Grains

I just got a fabulous new cookbook, Whole Grains Everyday, by Lorna Sass. The book does an amazing job of reviewing the various grain types, the forms they come in, and how they are used. It is organized extremely well, and the recipe section and photos are inspiring. For each recipe, there are listed alternate grains that can be used, which is good since most of us likely don't have an entire pantry full of all the grains included in the book. That being said, after looking at this book, I certainly wish that I did. Also extremely helpful is the chart on cooking different grains in the pressure cooker; I really do think the pressure cooker is a major enabler for grain cooking (among other things). I ate this delicious salad for lunch today -

Wheatberry salad with apples and mint (adapted from Whole Grains Every Day, by Lorna Sass)
1/2C. fresh-squeezed orange juice (~1-2 oranges, depending on the size)
1/2t. orange zest
1/2-3/4C. chopped fresh mint
2T. olive oil
1/2t. salt
1 1/2T. apple cider vinegar
2C. cooked wheatberries
2 apples, cored and chopped
1/2C. pecans, coarsely chopped (hazelnuts or walnuts would also be good)

Blend orange juice, mint, olive oil, vinegar and salt in blender. Combine mixture with wheatberries and orange zest and let sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes. Taste and add additional salt if necessary. Stir in chopped apples and nuts and serve. Makes 2 generous main-dish servings, or 4 sides.