Instructions: Nutty nutritious barley is a versatile winter staple

To give winter meals an extra element of nutrition and a nice chewy texture, try recipes that include old-fashioned pearl barley. It has a nutty flavor that complements both savory and sweet dishes.

For an easy supper with Southwestern seasoning, serve Santa Fe Beans and Barley, with canned pinto beans, green chilies and Monterey jack cheese.

Or try a comforting dessert: Barley Baked Pudding, with toasted almonds, raisins, honey, eggs and milk.

Pearl barley is available in most supermarkets in the rice and pasta aisle.

You may wish to cook a batch of the barley and freeze 1 cup portions in airtight containers. Thaw the amount you need, fluff with a fork and add to soups, stews, casseroles and salads to give them a boost.

For more recipe ideas, send a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to: National Barley Foods Council, Dept. AP, 905 W. Riverside, Suite 501,

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