Amazing Grains features low-fat, high fiber, virtually cholesterol free and ecologically sound recipes for tasty and nutritious main dishes that emphasize whole grains and vegetables. In addition, it offers in-depth explanations of the creative process in cooking. Application of the techniques found in Amazing Grains will free the reader forever from dependence on recipes. Each recipe includes discussion of how the dish was created, why a particular ingredient or technique was chosen, and the results of substituting other methods and ingredients. By examining the process, readers can learn how to apply the basic principles in new and creative ways. Included are chapters on ingredients, the creative process, cooking methods, sauces, as well as information on nutrition and cookware choices. Charts and worksheets help readers develop and record their own creative grain dishes. . . . An excellent book for anyone wanting to become deeply acquainted with the foods that are the primary building blocks of quality cooking. Thorough and well-written, it makes the process of learning and cooking into what it is meant to be - a joy. -- John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America and Reclaiming Our Health An innovative book . . . nudges the reader to free him or herself from a dependence on recipes. Saltzman introduces some unique culinary ideas. . . . Her recipes hold a wide range of appeal. -- East West Journal Documented here is a process of transmission, whereby the teacher doesnt just give you impersonal formulas, but a way of seeing, feeling, and understanding the ingredients and techniques. She is a cook, a teacher, a healer, and above all an artist, and all of these disciplines contribute to the book. . . . A personal book, a generous book, a teaching book. -- World of Cookbooks , The International Cookbook Newsletter Joanne Saltzman cooks with the WHOLE person in mind. She embarks on an adventure of creation, culinary style, giving the reader not only wholesome vegetarian recipes, but a complete story of all the whole grains and their side kicks. For the serious vegetarian, I suspect that Joanne Saltzmans book will rapidly become your favorite tool. -- Friends To our readers: The books we publish are our contribution to an emerging world based on cooperation rather than on competition, on affirmation of the human spirit rather than on self-doubt, and on the certainty that all humanity is connected. Our goal is to touch as many lives as possible with a message of hope for a better world.Hal and Linda Kramer, Publishers Joanne Saltzman is the founder/director of the School of Natural Cookery based in Boulder, Colorado. She has been involved with cooking and specifically with teaching natural food cooking for more than 25 years, and she has created a system for understanding the creative process of cooking whole foods. Joanne has been a culinary consultant to health food markets, and corporations seeking recipes to promote whole grain and other natural food products. The kitchen radiated a peaceful warmth; my teacher was quietly attentive as she gently moved little gems around the skillet with a bamboo rice paddle. She appeared to be in a trance, her hand tracing a spiral pattern over and over again, not changing direction until, as if a messenger entered her being, the bamboo paddle shifted to a vertical motion, flattening each grain against the heavy cast-iron pan. Then the spiral began again, this pattern repeated until the grains were dry and resembled giant grains of sand, each hiding the full potential to rejuvenate my life. Caught in the aroma of roasting rice, I fell in love with grain. I was hooked. How could such a simple food as brown rice emit such a divine character? Each grain was a twin to its neighbor yet individual and whole by itself. The peace and warmth that surrounded this treatment drew me into a magical realm of cooking. This book is not suggesting another diet, or even that you eat only whole grains. You are most likely already aware that whole grains and fresh natural foods are healing and powerful. Amazing Grains is intended to clear to fog of confusion about how to prepare them, but, more importantly, I hope it will eliminate boredom and support your personal expression in food. Do you ever wish you could simply walk into the kitchen and put together a masterpiece with whatever is there? Have you ever been caught short of ingredients for a special recipe and felt a trip through the rain, sleet, or snow to the store was the only solution? When you learn this system of creative cooking, you will no longer hesitate to try a new variation on a successful dish or resist the temptation toward a new creation for lack of understanding the variables of cooking grain. Our personal expression and power will flourish. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction How to Use This Book Part One, Cooking Creatively With Whole Grains Part Two, Grain Cookery Recipes by Grain: Buckwheat Mil