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You are here: Home / Healthy living / Simply Ancient Grains-Cookbook Review

Simply Ancient Grains-Cookbook Review

04/29/2015 by Deborah Brooks

I thought I knew everything there was to know about whole grains! Boy was I pleasantly surprised when I opened up Simply Ancient Grains by Maria Speck.

http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781607745884?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif

This is the author’s second cookbook where she helps to demystify the use of some of the more obscure whole grains and help the at home cook easily add them to their weekly menus. Maria brings flavors from her Greek and German family background to present a Mediterranean menu that is mostly vegetarian and gluten free.

I learned that quinoa and buckwheat are not grains at all but seeds! Who knew? I also thought that I had tried “all the grains” but I learned of a few, new to me, that I can’t wait to try.

The author remarks that often home cooks are leery of cooking or experimenting with whole grains for fear that it is too time consuming. She offers an extensive lesson on how to prepare and prep your grains for easy cooking with descriptions of soaking and cooking methods.

Maria suggests that the reader approach cooking grains as a 2 step process the same way you might marinate a meat for a few hours before cooking it. She explains in depth how to do this for everything from steel cut oatmeal to amaranth so that you can easily incorporate whole grains into every meal.

Her creative use of spices and flavor profiles has me wanting to make everything in here. From “minted summer couscous with watermelon and feta” to “Greek inspired artichokes with barley and tomato”.

Maria Speck (source)

Photo credit  (PenguinRandomHouse)

I learned so much from @MariaSpeck about #wholeGrains check out my review

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Could you find her recipes on Pinterest or online? Probably- but you would be missing out on the extensive information she offers on cooking, storing and introducing all these whole grains easily into your diet not to mention the mouth watering photos.  This cookbook is a great reference to have and a keeper in my mind. You can easily find it on Amazon (affiliate link) and it would make a great Mother’s Day gift.

 

(I received a copy of Simply Ancient Grains from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.)

What was the last Cookbook you purchased? What’s your favorite whole grain?

Wow workout link up linking up w Diatta and Shiela

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Filed Under: Healthy living, Product Reviews Tagged With: Blogging for Books, cookbook, gluten free, Maria Speck, review, Simply Ancient Grains, vegetarian, whole grains

Meet Deborah

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. I love to keep up to date on new running & fitness trends. I definitely choose my running gear based on color and love to express my fashion sense while exercising.

Comments

  1. jill conyers says

    04/29/2015 at 3:58 am

    There are so many wonderful recipes online but sometimes you just need to have a hold in your hands cookbook 🙂 The last cookbook I bought was Inspiralized.
    jill conyers recently posted…Women Who Inspire GreatnessMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 6:25 am

      Totally agree! I learned a ton from this book

  2. Marcia says

    04/29/2015 at 6:26 am

    Call me old school but I still love hard copy cookbooks! I was going to say quinoa was my favorite, but now I know it’s a SEED. : )
    Marcia recently posted…Masters Swim 101My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:35 am

      LOL it sure is!

  3. GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says

    04/29/2015 at 6:41 am

    I took an online class on whole grains on Craftsy last year and I’ve been obsessed with trying new ones since then. Need to check out this cookbook 😀
    GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…Enjoy Exercising with Five Simple ChangesMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:35 am

      It’s really great at explaining everything and giving cooking tips I didn’t know about

  4. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    04/29/2015 at 6:47 am

    I love ancient grains–whenever I cook with them I immediately can tell the difference in taste and texture! I love the nuttiness they impart!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Trying On My Blue Apron (Review)My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:36 am

      So do I! I got some great tips in this book

  5. Beth @ Bolting Butterfly says

    04/29/2015 at 6:56 am

    This cookbook sounds really good. I’ve been wanting to try to cook with more whole grains so I might have to check it out. I’m usually the type of person who tries to get most of my recipes off the internet so I don’t have cookbooks cluttering up my house but this one sounds pretty worthwhile.
    Beth @ Bolting Butterfly recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Blogs to LoveMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:36 am

      I do too but some are worth having as a reference and I would suggest this one for sure.

  6. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    04/29/2015 at 7:17 am

    I think I may need to read this one. I like trying new grains!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…CourageMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:38 am

      So do I! Who knew there were so many I hadn’t tried yet?

