Doctor up plain Cream of Wheat with your favorite toppings.
Cream of Wheat is often classes as a "love it or hate it" type of food, as people often have strong feelings for the cereal, whether good or bad. Some people have fond memories of being served this creamy, hot wheat cereal as a child, while others remember the same experience with dread. If you don't like the taste, give Cream of Wheat another chance by adding additional flavorful ingredients. With the right toppings, you may just find yourself a convert. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Sweeteners
Plain sugar is the most traditional sweetener for Cream of Wheat, working wonders to enhance the flavor. For a more caramelized flavor, use brown sugar instead. Honey is also a great option, often adding texture as well as flavor.. If you want to avoid the added calories found in sugar, you can always use an artificial sweetener, or a healthy sugar alternative such as agave nectar. Vanilla and almond extract, when used in moderation, can also add a lot of flavor to Cream of Wheat.
Fruit
Fruit adds a refreshing lightness to Cream of Wheat, which is naturally heavy on the stomach. Small berries are easiest to mix in, such as blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries. Sliced bananas will easily melt into the hot Cream of Wheat with a little stirring. Harder fruits such apples should be chopped into small pieces and sprinkled on top of the cereal. You can also add dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries and apricots, which will become plump and juicy as they soak in the cereal.
Savory Ingredients
For a more savory alternative, add butter and salt to your Cream of Wheat. Experiment with fresh ground pepper, as well. Shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions also make flavorful toppings.
Spices and Chocolate
Sprinkle Cream of Wheat with sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to kick up the flavor and richness of the cereal. These spices also work well when adding other sweet toppings such as sugar or vanilla extract. Cocoa powder turns Cream of Wheat into a chocolate breakfast treat. You can also use chocolate syrup or chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. You don't have to stick to basic milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips either. Feel free to mix in white or dark chocolate chips as well.
Nuts and Grains
Nuts add a crunchy texture to Cream of Wheat. Crush your favorite nuts and add them to the hot cereal. Common nuts to add include pecans, walnuts, almonds and Macadamia nuts. You can choose to use sweetened, plain or salted nuts depending on your preference. Another idea is to add chunks of granola pieces into the Cream of Wheat. Use loose granola chunks from a health food store, or simply break up a granola bar and stir it in.
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