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Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat

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This creamy and smooth wheat porridge is naturally sweetened with maple sugar, banana chips, and dried blueberries, then finished with a sprinkle of almonds for a boost of nutrients and a satisfying, subtle crunch.

Cooking method: Just add water 

Approximate dry weight (per serving): 85g

Dietary preferences: High carbs, vegetarian, soy-free, egg-free

Macronutrients (per serving):

Carb Energy

48.1g | 192 kcal

Protein Power

9.3g | 37 kcal

Fat Fuel

13.2g | 119 kcal

Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat Ingredients

Before you go running to the store, let me give you the inside scoop on the key ingredients:

Cream of Wheat

Native to: Middle East (wheat)

Top 3 nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fiber

Cream of wheat is porridge made with ground wheat kernels. For this recipe, you can use instant or classic cream of wheat (note: you will just have to adjust the cooking time and water amount accordingly)

Maple Sugar

Native to: Northeastern North America (maple)

Top 3 nutrients: manganese, riboflavin, zinc

Easily found in most baking aisles, maple sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness along with that iconic maple flavor.

Dried Blueberries

Native to: North America

Top 3 nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber

Blueberries, maple, and bananas are a trio of flavours that work beautifully together—like the three amigos! If dried blueberries are hard to find, raisins make a good substitute, though blueberries are definitely worth the hunt if you can get them!

Banana Chips

Native to: Southeast Asia (bananas)

Top 3 nutrients: potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C

Banana chips are easy to find, but watch out for brands that add extra sugars and oils. While oils are often unavoidable in store-bought banana chips, ones with added sugars can definitely be avoided. Or, if you’re able, make your own banana chips!

Almonds

Native to: Middle East & South Asia

Top 3 nutrients: healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium

The almonds add a nice crunch and subtle flavour. Other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, are great alternatives or additions. 

Milk Powder (Cow Dairy)

Native to: world-wide (domesticated)*

Top 3 nutrients: protein, calcium, vitamin D

In addition to the sweet creamy flavour it provides, it adds a good amount of protein. You can use skim or whole milk powder, however, whole milk powder does have a noticeably better flavour. 

*Milk cows are not native to a single specific location but have been bred and developed from wild aurochs over thousands of years. Aurochs were native to various parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

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Instant vs Original Cream of Wheat

Instant Cream of Wheat:

  • Preparation: Instant cream of wheat is pre-cooked and dehydrated, requiring only adding hot water 
  • Cooking Time: Ready in about 1-2 minutes
  • Texture: Typically has a smoother, creamier texture since it’s processed to dissolve easily

Original Cream of Wheat:

  • Preparation: Made from whole grain wheat and requires longer cooking time. Add water and bring to a boil. Note: Requires more water than instant
  • Cooking Time:  Simmer for 3 minutes while stirring constantly
  • Texture: Often results in a heartier texture, with a more pronounced wheat flavour

The simplest choice is instant cream of wheat, but with a little extra work, original cream of wheat works too! Jump to How to prepare Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat for further specifications.

Storage Instructions

Here are some tips to help you maximize the shelf life of your Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat:

  • Keep stored in a sealable container or bag
  • Vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life by up to three times its normal duration! This is useful if you’re prepping lots for longer term use. 
  • Store in a cool, dry and dark place. For longer term storage, it’s recommended to keep stored in the freezer (especially if not vacuum sealed)

When you take these measures, your Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat can last for several months, up to a few years!

Instant Cream of Wheat

Preparing Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat is quick and easy, thanks to the instant cream of wheat and the absence of any ingredients requiring long soaking times.

Per serving:
  1. Add 2/3 cup boiling water 
  2. Stir
  3. Let sit for 1-3 minutes
  4. Stir & enjoy
Original Cream of Wheat

If you’re using regular cream of wheat, it’s still a speedy process! It only requires a few more minutes to cook – but does make for a sticky pot!

Per serving:
  1. Add 2/3 cup boiling water 
  2. Stir
  3. Let sit for 1-3 minutes
  4. Stir & enjoy
*If you’re making this at home (or out somewhere where you can bring milk) you can use fresh milk instead of milk powder. 

Cooking Tips:

  • Use a container with a lid to contain as much heat as possible… Have a packable insulated container? Even better
  • After cooking time is finished, add a few splashes of hot water if you find the meal dry

Maple Blueberry & Banana Cream of Wheat

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This creamy and smooth wheat porridge is naturally sweetened with maple sugar, banana chips, and dried blueberries, then finished with a sprinkle of almonds for a boost of nutrients and a satisfying, subtle crunch.
Course Breakfast
Servings 1
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet instant cream of wheat OR
  • 3 tbsp original cream of wheat
  • 2 tsps maple sugar
  • 1 tbsp whole milk powder
  • 1 tbsp dried blueberries heaping
  • 6 banana chips
  • 12 almonds roughly chopped

Instructions

Preparing meal:

  • 1. Combine all ingredients in a sealable container

Cooking meal (instant cream of wheat):

  • 1. Pour cream of wheat mixture into a bowl
  • 2. Add 2/3 cup boiled water and stir
  • 3. Let sit for 1 minute
  • 4. Stir & enjoy!

Cooking meal (original cream of wheat):

  • 1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil
  • 2. Slowly pour cream of wheat mixture into boiling water and stir
  • 3. Simmer for 3 minutes while stirring constantly
  • 4. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you're making this at home (or somewhere you can bring fresh milk), simply use it in place of water and skip the milk powder

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 48.1gProtein: 9.3gFat: 13.2gSaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 209mgFiber: 3.9gSugar: 20.1g
Keywords: backcountry cooking, just add water

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The Foodie Behind the Screen

Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.

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