"The Best Ever Vegetarian"

“The Best Ever Vegetarian,” is an older cookbook I found that offers an abundant amount of easy and tasty vegetarian recipes. The book is divided up into soups and appetizers, snacks and light meals, main meals, side dishes and desserts. The cookbook offers many salad-type recipes in all sections, except in desserts. The recipe for citrus meringue crush and chocolate honey ice cream sound delicious! For each recipe there is a big photograph of the dish on the opposite page and smaller photos of how to prepare the dish. I like that each recipe is written out in fairly short steps no matter how many ingredients, how long prep or cook time may be. Also, the nutritional information, “cook tips” and variations are included in every recipe. The introduction to the book is brief and not philosophical in any way, they're not trying to convince readers that eating meat is bad, but rather blatantly state vegetables are essential to good health, vegetables are available and delicious too. Something the cookbook offers that I do not see too often are the basic recipes someone cooking a vegetarian meal might need to make from scratch. A few of these basic recipes include rich unsweetened pastry dough, pizza doughs, mayonnaise and vegetable stock, although, non of these are vegan. This cookbook should be a staple in any vegetarian kitchen. 

"Main Street Vegan"

Victoria Moran has published her 11th self-help book this past week, “Main Street Vegan.” Her new book is subtitled, “Everything You Need to Know to Eat Healthfully and Live Compassionately in the Real World.” She’s an author, holistic health practitioner and vegan lifestyle coach, which is not exactly a nutritionist but someone who tells you which nondairy or vegan products taste best, information and advice a friend might give. At the end of every chapter in “Main Street Vegan,” ends with a recipe, like “raw lasagna.” Hmmm. Moran offers a complete guide to becoming a vegan with an emphasis on practical “baby steps,” she provides practical advice and inspiration for all types of people. I like the balance of recipes, philosophy, scientific information and the practical advice given for a new vegan’s transition. The book addresses common questions and concerns; getting enough protein, keeping costs down, dietary supplements, restaurants, BBQ’s, raising children, etc. The book is cut up into short chapters that are easy to read. The writing feels very honest. I just picked up the book so I’m not quite finished, but so far so good!