Cookbook features contemporary casseroles

"The Casserole Queens Make-a-meal Cookbook," by Crystal Cook and Sandy Pollock

The cover makes this compendium of one-dish wonder recipes appear to be a bit retro when in fact they are very contemporary. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options or substitutes associated with most of the recipes and an International chapter that will please many readers.

Moussaka coupled with the Tomato and Feta Salad recipe provides a meal that will satisfy almost any palate. The authors suggest omitting the béchamel sauce for the diet conscious or when freezing.

The Farro, Wild Mushroom and Walnut Casserole is quickly and easily made and provides a nice change from casseroles with potatoes or rice. Farro is higher in fiber and protein than wheat and rich in magnesium and B vitamins with a nutty taste. I made this the night before a book club and it heated up beautifully the next day.

The Rustic Polenta Casserole is also a must try. What's not to like with a dish chock full of mushrooms, onions, red wine, tomatoes and several kinds of cheese! It too goes together quickly and will freeze well.

The casserole Queens Make-a-Meal Cookbook includes recipes for salads, sides and desserts that provide great companions to any of the main course casseroles. The Buttermilk Cake with Malted Chocolate Frosting and the Hot Fudge Sunday Cake will have chocolate fans asking for seconds. Lemon lovers will enjoy the Frozen Lemon Dessert, which will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

Tomato, Goat Cheese, and Quinoa Salad includes two cloves of minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, quinoa, and goat cheese. Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids which make this dish especially nutritious, but it is also delicious! The Braised Endive Gratin with butter, cheese, and parsley and lemon juice is also pretty amazing. Endive is an almost magical lettuce, transforming itself when cooked or paired with other ingredients.

The last chapter, "Starting from Scratch" includes several unusual recipes including one for making your own Creole seasoning and one for making German Sauerkraut.

Many of the recipes have special icons which let cooks know which ones are vegetarian friendly, gluten-free-friendly or diabetic-friendly.

Not your typical 1950s casseroles!

Ginny Nilles is the director of Muncie Public Library.