Ukrainian Christmas Kutya

Ingredients

 * 1½ cups wheat berries, soaked in warm water for 24 hours,and then strained (kernels)
 * 4½ cups water or milk (or more)
 * ¾ cup poppy seeds
 * ⅔ cup sliced roasted almonds or walnuts
 * ½ cup honey, to taste
 * ⅔ cup chopped dried apricots (optional)
 * ½ cup raisins
 * 1 pinch salt, to taste
 * 1 dash ground cinnamon

Directions

 * In a medium pot, combine wheat kernels and milk.
 * Bring to a boil.
 * Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 3 hours.
 * Add more liquid as necessary to keep kernels covered.
 * Scald the poppy seeds with boiling water, drain, and add lukewarm water to cover.
 * Soak 30 minutes, drain and grind in a food processor.
 * Set aside.
 * Drain water from Wheat kernels and keep ½ cup of the liquid.
 * Add the honey to the liquid and mix well.
 * Mix kernels, honey, ground poppy seeds, almonds, apricots, raisins, and salt.
 * Bake in a 2-quart casserole dish, uncovered, at 325°F for 20 minutes.