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Years and years ago, I was a little girl who told anyone who’d listen that I was going to be a writer one day. And I would write books.
Then, about 10 years ago, I decided I wanted to write a cookbook. Fast forward to today … and my first cookbook, co-written with Jodi Moreno, was released.
To say it’s a dream come true is putting it mildly.
When DK approached me about co-writing this cookbook, it was a total pinch-me moment. I remember just where I was when I first got the email (on a business trip in Minnesota, in a boardroom surrounded by some very talented bloggers and marketers). That’s how it is with those big life moments, isn’t it?
But let’s talk about the book, shall we?
Grains as Mains includes more than 150 fresh recipes using nutritious ancient grains including barley, quinoa, farro, millet and amaranth. These grains are tasty and versatile, but also packed with good stuff like protein and vitamins. Good stuff.
From breakfast to salads to pilafs and risottos to desserts, this book is packed with recipes (and photos!) that will make you drool. And even though this is a book about grains, the recipes are all about the flavor. Because really, when it comes down to it, food has to taste good, right?
As an aside … I am totally in love with the visuals in the book. I mean that salad? It’s delicious — the kids and I loved it. But the photo makes me want to lick the page.
Don’t worry, I didn’t really. Yet.
My Favorite Grains as Mains Recipe
One of the first thing anyone asks me about this cookbook is which recipe is my favorite. That’s easy. There’s a recipe for Beef and Wheat Bulgur Meatballs with Creamy Pesto Sauce that I just adored. When I was testing this recipe, I just wanted to eat it all myself … but I shared. Because it’s the right thing to do, or something like that. Anyway, tender beef meatballs dotted with bulgur wheat are served with a creamy, bright pesto sauce. It’s an incredible combination of flavors.
Besides this recipe, there is also a Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup that I can’t get enough of. Oh, and a Beef Edamame Stir-Fry. And the Chicken Fried Freekeh. And a Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Pie. And … Oh, there are a lot of great recipes in it.
How to Use This Cookbook
As with any cookbook — or any recipe I create — you can follow it exactly and get the intended results. That’s a great way to tackle cooking from recipes, particularly if you are newer to cooking. Following recipes will help you develop necessary kitchen skills that will make you more adventurous … or, hopefully will.
But we also wrote this cookbook with the intention of being flexible. So if you loved the idea of the meatballs I mentioned but don’t eat gluten, substitute quinoa for the bulgur wheat. Or if you have a favorite kale pesto, use that in place of the basil pesto, if you are so inclined. Heck, several of the recipes even have suggestions for substitutions for the grains and other ingredients to make it extra easy to adapt them to your liking.
Of course, you could also just kick back, flip through and fall in love with the stunning visuals. I was so lucky to collaborate with some very talented people on this book.
Where to Get It
Grains as Mains: Modern Recipes Using Ancient Grains is available from booksellers including:
- Amazon
- BN.com
- Target.com
Books-A-Million- and many more!
I hope you’ll pick up a copy. And please let me know if you see it on bookstore shelves (tweet or Instagram me a photo — @sarahwcaron).
Sarah Walker Caron is a cookbook author, freelance writer and founder of Sarah’s Cucina Bella. Her latest cookbook is The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook, published by Rockridge Press, which focuses on quick, easy, from-scratch cooking for busy people. A single mother to two kids in middle school, Sarah loves nightly family dinners, juicy tomatoes plucked fresh from the vine and lazy days on the beach. She also adores reading and traveling.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)
Congrats, Sarah!
Kate
Congratulations!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom
Congrats on a dream come true! It sounds like a fantastic book. I stumbled across farro not too long ago and I can’t believe more people don’t enjoy it…it’s my favorite with quinoa in a close second.
claire @the realistic nutritionist
Your book is SO beautiful!! I need a copy!
Angie
Congrats Sarah! How exciting! This cookbook looks so amazing!
susan @ the wimpy vegetarian
How incredibly exciting! I’m so happy for you!!! And this cookbook is perfect for me. I love grains and always look for new ways to use them 🙂
christine
Congratulations! What an accomplishment. Everything sounds wonderful and the cover is gorgeous.
heather @french press
the book sounds fantastic! congratulations!!
The Food Hunter
looks like a wonderful book…
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
This looks like such a wonderful book. Congratulations! I’m going to have to add it to my collection. Grains are thankfully making a comeback. I love everything about them.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
So excited for you that your dream came true of being a writer! I bet it’s a great book. I have to check it out!
Martha @ A Family Feast
Congratulations on your book! It looks wonderful!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
Congratulations on your book, Sarah! The photographs are gorgeous.
Susan
Congratulations Sarah! The book sounds amazing, looks delicious and really I’m ready to go for those meatballs too!