by Heidi Swanson
If you've been wanting to expand your kitchen repertoire, green your eating habits, or learn how to incorporate healthier staples, this cookbook is just the guide for you. If you've been scared to venture out into the realm of quinoa and edamame (or think that stuff is just for hippies) Super Natural Cooking will change your mind.
This cookbook not only contains simple, easy to follow recipes, it's also is a great ingredient resource guide. Heidi offers tips on how to build a natural foods pantry, dividing information among grains, fats and oils, sweeteners, spices, fermented foods, and more. All the recipes are meat-free, but if you are a meat-eater (as I am) don't worry. The main dish recipes are hearty and delicious---and can be pared with meat if you so choose.
Each chapter begins with information about the starring ingredients in that section's recipes. For example, amaranth "is actually the seeds of an herb indigenous to the Americas... Amaranth has a texture that pops in the mouth and a pronounced green spiciness..."
All in all, the book is informative, easy to follow, and contains beautiful, food-porn photographs.
Every recipe I've tried so far has been a hit. Some of my favorites are:
Wheat Berry Salad with citrus, pine nuts, feta, and spinach (I added dried cranberries to my version)
Sweet Potato Spoon Bread
Crunchy Slaw Salad
I can't wait to try out some of the other recipes with fresh spring vegetables...
