obsession.

Buckwheat is delicious, light and nutritious as well as being high in magnesium and fibre. It is a great alternative to grains for those who are sensitive to gluten as it is technically not a grain but a seed. I do like to soak my buckwheat over night to remove the phytic acid coating which eases digestion as well as increases the availability of the nutrients. The sweet spice I refer to in the recipe is an Ayurveda recipe that offers a warming quality to assist with digestion. I love it and put it in everything right now!

Vanilla adds a sweet, smooth, and lovely flavour, almost no recipe is complete without it in our home.

Blackberries are full of antioxidants, fibre and sweet flavour. I know I have said that pears are my favourite fruit but I really love blackberries too. Classified as a super food coconut oil may boost brain function and improve cholesterol levels. A definite must have for all pantries.

BLACKBERRY BUCKWHEAT CEREAL

2 Cups of Water
1/2 Cup Dry Buckwheat, roasted or raw
1-2 Tsp of Sweet Spice or Cinnamon1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup of Blackberries
2 Tsp Coconut Oil
1/2-1 Tsp Lemon Zest                                                
Splash of Coconut Milk/Almond Milk
1-2 Tbsp Hemp Hearts
Optional/Handful of Walnuts or Almonds

SWEET SPICE MIXTURE

2 Tbsp Cinnamon
2 Tbsp Ginger
1 Tbsp Cardamom

 For the Sweet Spice Mixture mix the ingredients into a mason jar for easy storage. Easily accessible for adding to smoothies, cereals, granolas, and even chia seed pudding.                                                 

For the Cereal,

 In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to boil. Rinse the buckwheat in a strainer. Adding the buckwheat, spice mix or cinnamon and the vanilla to the boiling water. Turn the heat down low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat adding the blackberries & coconut oil.

Top with additional berries, lemon zest, coconut milk & hemp seeds or nuts. 

Enjoy!