Healthful whole grains can be featured in every part of your meals: breakfast cereals, salads, soups, main dishes, and even desserts. Try these recipes that use cooked whole grains sweetened with fruit and seasoned with fragrant spices.

If you're not sure how to cook whole grains, where to find them or even what they are, read the section on whole grains in The Good Food Book. It's online and it's free. The link after the recipes, below.

Banana Rice Pudding
2-4 ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups cooked oats, brown rice or barley
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon dessert spice blend or cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a microwaveable dish and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the bananas are soft and the grains are heated through. Stir and serve.

Variations: You may add raisins, currants, pieces of dried apricot or other fruits, or tiny pieces of candied ginger if desired. If you wish, add a little of your favorite flavored liquer or rum. Garnish with fresh fruits or sprinkle with a little dessert spice blend.

4-6 servings

Carrot Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

4 cups shredded carrots (use a food processor)
1 cup bouillon
2 cups cooked oat groats or barle
1 cup soy milk
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon dessert spice blend

Bring the carrots and bouillon to a boil in a medium saucepan and cook, stirring, about 10 minutes or until the carrots are soft. Drain off any excess bouillon. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

4-6 servings

Quickest Rice Pudding
1/2 to 1 cup of cooked whole grains such as brown rice or barley
4-5 tablespoons of your favourite flavoured yogurt -- vanilla, blueberry or any fruit flavor
Options: sliced bananas or other fruit, a handful of nuts or raisins

Combine these ingredients and you're ready to eat! If you like warm pudding, heat the cooked grains first in the microwave for a couple of minutes, then mix in the yogurt.

Yield: One serving

Read my Good Food Book FREE, with 100 healthful recipes.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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