First try went horrible
Started craving pancakes bad last week but my stomach hates wheat. Saw this “gluten free millet flakes” bag collecting dust in pantry. Figured why not? Poured flakes straight into bowl like regular oats. Added almond milk and waited.
Big mistake. Ten minutes later it looked like cement. Tried microwaving extra minute – smelled like burnt popcorn. Spoon stood upright in that sludge. Chucked whole batch into trash. Felt so stupid.
Almost gave up completely
Next morning thought I’d be smart. Used fine mesh strainer to rinse flakes. Put pot on stove with double water this time. Boiled like crazy then lowered heat. Stirred every two minutes like baby sitting.
Then disaster struck:
- Phone rang – mom complaining about her neighbor’s dog
- Totally forgot the pot
- Smoke alarm blasted like crazy
- Burnt black crust glued to my favorite saucepan
Scraped that mess for 30 minutes with steel wool. Fingers smelled like campfire whole day. Felt like millet was trolling me.
Finally nailed it
Third attempt I treated flakes like rice. Measured water with knuckle trick: 1 cup flakes, 2 cups water, pinky touching surface. Bring to boil then immediately slap lid on. Turned burner OFF completely. Left it alone 20 minutes. No peeking.
Opened lid – fluffy clouds! Like magic! Mixed in frozen berries. Creamy texture but still chewy. Drowned mine in maple syrup. Kids actually asked seconds. Felt like kitchen champion.
Few things I learned hard way
- DO NOT STIR WHILE COOKING – flakes turn to glue
- Salt pinch makes flavor pop
- Works cold too – overnight fridge mush actually good
- Stores terrible – ziplocks leaked flakes everywhere
Now mason jars sit on counter. Breakfast ready in three minutes. Stomach stopped complaining. Might try savory version with veggies next week. That poor burnt pan though…