Have it for breakfast for dinner on a chilly winter night, a midday snack, or anytime brunch: Cream of Wheat is endlessly versatile. This hot cereal is a brand name, but any type of farina can be topped with a variety of sweet and savory fixings. You can make it in bulk ahead of time, and have an assortment of meals ready for the week.
Sweet Additions
Syrups, sugars, and spices: Brown sugar and cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves, canned pumpkin, sugar, agave, or maple syrup.
Fruits: berries, mangoes, apples, bananas, tangerines, plums or raisins
Savory Fixings
Nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanut or almond butter
Cheeses: cheddar, Monterey jack, brie, feta, blue cheese or goat cheese
Meats: sausage, bacon or ham
Sample Combos
Mexican-inspired:black beans, corn, salsa and a pinch of chili powder, + farina
Vegetarian: cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, chopped tomato + farina
Dessert: stir chocolate chips into a warm batch of sweetened cereal, or mix in chunks of brownies or cookies. Cook the cereal with an egg yolk and some vanilla to create a thick, sweet pudding.
Tip
Adjust the amount and type of liquid (water, milk or cream) you use to suit the toppings you choose.