Tit Mouse and Buckwheat

When I mention buckwheat, most people are surprised to find it contains no gluten, after all it's got "wheat" in the name. It's like wild rice is not really rice and a tit mouse is a cute little bird not a rodent. buck wheat is actually the seed of a flowering plant. They are shaped like little pyramids and known as "kasha" in Russia, the world biggest buckwheat producer. China is second. In Japan buckwheat is turned into noodles called "soba" Take care when purchasing these in grocery stores as they are often mixed with wheat flour.
Buckwheat (not to be confused with the "Little Rascal's" character) is a good sourse of magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. Being low in sodium and high in fiber (2.25 grams in 1/2 cup cooked) the little seeds are good for heart health and blood pressure control. Then also look like a good source of anti inflammitory antioxidants. Buckwheat is a good source of protein with 11 grams in 1/2 cup. Cook them just like rice - 1 cup buckwheat to 2 cups of water, simmered for 20 minutes - and you have a healthier choice that white rice. Unfortunately most Americans have not expanded there grain use beyond wheat, rice and corn. Other grains and grain like seeds are delicious and have better nutrition profiles.
I like to use buckwheat flour to make pancakes. They make a nice brown cake that everyone like. The batter comes out very similar to regular pancake batter, which is nice, because it's not too weird, like other gluten free batters. This recipe is from the back of the Hodgson Mills bag.

Buckwheat Pancakes

1 cup Hodgson Mill Buckwheat Flour (or other brand)
1 tsp baking pwder
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg beaten
1 cup milk (can substitute buttermilk if you add one more tsp of baking powder) ( soy milk can also be substituted)
2 Tbsp melted butter

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix liquid ingredients in a small bowl or right in the measuring cup.
3. Mix the two together - combining well.
4. Make the pancakes -- I hope I don't have to tell anyone how to do that.