Smooth and Delicious Farina

I confess that this dish takes me back to my childhood and a bit tongue in cheek, I’ve named this title after the song in the advertisement of oh those many years ago (Strong Wilhemina, eats her farina…smooth and delicious all boys and girls love it so, H-O). I smile every time.

The thing with farina is that it’s a filling and delicious breakfast (or breakfast for dinner) that simply needs you to stand and whisk it for 2 1/2 minutes. I think that’s a pretty good deal for a breakfast that will keep you comfort food filled for a good few hours.

If, however, you cheat and don’t stir stir stir for that period of time, you will be left with a noxious, stodgy lump filled mess which if you ever ate that, might have prejudiced you against farina. But is don’t have to be so, Joe.

I make mine for me and DH (and we’ve become real fans, specifically in winter, it makes me feel like a bear coming out of hibernation for it) with 1/3 cup of milk to give it that lovely creamy texture which delights you when it hits the tongue. It’s quick and easy and both kids and adults love it. Get your whisk ready!

This is for two servings, although DH gets the lion’s share. Start with a heaping 1/3 cup of farina (or a scanted 1/2 cup. You are aiming for between 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup).

Take out a non stick pot and using a measuring cup (yes, it matters, don’t eye it, I’m pretty good at that and I still measure the amounts) pour in water and bring to the boil and then add the milk, salt and sugar, bring back to the boil. In a slow stream, add the farina, whisking all the while. It take a minute or so but you will see the farina start to burble.

See it’s thickening up? Then it will start to bubble.

Whisk whisk whisk till a thickish creamy texture forms and it’s done. Make sure you have your bowls ready. Even though it retains heat quite well, if it stands for a while, it will thicken up. You can always thin it with a little water or milk.

Dig in (careful, it can be hot!) and lick your spoon. Creamy, delish and perfect comfort food for every day.

Smooth and Delicious Farina

a heaping 1/3 of a cup of uncooked farina (or a skimpy 1/2 a cup – you want between 1/3-1/2)
1 2/3 cup water
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Bring the water to the boil in a non stick pot, and add the milk, sugar and salt and wait till it is bubbling at the edges and slowly in a stream, add the farina, whisking the entire time without a letup. This is imperative or you will get nasty lumps and nobody will wanna eat it.

Keep whisking till it starts to look creamy and continue till it’s bubbling and whisk whisk whisk till it’s thickened up. Pour into two bowls and eat hot. Try not to lick the bowl.