Recipes from the Old Mill

The authors are sisters who grew up near their family's stream-powered grist mill in West Virginia. Their collection of 170-plus healthful recipes using a variety of whole grains is also a meditation on the staff of life, both organic and spiritual. Five chapters on kinds of grain (Corn, Wheat, Rye, Buckwheat and Multi-Grain) offer selections of grain-specific recipes (e.g., Corn Chips and Roberta's Sourdough Rye loaves). Five more chapters expand on categories like Main Dishes and Desserts. Straightforward tips included at the end of recipes (e.g., ways to shape rolls and buns) are reassuringly helpful and are listed in the table of contents for easy reference. The range of recipes, especially for those using whole wheat flour, is extensive: 100% Whole Wheat French Bread, Whole Wheat Brownie Pie, Whole Wheat Tortillas. Recipes for using doughnut holes to make muffins or for throwing stale bread and aging cheese into a bread souffle articulate the authors' principles of good stewardship of the earth's resources. Pen-and-ink drawings add to the charm of this book, which will appeal to novice and veteran bakers. The authors make no mention of bread machines. (Oct.)