Easy Homemade Cream of Wheat

Did you know that Cream of Wheat is basically just wheat flour? Well, I don't know what's on the ingredient list on the package from the store, but you can make your own with basically just wheat flour!
When we hear of the handcart pioneers surviving on a few ounces of flour that they'd make into a gruel, this is what they were talking about. Except the poor things didn't have sugar. Or vanilla. Or chocolate. Thankfully we do so we can make it tastier! You can make all sorts of flavors!

Easy Homemade Cream of Wheat
3 c. water
3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla, optional

Put the water in a medium saucepan. Carefully whisk in the whole wheat flour until it is all mixed and there are no lumps. Add the sugar and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat a little and continue stirring until it thickens to your liking. Serve with milk, if desired, to thin it out a little.

Variations:

Peanut Butter Cookie
Add 1/3 c. peanut butter with the sugar and salt

Chocolate
Add 1-2 T. cocoa with the sugar and salt
(The amount of cocoa depends on how rich your cocoa is. I sometimes have a Dutch blend one that is super rich and so I need less with that)

Recipe adapted from HillbillyHousewife