4 c. water
1/2 c. barley, washed
1 cinnamon stick
2 c. red currant juice (or other fruit juice)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. raisins

Bring the water to a boil and add the barley and cinnamon stick. Lower the heat and simmer very slowly, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and continue simmering slowly for 1/2 hour or until the mixture is the consistency of thick soup. Remove the cinnamon stick. Serve hot or cold. Makes 6 to 8 servings.