Angeline Linardis: V Cuisine

By PAULA NERMERSON (special to Super Chef) After a taste of Angeline Linardis’ decadent vegan fare, even the most loyal carnivores will find themselves pleasantly surprised. In V Cuisine, The Art of New Vegan Cooking (Whitecap 2007), Linardis challenges her meat-eating readers to “take a break from meat-and-potatoes monotony” and delve into a world of fresh, natural and bold flavors. Linardis’ entry into veganism was a gradual lifestyle change in support of a healthier, more nutritious diet. Vegans strive not to use or consume animal products in their lives. That means a vegan diet excludes meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and honey, as well as gelatin, rennet, and whey. She appeals to skeptics as well as “bona fide vegans” as she stresses that flavor and variety should never be sacrificed for nutrition; “discovering new flavors is the name of the game” (pp. 9) and Linardis encourages experimentation with different spices to create vibrant taste in the absence of deep-frying, butters or margarines. V Cuisine is divided into chapters by both course and ingredients; “Pasta Perfection” includes low-fat entrees with accessible ingredients. Giant Ravioli Stuffed with Walnuts and Cashews offers step-by-step instructions for ravioli amateurs, and variations on the recipe to use for leftover ravioli filling. In “Terrifying Tofu,” Linardis’ Tofu “Fries” are a testament to the fact tofu is actually not so scary (or bland!). V Cuisine also includes an entire chapter of “Kidfood” that is both healthful and appealing. The Peanut ButterApple (covered in crushed almonds, toasted coconut, or bits of dried fruit) is a simple, delicious “treat” that has no nutritional downside (Linardis advises her readers that “the wording is everything.” If you call it a treat, your kids will think of it as one!). “Be aware that it is adults, not children, who often put negative food connotations into kid’ heads…you CAN get them to love healthy foods. A huge part of nurturing this attitude toward food is the atmosphere you create” (pp. 172). The cookbook concludes with a detailed list of ingredients for a well-stocked vegan pantry. Linardis’ instructions, suggestions and helpful hints make veganism—and with it, nutrition—a viable, manageable (and enjoyable!) lifestyle choice. Previous articles: [Cookbook Reviews - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging --> back to Super Chef