April 1, 2012
Quinoa is called the "perfect" protein for a reason: it contains all nine of the essential amino acids humans need to stay healthy. In addition, the wonder grain is rich in lysine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but getting the average American to try quinoa hasn't been easy. Polisi, whose website, CookingQuinoa.net, gets 200,000 visitors a month, knows a thing or two about taking the fear (or yuck) factor out of cooking with this South American quasigrain. With her debut cookbook, she shares her favorite recipes ranging from breakfast to dessert. In addition to providing basic details on the different forms of quinoa and how to cook it, Polisi includes nutritional information for each dish as well as options for making recipes more quickly or even healthier. VERDICT Despite fierce competition from other cookbooks on the topic, including Rena Patten's recent Cooking with Quinoa, this is bound to be in demand by both cooks looking for creative new ways to serve more nutritional dishes and anyone trying to live a healthier lifestyle.--John Charles, Scottsdale P.L., AZ
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