With the warm spice aromas and the belly-filling ancient grains, this porridge will carry you on a cold morning. Though it's not your typical Holiday recipe, this hearty dish can help sustain you during busy times. Make an extra batch and all you have to do for the next few mornings is add some toppings. 

Our monthly recipes were developed for the "Kids Can Plate" cooking class series and from Amy's years of teaching in the Healing Garden kitchen. These largely plant-based and whole food recipes are great to share with your family by cooking with them or treating them.

Winter Squash Porridge

Serves 2

Ingredients

PORRIDGE INGREDIENTS

2 cups of water
½ cup of butternut squash, cooked*
1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
pinch of sea salt
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
Generous pinch of nutmeg
Small pinch of ground cloves
1 cup ancient grain cereal (Maine Grains has a nice hearty mix)

TOPPING OPTIONS (ADD ONE OR TWO)

Chopped nuts
Dried fruit
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Crunchy granola
Chopped apple
Fresh raspberries
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Instructions

SQUASH INSTRUCTIONS

Steaming is the best way to prepare the squash for this recipe. This step can be done ahead of time!

1. Wash and cut in half. Scoop out seeds. Peel and roughly chop.
2. Bring about 2" of water to a boil in a pan.
3. Add the chopped squash to a stainless steel or bamboo steamer basket.
4. Place steamer basket in saucepan with boiling water, making sure the water level is below the basket.
5. Add a lid over the pan and basket. Steam for 6 minutes. Check if the squash is tender by piercing with a fork. If needed, steam for up to an additional 2 minutes until tender.
6. Once the squash is ready, turn off heat and carefully remove the basket from the pan.
7. Portion out ½ cup scoops into freezer-safe containers to freeze for later use.

PORRIDGE INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine and whisk the water, squash, nut butter, spices, honey, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and add the grains. Stir to combine and simmer for about 10 minutes until the grains have absorbed most of the liquid and are soft.
3. Turn off heat and serve. Have some fun with a variety of topping options!