I figured I would share some strategies for grain bowls.

Start by choosing a grain. It could be something as simple as rolled oats, but it might also be something slightly more adventurous—like steel-cut oats or millet or even the brown rice left over from last night’s dinner. I happen to be a fan of kasha, a nutty tasting grain also known as buckwheat groats, and which my family ate often when I was growing up. 

I’m going to assume that your grains are already cooked, in which case you should scoop out a one-half cup serving into a nice little round bowl. If you need directions on how to cook the grain you’ve chosen, there are plenty of charts on line. 

My recommendation would be to make more than you will need. That way you’ll have some ready for the next recipe, or the next grain bowl. If you suspect that may not be for a while, cooked grain freezes really well and you can pull it out when you need it. Each grain is a little different and it’s worth trying ones you’ve never had before if you’re feeling up to it. If not, stick with what you know. 

Now let’s get back to the bowl. Add a little water if necessary to moisten, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon, and heat the grains in the microwave for 45 seconds or so until they’re warm and cozy. Now comes the fun part. By the way, there are no wrong answers here, and no wrong ingredients. You’re just going to pick a few simple or exotic things to spoon over your grain. If you only have a couple of yummy things from the list below, then that’s what you’re going to use.

First pick one of these, and drizzle it into one corner of the bowl:
1 Tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 Tbsp. peanut butter
1 Tbsp. almond butter

Then pick two or three of these and place them in other spaces around the grains:
1/4 cup sliced banana
2 Tbsp. blueberries, rinsed
2 Tbsp. raspberries, rinsed
2 Tbsp. blackberries, rinsed
1 Tbsp. dried goji berries
1 Tbsp. raisins or currants
1 Tbsp. dried apricots, sliced thinly

Now pick one or two of these, and sprinkle all over or pour into the bowl:
2 Tbsp. almonds, slivered
1 tsp. sesame seeds
1 tsp. flax meal
2 tsp. coconut flakes
1/4 cup milk OR yogurt (dairy or nut milk is fine) 

And, finally, make space in the middle for one of these:
1 Tbsp. blackberry jam (or strawberry, or blueberry)
1 Tbsp. orange marmalade
1 Tbsp. honey
2 tsp. apple butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

And that’s it. You can eat this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great option for children who would enjoy making their own bowl. It’s a beautiful way to start the day with a house full of guests of all ages who amble into the kitchen looking for something to eat for breakfast.
You can double or triple the recipe.
You can make extra and eat it tomorrow.
Your grain bowl.
Your choice.