Have you ever had varvara? It's an absolutely delicious, comfort food-y breakfast. And it also doubles as a dessert that you don't have to feel guilty about!
Named after St. Barbara (Agia Varvara, or Αγία Βαρβάρα in Greek), who's feast day is December 4th, this was a treat made to give out to the neighborhood kids as a wish for their good health. (And maybe as a bribe to stop them stealing your figs or pestering your goats.) This was the saint my mother insisted on naming me after. Seeing as St. Barbara was the patron saint of miners and artillerymen, I'm still not entirely sure why my mum decided to go this particular route, especially after the hullaballoo it caused in the family, but in any case, it stuck.
This dish is only slightly more involved than our usual quick recipes, but it's SOOOOO worth it. Cinnamon, nuts, fruit - it's a little creamy, a little crunchy, and 100% amazing. You can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for a several days - assuming it's not scarfed down sooner.
Kids love this, too, because it's sweet and dessert-like. If they balk at breakfast, give this a try.
Seeing as we're now well and truly in the Holiday Eating Season, this might be a nice healthy alternative for your breakfasts. It feels decadent, but only has a small amount of sugar and no fat to speak of, unless you include the healthy fats from the nuts.
Wheat berries can be found in health food stores or online. I got mine through Amazon.
Get some and give this recipe a try! You'll be glad you did.
Warmly,
Barbara
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