Wild Rice Cooking: Harvesting, History, Natural History, and Lore With 80 Recipes: History, Natural History, Harvesting and Lore - Hardcover

People have eaten wild rice since prehistoric times. As a food it is one of the most nutritious; as a symbol and source of mythology, it is fascinating. In the northern and eastern United States and southern Canada, wild rice is still harvested by Native Americans and folks who have lived for generations near the lakes and rivers where it grows naturally. The satisfying process of harvesting, called "ricing," still follows ancient tradition, using canoes, poles, and handmade knockers.Today, thanks to commercial growers, who have made it available in grocery stores throughout the country, wild rice is enjoyed by people of all cultures. It's a delicious accompaniment to meat and wild game, great in casseroles, and delectable in pilafs and salads. It's easy to cook and inexpensive, if you follow some simple guidelines.Wild Rice Cooking is the complete book of wild rice, giving its history and lore, offering a primer on how to share the joys of reaping wild harvest yourself, along with a guide to buying wild rice, and instructions on cooking it, with 80 fabulous recipes.There are scrumptious breakfasts and breads (including Wild Rice Whole Wheat Pancakes and Wild Rice Muffins); delectable soups and salads (featuring Cream of Potato and Wild Rice Soup and Curried Chicken Wild Rice Salad); delightful side dishes and stuffings (such as Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf and Wild Rice Dressing with Bacon); satisfying and sophisticated entrees and casseroles (with Wild Rice and Spinach Sauté, Wild Rice Meat Loaf, and Wild Rice, Morel, and Chicken Rissoto); creative desserts, snacks, and beverages (from Creamy Baked Custard Wild Rice Pudding to Popped Wild Rice); and recipes for large parties (such as Lemon-Tarragon Wild Rice and Wild Rice Quiche Florentine).Wild Rice Cooking will appeal to all those interested in getting back to the land, as well as anyone who likes to cook. (71/4 X 71/4, 208 pages, color photos, b&w photos, map, charts)