Kasha with Brown Butter Pears:

Kasha is toasted buckwheat, which is found in health food sections of grocery stores.  Brown butter and sweet pears enhance its naturally nutty flavour. Serve for breakfast.

2 cups milk
2 cups water
3/4 cup kasha
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (divided)
1/4 cup butter
2 soft ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped
Pinch cinnamon

In saucepan, bring milk and and 2 cups water to boil.  Stir in kasha and 3 Tbsp. of the sugar; return to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and stirring often, until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in skillet, melt butter over medium heat until foaming and nutty brown, about 2 minutes.  Add pears, cinnamon and remaining sugar; cook, stirring, until pears are softened but still retain shape, about 5 minutes.  Stir into kasha. Makes 4 serving.

KASHA: Whole grain buckwheat, this gluten free grain is related to the rhubarb family (not wheat, as the name suggests).  It is available plain or toasted; both have a nutty, earthy flavour.