I Heart Hemp Hearts!!!!

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts

When nuts are not on the menu, do you have to give up that nutty, crunchy, healthy goodness altogether?

Of course not.  As I keep saying, even when there are foods (sometimes lots) you can't eat, there are always way more that you can.

Case in point ... Hemp Hearts.  I just bought a bag of Hemp Hearts from Manitoba Harvest at Whole Foods yesterday.  I've been wanting to try them, and when I found out that Manitoba Harvest has a facility that is free from dairy, soy, nuts and gluten, I felt comfortable giving these little lovelies a try.

They are so good.  We tried them right from the bag, and they were pretty good.  I would definitely sprinkle some on salad.  What I really enjoyed, though, was toasting them up in a dry frying pan for a minute or two.  They achieved a lovely, nutty flavor.  I can't wait to cook with them.

I also am going to whip up some of Ricki Heller's Hippie Dippy Hemp Milk, because like Ricki, I don't care for boxed hemp milk, but think that fresh could be wonderful.  

For my first foray, I added some toasted hemp hearts (raw shelled hemp seeds) to oatmeal for a power breakfast.  (Of course, I added blueberries since they're still delectable at the farmer's market, though diced apples would also be delicious!)

Hemp Heart Oatmeal
Makes 2 generous or 4 smaller servings

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 3/4 cups rolled oats (gluten-free, if necessary)
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1/2 cup blueberries
drizzle of maple syrup
non-dairy milk beverage to taste

Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil.
Add oats, reduce heat and simmer 3-5 minutes or until oatmeal is desired consistency.
While water is coming to a boil, heat hemp hearts in a dry skillet over a medium flame for a minute or two to lightly toast.
Top cooked oatmeal with toasted hemp hearts and blueberries.
Drizzle a little maple syrup and add non-dairy milk to taste.

How do you like your hemp? 

Happy Cooking!

Kim

My new book, Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen- & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.