Apple Barley Pudding

Submitted by Marcia Van Camp
Inspired by http://www.europeancuisines.com/Ireland-Desserts-Irish-Apple-Barley-Pudding

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, cored, peeled and thinly sliced
4 rounded tablespoons pearl barley
4 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh if possible)
4 tablespoons sugar 1 quart water
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 container of Cool Whip (8 oz)

Directions
1. Add the water to a heavy pot, add the barley, and bring to a boil. Add the sliced apples and cook gently until both the barley and the apples are soft (normally about half an hour).

2, At this point the apples may have gone completely to pieces. This is just fine. Remove the mixture from heat and puree -- either in a blender, right in the pot with a stick mixer, or by pushing through a sieve. (I didn't use a sieve)

3. Return the mixture to the pot and stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil again. Boil for about five minutes: then remove from the heat and cool.

4. When cooled, put into another container and refrigerate until very cold. Serve cold with cream stirred in. Or (for a slightly fancier take on the presentation) whip heavy whipping cream with a teaspoon of sugar per cup of cream, and layer in parfait glasses with the cream, saving a dollop for on top.

Notes: When I first made it, I thought the lemon was way too strong, but the next day it was much more subtle. I love the pudding and cream but I do think there might be something that could bring the two flavors together even better..perhaps a smidge of raspberry syrup would do the trick.