These days, most people use cornmeal to make cornbread or to dust their pizza trays before baking pizza. But cornmeal can also be used to make porridge or hot cereal. You could simply mix your cornmeal with water and milk, then boil it to make a simple cereal. Or, you could get a bit more creative and follow one of the hot breakfast cereal recipes below.
Caribbean Cornmeal Porridge
In the Caribbean, sweetened condensed milk is commonly used in coffee, other drinks, and various breakfast recipes. This recipe for cornmeal porridge plays on that trend. The result is a deliciously creamy and sweet cereal that's perfect for a cool, fall morning. To make two servings, you'll need:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sweetened, condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of cinnamon
Combine the water, cornmeal, sweetened condensed milk, salt, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the cereal from the heat, and let it cool for about 10 minutes, stirring it occasionally. It should slowly thicken up, becoming creamy and more uniform. Transfer the cornmeal to two bowls, and enjoy. You can sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top if desired.
Apple Nut Cornmeal
Applesauce and nuts combine to make this cornmeal dish nourishing and filling. The recipe calls for walnuts, and their flavour pairs really well with that of the apples and sweet cornmeal. However, you could easily substitute any other nut, such as pecans. To make two servings, you'll need:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- a pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons walnut pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Combine the cornmeal, water, salt, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the cornmeal mixture from the heat. Stir in the applesauce, walnuts, and cinnamon, if desired. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, stirring it occasionally. Then, transfer it to serving bowls. Depending on your appetite, you can add some more applesauce and walnuts on top, if you so desire.
Once you make one or both of these cornmeal breakfast cereals, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for this grain product. Cornmeal has a lovely texture when cooked like this, and its slightly sweet flavour sets it apart from other breakfast cereals like oatmeal. You may even decide cornmeal deserves a spot on your regular menu!
Check out a company like Dover Corn Products LTD for more information.
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