Three-Grain Cereal with Sunflower Seeds and Fruit

• 1/4 cup flaxseed
• 1 1/2 cups steel-cut (Irish) oats
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried sweet cherries
• 1/3 cup oat bran
• 1/3 cup untoasted wheat germ
• 1/3 cup sunflower seed kernels
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 9 cups water

Place flaxseed in a spice or coffee grinder; process until coarsely ground. Combine flaxseed, oats, and remaining ingredients except water in a large bowl, stirring well to combine.

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; add cereal. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 (1 1/2 c. prepared--1/2 c. dry); 327 calories.

VERDICT: I followed the microwave directions for this, which did not work at all (in retrospect, I think I should have started with boiling water), but even once I got it cooked, this was ickily viscous and not very good. Part of my problem might have been the substitution of mixed dried fruits for golden raisins and cherries, but I will not make it again to find out. Toss.