Did you know that spelt was called “Marching Grain” by the Romans? For those of you who are not privy to wheat knowledge, let me tell you a bit about spelt. It is a subspecies close to wheat that has been cultivated as early as 5000 B.C. The reason why it was called the “Marching Grain” is because it is packed with protein and plenty of very nutritious. Spelt was an important staple food in parts of Europe for quite some time. Obviously wheat has taken over for a long time, because it is easier to cultivate. Now spelt is seeing a bit of a comeback!
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For those of us who want to learn how to bake with spelt, I highly recommend the Spelt: Meals, Cakes, Cookies & Breads from the Good Grain cookbook. Spelt is more nutritious than wheat baked breads. This is mostly due to the fact we have overbred wheat! Not only that, spelt contains lignans, which are thought to help prevent various diseases and ailments, including bowel cancer, heart disease and asthma.
As you flip through the pages of this cookbook, you will notice there are many ways to use spelt. Many recipes are for baking, but spelt can be used for a whole host of recipes. For instance pearled spelt being used for salads or “Speltotto” (a spelt spun risotto.) It is just as versatile if not more so than ordinary wheat.
This cookbook is great for all levels of baking. Some recipes are more involved than others, but that’s all part of learning. All the ingredients, aside from spelt, are pretty ordinary. The methods are fairly similar between spelt and whole wheat flour, but that’s all address for each recipe. Luckily the author, Roger Saul, guides us through this new baking experience with techniques that explain the ins and outs of spelt.
I am enjoying that each recipe is accompanied by photographs. They are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Each recipe is also introduced with a small paragraph, explaining the recipe. If spelt piques your curiosity, this cookbook is definitely worth a look. Overall, this is a very inviting cookbook.
There are 100 recipes dedicated to spelt in this Spelt: Meals, Cakes, Cookies & Breads from the Good Grain cookbook! If you’re looking for healthier ways to eat without taking away your family favorites, I would experiment with spelt.
~Kaiti
