Flip's five-grain Porridge
Flip Shelton's five-grain porridge is the perfect antidote to a chilly wintry morning. And the best bit is - you don't need a saucepan or a wooden spoon. The blend of five different wholegrains including rolled oats, rye, barley, triticale and spelt, is a textural sensation certain to excite tastebuds and energise bodies from the deepest of slumbers. Costing just 75 cents and with only 180 calories per serve - Flip Shelton's five-grain porridge is perfect for the hips and hip-pocket.
The golden haired girl and her three hirsute friends were certainly onto a good thing by eating porridge, because it's both delicious and nutritious.
Starting the day with Flip's wholesome five-grain porridge helps regulate appetite and cravings that creep in during the cooler months when our bodies attempt to store fat and keep warm.
Whether you love your porridge thick and chunky or smooth and creamy - Flip Shelton's five-grain porridge is a perfect start to the day.
Why? Because it's packed full of wholegrains which are rich in complex carbohydrates for a sustained energy release to keep you powered all morning.
After an early morning training session porridge will charge your body with much needed energy to replenish your muscles and mind.
In the winter we are more likely to stay in bed longer because of the colder darker mornings which then leaves us less time to have breakfast. Consequently many people use instant or quick oats to make porridge. These products however have a moderate GI which means the energy they provide is released more quickly into the blood stream (and therefore used more quickly) than whole grains which have a low GI, thus providing sustained energy.
Tried Flip's five-grain Anzac recipe yet?
HOW TO PREPARE IT - just add water!
The idea that you have to cook whole grains is a misconception. They just need to be soaked in hot water to soften and to warm you from the inside out.
Every one likes their porridge just a little bit different - just ask the Three Bears or Goldilocks. Some love it so thick the spoon stands unaided in the middle of the mixture. Others prefer a smoother start to the day. However you like it, porridge is a delicious and satisfying start to any day.
A recommended serve is ½ cup or 50 grams of dry mixture however this amount can be adjusted according to your own needs.
Recipes are for 1 serve.
1. Quick Sticks Porridge aka "Look Mum, No Pans!"
Place ½ cup (50 g) mixture into a small bowl.
Add ½ cup of boiling water.
Cover with cling film and set aside for five to ten minutes.
The nutty taste and texture means this porridge is delicious straight up however it goes fabulously well with some extras added to it. See the Serving Suggestions below for twelve ideas.
If you like your porridge piping hot, here's how to achieve that result.
2. Thick and grainy porridge
Place ½ cup (50 g) of grains and 1 cup of boiling water in a saucepan and stand for 10 minutes (while this is happening have a shower and make the bed)
Over a medium heat, stir mixture for 2 minutes.
Serve immediately.
3. Smooth and creamy porridge
Soak ½ cup (50 g) of grains in 1 cup cold water overnight.
Next day, add another cup of water (or for a creamier taste use milk) and over a medium heat, cook for 5 - 10 minutes or until you reach the desired consistency. You might like to add more water or some milk.
Serve immediately.
4. Microwave instructions
For one serve.
Use: Decor 1.125 litre 'cube' shaped container (I realise this is very specific but different bowls and containers give different results.)
Into it put:
- ½ cup Flip Shelton's five-grain porridge
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup full cream milk
(at this stage you can put in 1-2 heaped tablespoons of cranberries and 1-2 heaped tablespoons of pistachios plus ½ teaspoon of cardamom or 1-2 tablespoons blanched almonds and 1-2 tablespoons currants and ½ teaspoon cinnamon).
Place lid on loosely - allowing steam to escape.
Microwave on 50% power for 3 minutes.
Stand 2-3 mins for all liquid to be absorbed.
It will be thick but not gluggy without any liquid.
Stir and transfer to a warmed bowl.
Sprinkle with brown sugar.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS - the great add-on.
While I love porridge straight up, there are twelve different combinations of ingredients you can add for variety or to create a special occasion feast.
- Simple: a moat of cold or warm milk (dairy, soy, rice, oat).
- Rush: for those in a rush or want a rush pour an espresso or ½ cappuccino over the grains!
- Easy: a few sultanas and a sprinkling of nutmeg.
- Traditional: sliced banana, a sprinkling of cinnamon and a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Crunchy: slivered almonds, a freshly grated Granny Smith apple and a few currants for sweetness
- Sweet: a wedge of honeycomb stuck in the middle can BEE a cute way of serving porridge to overnight guests.
- Warming: a few pistachios with a sprinkling of cardamom and a drizzle of honey (or apple concentrate or rice syrup)
- Luscious: a few pecans and some chopped dates.
- Tropical: some freshly grated ginger, shredded coconut, macadamias and honey makes you feel like you are in paradise.
- Protein Punch: a beaten egg (stirred through one minute before the end of stovetop cooking) is especially good after a workout.
- Healthy: any warm stewed fruit - especially rhubarb, plums or apple is delicious dolloped on top.
- Decadent: for something a little bit naughty... grate some chocolate on top and watch it melt into the grains; for something that is naughty but nice... stir through a few buds of chocolate...for something really really naughty bury a Ferrero Rocher in the porridge and watch your family and friends' faces light up when they find their sunken treasure.
VALUE FOR MONEY - it's on the money!
Flip Shelton's five-grain porridge is perfect on the hip-pocket. One serve (1/2 cup or 50g dry mixture) costs just 75 cents. Add some extra ingredients and you've got a $1 meal deal!
You can't argue with that as far as value for money plus the benefit of a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
A kilo bag of Flip Shelton's five-grain porridge contains 20 serves so it will last a while - even if you have a house full of hungry hoards or a Papa Bear sized appetite.
The sturdy resealable bag makes it convenient to store but also means it travels well for weekends away, holidays and camping.
