Sasqu (Porridge with Dates)
Cooking in Ancient Civilizations, Cathy K. Kaufman [Greenwood Press:Westport CT] 2006 (p. 14)

Sasqu is a cream porridge described in the palace records of Mari. It could be made from ground emmer or barley cooked of a soupy consistency with milk, oil, or water. Dates were added on ritual occasion for elite tables...

2 cups milk or water
3/4 cup barley flour
Salt and date syrup to taste
3/4 cup chopped dates

Place the barley flour in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook for 5 minutes.

Season with salt and date syrup. Turn into serving cups and scatter with the chopped dates.

---Cooking in Ancient Civilizations, Cathy K. Kaufman [Greenwood Press:Westport CT] 2006 (p. 14)