What's For Dinner: Whiskey Cocktail, Farro Salad And Oat Squares

Get ancient with farro salad and oat squares

Not feeling inspired by your usual dishes? Here's what's for dinner.

The food pyramid has gone through quite a few face-lifts of late, though we're getting the message that we should be eating grains and lots of them. But gone are the days when "grain" was synonymous with a plain old bowl of rice or a slice of toast: Ancient grains are having a moment, giving you plenty of options to make fulfilling your grain recs anything but monotonous. Make it grain on the dinner table tonight with a rye whiskey cocktail, spring vegetable farro salad and warm quinoa oat squares.

① Drink: Old Pal

Doctors recommend you eat a certain amount of grains throughout the day, but thanks to whiskey you can drink your grains, too. This particular cocktail makes use of rye whiskey. Add in Lillet and Campari, and you'll see how this aperitif is everything an old pal should be: reliable, consistent and there to keep you company while you cook dinner.

② Main Course: Farro Salad with Peas, Leeks and Pistachios

Farro is a substantial grain that can bulk up a salad enough to make it a satisfying main course. This dish makes use of spring vegetables like peas and leeks, which are growing strong. Toasted pistachios and a refreshing lemon yogurt sauce sneak in protein, making this dish all you need for a hearty springtime dinner.

③ Dessert: Warm Quinoa Oat Squares with Date Sugar

End your meal with a hat trick of grains: Red quinoa, bulgur wheat and rolled oats come together on the stovetop and finish in the oven to make a chewy snack bar. This flexible breakfast recipe is just sweet enough to moonlight as dessert—especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.