I served this porridge to Larry and my brother Brian for breakfast. It was Brian’s first time eating quinoa, and it probably wasn’t my best choice.

I used hemp milk and dried blueberries, although I added more blueberries than the recipe specified. Larry didn’t love the orange, or the chunk of star anise I forgot to fish out. I used a combination of regular plus black and red quinoa for a more interesting look.

Still, I love the idea of grain porridge for breakfast. I think this is a good start but the recipe can be improved – cinnamon, blueberries and honey would be perfectly adequate, and vanilla would be even better. Maybe some sliced toasted almonds on top – and really, the same technique could be used for most grains (some earthy, chewy farro will take longer to cook but sounds delicious). The recipe can be found here.

• Quinoa and Sweet Spice Oatmeal (Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet)