place 1/3 cup of barley in a blender. process until coursley ground. place ground barley in a large saucepan. repeat for remaining barley.

cook barley over medium heat for 4 minutes until toasted.

add water, sugar, salt (optional), bring to a boil. simmer for 25 minutes or until barley is soft. stir frequently. add milk cook until thick, stir constantly.

stir in cranberries, walnuts or anything that sounds good.