Kolliva is prepared as a memorial dish throughout Christian Orthodox lands. There are many possible variations and additions, but this is a basic version.

Ingredients

1 lb (about 2 c) wheat berries, available at health food stores Half a cup of sugar or honey 1 T cinnamon 2 T lemon juice 3/4 c. raisins 3/4 c. walnuts powdered sugar (for topping) Jordan almonds (for topping)

Instructions

Boil the wheat berries until "al dente," about ½ hour, then rinse and drain thoroughly. Mix with the other ingredients. Adjust proportions and add other dried fruits and nuts to taste. Common additions include sesame seeds, chopped parsley, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon candies.

Pour onto a platter and form into a round or oval mound. Press an indentation into the top in the form of a cross. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Line the cross and decorate the mound with Jordan almonds, and other fruits and nuts if desired. A lit candle is placed in the kolliva throughout the memorial service. Afterwards kolliva is served in small quantities, either on plates with forks, or in small cups with spoons.