Robert's Most Yum Barley with Toasted Almonds and Golden Raisins
Ingredients two cups water one-half cup fine barley one-eighth teaspoon coarse kosher salt one-half cup whole almonds (without skins preferred) one-half cup golden raisins plus one-half cup water
Procedure Bring the two cups of water to a simmer. Wash and drain the barley. Add the barley and salt to the simmering water. Cover the pot and simmer for thirty minutes. You may need to cook it longer. Turn off the heat, remove the cover, and let the barley sit for ten minutes. It will continue to cook and excess moisture will evaporate. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees (F). Toast the almonds in the 350-degree oven for a few minutes until they are lightly browned. Place the raisins in a bowl and pour the one-half cup of water into the bowl. Let this sit for ten minutes or more. Fold the almonds and raisins into the barley and serve as a hot cereal. Salt and/or sweeten to taste.