New ideas for grains, chicken make delicious spring dishes

Easter is such a wonderful holiday, coming on a weekend that usually finds our city resplendent with blooms as colorful as the eggs the children are hunting. Most plan their Sunday menus ahead, often following generations of tradition. However, should you still be thinking about a little something different to have in the house for Saturday, it's not too late to take a look at these two new books.

“Ancient Grains for Modern Meals: Mediterranean Whole Grain Recipes for Barley, Farro, Kamut, Polenta, Wheat Berries, and More.” Use the excuse for invigorating your Saturday menu to buy a book that you really should have in your kitchen library anyway. The Spring Brown Rice Pilaf With Artichokes and Green Peas; Lemon Quinoa With Currents, Dill, and Zucchini; and Caramelized Onion Quiche With Lavender and Crisped Prosciutto are lovely spring dishes. There are Orange-Scented Scones With Dark Chocolate made with whole-wheat flour should you care to add something extra for breakfast. And Maria Speck's creative way of adding whole grains to your diet will bring you health benefits all year long. Hardcover. $29.99. Ten Speed Press.

“Poulet: More Than 50 Remarkable Meals That Exalt the Honest Chicken.” Author Cree LeFavour advocates the use of whole birds and thighs for better flavor, value and forgiveness with regard to overcooking, all admirable attributes. She organizes the book of chicken dishes and their accompaniments by flavor profile, giving chapters on American, Bistro, Latin, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and African. From the simple Green Garlic Chicken to a Curried Chicken, or a casserole of Chicken and Goat Cheese Enchiladas, each with their sides, it will be easy to get inspired. Hardcover. Chronicle Books. $27.50.

Reach Marion Sullivan at mbscooks@gmail.com.