  7. Meghan Bollenback says

    04/29/2015 at 7:20 am

    I love cookbooks in paper-form and this one looks beautiful! I could definitely learn some more about grains.
    Meghan Bollenback recently posted…Crock-Pot Five Spice Pork and Tofu | Wok This WayMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:38 am

      I learned a ton!

  8. Coco (@Got2Run4Me) says

    04/29/2015 at 8:24 am

    I do like to find recipes on line, but sometimes you need a good cook book to really dig in and expand your skills. I love all grains — and seeds!
    Coco (@Got2Run4Me) recently posted…The Life Stages Of CourageMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:39 am

      absolutely agree! Great reference book.

  9. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    04/29/2015 at 8:44 am

    I’m very interested in learning more about ancient grains. This looks like a great book for that! Thanks for the review.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Why I #KeepItTight & Pro Compression GiveawayMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 10:11 am

      I am truly enjoying it-great reference

  10. Molly @alsoranagain says

    04/29/2015 at 9:39 am

    This sounds like a great book. The main barrier keeping me from regularly cooking with whole grains is how time-consuming it is. What a simple idea to turn it into a 2-step process!
    Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…Workout WednesdayMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 10:26 am

      She has some great time saving tips in here

  11. Larisa (0to26point2) says

    04/29/2015 at 11:17 am

    I am currently cooking my way through Cindy Lane Ross’s Fat to Fit cookbook, LOVE IT! This book might be my next, thanks for posting.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 1:50 pm

      I’ve not heard of that one yet either. This was truly a great reference.

  12. Jess @hellotofit says

    04/29/2015 at 11:45 am

    This sounds like a cool cookbook! I love Mediterranean flavors. I don’t enjoy looking through and cooking from electronic recipes as I do hard copies of cookbooks 🙂
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Avoid injury: what is knee valgus?My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 1:51 pm

      I know you don’t get the same feel on line do you?

  13. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    04/29/2015 at 11:49 am

    I’ve been making amarynth for Dave and I lately, it’s a nice change. We are cutting oats out of our diets for a bit (Dave seems to have a sensitivity to them and I’m noticing a pretty drastic change in my bloating everyday without them). I bet this book would be a wealth of knowledge!
    Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chimichurri SauceMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 1:56 pm

      I was surprised by how much I learned from her

  14. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    04/29/2015 at 11:58 am

    Great review! I’ve received cook books as gifts, but I’m usually too intimidated to try some of the more ambitious meals. I need to learn more about whole grains! #wowlinkup
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon TrainingMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 1:56 pm

      you do! Don’t be scared

  15. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    04/29/2015 at 12:51 pm

    This sounds like a great book! I haven’t purchased a cookbook in a while, but I won one called Rawesome Vegan Baking and it’s my new fave! I also got a few last year for Hanukkah 🙂
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Pick Up WorkoutMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 2:01 pm

      I’ve not heard of that one either! I like a real book sometimes vs the online recipes

  16. Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says

    04/29/2015 at 12:54 pm

    This is what I love about an actual cookbook. They are far more than just a recipe they actually teach (well most:) I’ve actually only recently been adding more to my cookbook collection:)
    This one looks like a great one!
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…How to Fall by Jane CaseyMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 2:01 pm

      Exactly! You really do miss that when you just have a recipe online or pinterest. She really taught me a lot and I can’t wait to try all the new stuff.

  17. Margo says

    04/29/2015 at 1:05 pm

    I love my “Practical Paleo” cookbook!!
    Margo recently posted…New Conference & Festival News! @TipsOfTheScale Conference and @Wanderlustfest Summer 2015 DatesMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 2:08 pm

      my daughter is on paleo I should check it out!

  18. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    04/29/2015 at 2:53 pm

    I recently got a Trisha Yearwood cookbook and I really like her style! I’m not going to lie, I’m probably not going to be one to use a grain I have to prep in advance…it’s just not the stage of life I’m in right now but I think it’s cool when people do!
    Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Weight Watchers Week 12My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:56 pm

      You would be surprised how easy they are to make!

  19. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    04/29/2015 at 3:41 pm

    I love all of the whole grains. My favorites are quinoa, farro, barley and bulgar!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Top 5 Picks for Summer Running GearMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:56 pm

      I love those too and there were some here I never tried before.

