Whole Grains for Busy People: Fast, Flavor-Packed Meals and More for Everyone

I am completely hopeless in the kitchen, so I accepted the "Whole Grains for Busy People" as an engagement present from a dear friend (who is a seasoned chef!!) with much apprehension. To my excitment, I learned that my fears were completely unfounded; with the help of this gem of a cookbook, I've been able to create some truly delicious meals -- and have had fun doing so without any difficulty at all! (which, if you have seen some of my other attempts in the kitchen, is really saying a lot!). Every week, I've tried a new recipe and have loved the results (as does my new fiance!!). The "Ziti with Chicken Marsala, Mushrooms, and Fennel" was my first real attempt in the kitchen, but the author's clear instructions and useful "speed tips" made dinner a big hit! Next on my list was the "Beef Stir-Fry With Soy-Spiked Couscous," which was equally delicious, followed by the "Apricot-Orange Muffins," which were the best muffins I have ever tasted!! Although the author deserves all the credit, I was proud to say that I made these meals myself! Tonight we'll be trying the "Farro with Italian Sausage, Escarole, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes" -- which is making my mouth water just reading the ingredients. I'm so glad to have received this book. Unlike some of the other cookbooks my mom has tried to lure me into the kitchen with (!!), the "Whole Grains for Busy People" makes the most delicious recipes easy -- for real! In addition the creative, flavorful recipes, the author's step-by-step instructions, sidenotes, and suggestions for modifications, have really allowed me to flourish in the kitchen. What a great gift for a new bride-to-be, or for anyone eager to learn how to prepare some new healthy, delicious meals!

This book is a gold mine of healthy, unusual, tasty recipes. A bonus for the newbie (reminder fodder for the oldbie) is a glossary that clearly defines and explains the varieties of whole grains (the what is the what), and tables that honestly assess brand qualities so that you don't have to become an unhappy guinea pig. But the bottom line is you immediately want to try every recipe right now because they all sound so yummy. And who needs Kraft when there is Lorna's speedy skillet macaroni and cheese with ham and spinach?

Lorna Sass's 'Whole Grains for Busy People' is quickly becoming one of my favorite cookbooks! I'm a big foodie and collector of cookbooks, however, many of them end up gathering dust on my bookshelf because I get frustrated with the mile-long ingredient list or the complicated directions. This is not the case with Ms. Sass's recipes. In the month or so since I've owned her new cookbook, I've used it every week. Not only are the recipes simple and healthful, but they're without a doubt delicious (which is, of course, the most important factor)! I recently made the chicken soft tacos with smoked paprika sourcream for a friend (a friend who usually cringes at anything healthful) and she LOVED them...so much so that she wanted the leftovers! Truly, this is a great and versatile cookbook.

Lorna Sass has a great track record as a writer of user-friendly, clear cookbooks full of tasty recipes. (Her WHOLE GRAINS EVERY DAY, EVERY WAY won a James Beard Award in 2007). But most people think you have to slave over the proverbial hot stove to have whole grains in your diet. This book proves on every page that it just ain't so. Quick-cooking whole grains mean that dinner (or breakfast or lunch) can be on the table in a half hour or less. The titles of the dishes are enticing: Quinoa Paella With Chicken and Chorizo, Buckwheat With Cheddar and Pickled Jalapenos, Barley Cioppino, Lemon Poppy Seed Scones. And if the idea of "healthy eating" strikes you as self-denying, turn to Lorna's recipe for Banana Coconut Pie. Her presentation is crystal-clear; the recipe directions are easy to follow and helpful; the book's layout makes the cooking easier. If you've only just escaped from the world of white bread and processed foods, a wide-eyed wanderer in the world of whole grains, this cookbook makes it simple to get the best, freshest, and most nourishing products. Even if you're not a busy person, this book will get satisfying and delicious food on the table in a flash. Now I'm going to stare happily at the photograph of Squash Bisque with Curried Popcorn -- had it for dinner last night!

I just finished reading Ms. Sass' new cookbook and know I will be enjoying it even more than her previous cookbooks. Although I'm presently retired, I'm still always looking for quick, easy and healthful recipes. My family loves whole grains and this book is the first I've seen that makes use of things I already have in my cupboard and allows for quick preparation. The book is informative and interesting and I look forward to trying more of these delicious sounding recipes.