Del Sroufe

This book is meant to serve as a companion book to Forks Over Knives, which makes the case for a healthy, whole-foods, plant-based way of eating. Since many cookbooks can’t be described as plant-based, this one seeks to fill that need.

It begins with “the basics,” which are recipes that are used throughout the cookbook, such as vegetable stock, sauces (including a no-cheese sauce), pestos, and chutneys.

Subsequent chapters cover breakfasts, salads, soups, stews, wraps, pastas, vegetables, baked items, beans, grains, casseroles, and desserts.

I expected the recipes to be complicated, but these are not at all. They also come from a variety of ethnic cuisines. The most important aspect of the recipes is that they are based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, tubers, and legumes that are the foundation fo the “Forks Over Knives” eating plan. It is an essential resource for those interested in cutting down on processed food and eating in a healthier way.… (mehr)

This book is suitable for beginners (in the kitchen and/or on plant-based diet) and specially for families with kids, as it includes a lot of information about how to involve them in the kitchen. Even if I don't have kids, i enjoyed reading about it and will surely come handy when we have little visitors to our place. The recipes are easy to understand and follow, nothing overly complicated. I feel that most cookbooks assume you know a lot about cooking and that is why our food doesn't look as in the picture (at best) or becomes a total failure (at worst) and this book has tips at the bottom of each recipe that really help avoid kitchen failures. I appreciate that a lot, as I don't have the time or energy to struggle in the kitchen figuring out how to make things work.

For those familiar with the book The China Study by Campbell & Campbell, it will come handy the "plant-part" category symbols used for each recipe (to easily ensure varied meals). I tried 2 recipes already: Chocolate pops and Spaghetti and meatballs, both were delicious and hassle free. Some recipes have ingredients that might be "exotic" for those starting their journey into a plant-based diet, but they are easy to find at the grocery store, as I said, this is beginners-friendly.

The cherry on the top: it has a lot of classic recipes like mac & cheese, chilaquiles, burritos, gravy, ramen, etc.… (mehr)

Here is the cookbook companion to T. Colin Campbell's [b:The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health|178788|The China Study The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health|T. Colin Campbell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1376474019s/178788.jpg|544922]

That book is a wonderful read, and an excellent introduction to the healthy benefits of a plant-based diet. I was very excited to see this cookbook. Inside are recipes for breakfast, dressings, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, mains and desserts.

I feel like this book is aimed mainly at helping families successfully start eating a plant-based diet, as there are tons of beginner's tips, the recipes are simple and straightforward, and there are a lot of meatless versions of classic recipes like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Pepper Steak, Sausage Gravy, etc.

There are so many recipes trying to mimic meat, that while it might be useful for those changing their diets to exclude meat, yet still crave meat, it was a bit of a turn off for me. For those familiar or used to eating a plant-based diet, this might help round out any rough edges, but will not introduce many new ideas.

Helpful information included:
- how to transition to a plant-based diet
- age appropriate advice for involving children ages 18 months and up in cooking
- tips for beginning or new cooks
- tips on oil-free cooking

Memorable recipes:
Twice Baked Samosa Potatoes
Apple Butter Pizza
Baked Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Black Eyed Pea Gumbo

Overall, an excellent choice for those wishing to convert from an omnivorous diet to a plant-based diet. Great for families and beginning home cooks.


**eARC Netgalley**… (mehr)