Try Barley
Barley makes a natural choice for healthful eating. Like other whole grains, barley is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Studies show that the insoluble fiber found in barley can be extremely effective in maintaining regular intestinal function, which may help reduce the incidence of certain types of cancer such as colon cancer. Extensive research on barley's soluble fiber has shown that it can help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. So consider cooking up a pot of barley, and having it available for hot cereal, or to add to soups or salads. I tried the barley-apple pudding listed below, and found it quick to make and delicious!

If you try either of these recipes, please email me and let me know how you liked them.

Cooked Barley

Barley can be cooked in quantity, then stored in the refrigerator for future use. Use barley as a hot breakfast cereal, in soups, stews, as a side dish, or in puddings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups barley
• 4 ½ cups water

Directions:

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 ½ hours until tender.

Nutrition Information of Barley (per serving):
1 serving: 1 cup cooked pearl barley

Barley-Apple Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked barley
• ¼ cup water
• 2 apples, washed and grated (leave skin on)
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts.

Directions:

Combine first four ingredients and bring to boil over medium heat, reduce heat, cover and simmer until apples are done, around 15 minutes. Then add the last four ingredients.

Serve hot or chilled. Makes 4 half-cup servings.

Nutrition Information of Barley-Apple Pudding (per serving):

References:
http://www.washingtonbarley.org/recipes.html