  20. The Frugal Exerciser says

    04/29/2015 at 4:33 pm

    I just won a cookbook and I’m can’t wait to make some of the recipes. I usually just go to Cooking Light to find a new recipe. The above book looks really interesting. #wowlinkup
    The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Workout Wednesday – WOW #77My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:57 pm

      I thought so too!

  21. Patty @ Reach Your Peak says

    04/29/2015 at 7:15 pm

    Very interesting! I do want to cook more with quinoa I just never know what to make because to me, quinoa is so bland. My friend raves about buckwheat – I have yet to try it!
    Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…7 Costco Shopping Secrets I Didn’t Know AboutMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/29/2015 at 8:58 pm

      I like buckwheat too. Quinoa can be bland but depends what you do with it.

  22. Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom says

    04/29/2015 at 10:14 pm

    I haven’t bought a cookbook in years! I am never good at recipes…I put a shake of this and a dash of that….lol!!

    quinoa and buckwheat are not grains at all but seeds….WHAT!?!?

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 6:48 am

      Ha I know really! Come check out our Meatless Mondays posts. My recipes are not too complicated and super yummy.

  23. Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says

    04/29/2015 at 10:55 pm

    I LOVE cookbooks! I don’t care how many blogs I read or recipes I pin, I love the idea of flipping through an actual cookbook. Last cookbook I bought was the Vegetarian Food Bible!
    Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) recently posted…Mango Avocado Spring RollsMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 6:50 am

      I love flipping through cookbooks too! Old school in that way I guess. I always learn something new.

  24. Jamaica King | www.rarax3.com says

    04/30/2015 at 12:29 am

    I don’t own a single cookbook 🙁 I just google recipes when I need to. Luckily for me, work provides 100% subsidized lunch and dinner Monday – Friday (tons of options…even healthy ones!)
    Jamaica King | http://www.rarax3.com recently posted…April FavoritesMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 6:51 am

      Well that’s a great plus at your workplace! But what’s for dinner??

  25. Rachel says

    04/30/2015 at 12:32 pm

    Very cool! Thanks for sharing. I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I purchased a cook book. 😉
    Rachel recently posted…Amazing Women EverywhereMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 7:34 pm

      I know but they are so great to have! Something about looking through them is still so much better than just an online recipe.

  26. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    04/30/2015 at 2:30 pm

    When I taught High school Nutrition, we did a whole unit on grains! There is so much to learn! I usually get cookbooks as gifts so it has been a while since I bought one for myself but I do believe it was a Disney cookbook and I can honestly say I never made anything out of it…lol. -M

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 7:37 pm

      ha ha! I hadn’t bought one in a while either and I am loving all that I have learned so far.

  27. Mary Beth Jackson says

    04/30/2015 at 5:28 pm

    Sounds yummy! I have my hubby convinced that quinoa is a rice- lets not tell him it is a seed, that would be considered hippy food here! LOL! The last cookbook I actually bought was our Junior League cookbook. I love the pictures in cookbooks- they make you think you can grab it off the page and eat it!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…April #FabulousFitGear Swap reveal!My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 7:38 pm

      I love the pictures too! It makes me want to cook everything

  28. Cailee says

    04/30/2015 at 7:16 pm

    I love cookbooks!! Especially beautiful ones like this!! Such a great find! 🙂
    Cailee recently posted…Make It Happen May!My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/30/2015 at 7:38 pm

      I am loving it and I have learned so much!

  29. Akaleistar says

    04/30/2015 at 10:26 pm

    I love cookbooks, and this one sounds fantastic, especially since I’ve been eating a lot of quinoa lately 🙂
    Akaleistar recently posted…Happy. Pretty. Sweet.My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      05/01/2015 at 6:09 am

      This will give you many more ideas!

  30. Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says

    05/02/2015 at 6:05 pm

    Chef Ahki knows quite a bit about grains vs. seeds vs. nuts and she is amazing! I guess we just learn something new every day. #wowlinkup
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…#FitnessFriday – Workout RoundupMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      05/02/2015 at 6:40 pm

      I loved learning all of this!!

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Hi, I’m Deborah

Successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I’ve always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I’ve met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into.
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Hi, I’m Deborah

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. Read More…

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