The Seven Heavenly Manifestations of Wheat

These are the seven most Godly forms of wheat/grain (sorry gluten-free peeps and celiacs!), according to yours truly.

7) Couscous
this underestimated grain is a nice break from rice. ugh, everyone always makes rice. and may i say that, while rice is a versatile, it's just kinda icky and boring. but COUSCOUS is glorious and flavourful! i usually have it with some tasty meat - it's a really great change from steak & potatoes. the tiny little balls get all over the place usually! and pearled couscous has a different texture that is equally delicious. it can tend to get dry if not done well, though.

6) Udon noodles (and their close cousin, ramen noodles)
the squishy consistency of these long, thick noodles gives subsistence to soup. because they are so thick and doughy, they really absorb the flavour in the soup. a big bowl of chinese noodle soup is comfort food to me on a cool, rainy day. but adding these japanese noodles in the mix makes it that much more warming and filling. yummmmm....

5) Breakfast cereal
what's easier in the morning when you're half awake and hungry than a big bowl of slightly sweet cereal and cold milk? clearly, the inventor of breakfast cereal should have a statue somewhere (in my kitchen, maybe?). countless types of cereal are out there: flakes, Os and loops, little woven squares, marshmallows, round puffs, and pebbly puffs. and that's just the cold cereal! don't forget the wide range of hot cereals - porridge, cream of wheat, and oatmeal - that, while slightly more difficult to make (although instant oatmeal has slightly solved this problem) are equally as delicious and warm you up on a cold wintery morning.

4) Popovers
this little-known breakfast pastry has it's roots right here in America. or so says Wikipedia. if you have never tasted the deliciousness of a popover, I suggest you try some right away (preferably with raspberry jam or butter), or at least come over to my house and try some... after I figure out how to make them....
anyway, the name comes from the way the batter rises up and pops over the top of the pan, creating a fluffy, airy, biscuit-like muffin. it may be difficult to wake me up in the morning, but if these are on the menu, I'll be up and at 'em in no time.

3) Focaccia bread (and its best friend, sourdough)
my favourite food (although it may not seem like it today) is sandwiches. and while there are many things you can put in a sandwich, it really is the bread that makes it good. enter: focaccia bread. a squishy, flavourful italian bread, it has the consistency of all those good european breads, but without the long, awkward shape. it also has a certain light, doughy texture that absorbs the flavours you put on it. drizzle olive oil, ground fresh pepper, top with mozzarella, basil, and tomato for a filling, rustic lunch - YUM.

2) Cupcakes
woah, woah, need I say anymore? these heavenly little treats are all the goodness of a cake, in bite-size, to-go form. and because of their size, they have way more possibilities. it's easier to frost and decorate them; easier to share, store, and eat. I personally think they are easier to make, because you and your friends can fill the pan together. cupcakes have also become somewhat of a trend over the past few years; couples often choose to have a cupcake tower instead of a traditional cake at their wedding. whatever the reason, I'm sure you'll find, too, that cupcakes make baked goods short and sweet.

1) Pasta
what good Italian girl doesn't love her some linguine? or spaghetti, penne, ziti, capellini, parparadelle, or fusili? ah, the endless pasta possibilities. and not just the noodles, but the sauces, and add-ins, and dishes! oh my! you'll never be bored with the types of pasta out there - all the textures and flavors. I could go on and on. but pasta is super easy to make, too. almost everyone likes it. it's good anytime. bring it to a party, make it for a big group, or impress a date. from pasta salad to lasagne - shoot, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it all!


And maybe you don't agree on everything, but I think these are the best forms of grain out there.
xxo, S

P.S: Send me your recipes and pictures! COMING SOON: food by Colourscape