Breakfast Barley - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups water
1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups apple cider or 2 cups unsweetened apple juice
1 cup raisins (optional)

Preparation

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the barley and the cinnamon stick. Cook slowly over low heat for about 45 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Add the lemon juice, apple cider and raisins, if you are using them.
Continue cooking over low heat, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the barley is thick, about 30 more minutes.
Serve with milk or soy milk or eat plain.