Vegan Cook's Bible: Pat Crocker

By PAULA NEMERSON (special to Super Chef) What's the newest kind of family: a vegan, a vegetarian, and several omnivores all in one family eating the same meal at the same time. That's where Pat Crocker's The Vegan Cook's Bible (Robert Rose 2009) comes in handy. It's an all-in-one explanation of the vegan diet along with recipes that work for vegetarians and healthier-minded omnivores. Pat's recipes showcase fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables and present innovative ways of cooking with whole foods. While every recipe is 100% vegan, Pat's aim is to present a book of recipes “so good that everyone who enjoys food – non-vegan and non-vegetarian cooks included – would rush to make them.” The Vegan Cook’s Bible features recipes “that hold the divineness of plant foods at their core” and celebrates pure vegan cooking; that is, cooking with no “substitutes.” Crocker does not attempt to imitate foods that have non-vegan ingredients at their core and instead creates new, inventive recipes that utilize whole foods and satisfy vegan guidelines. In addition to over 250 healthy and unique vegan recipes, The Vegan Cook’s Bible features an extensive and informative reference section. A section entitled “Healthy Body Systems” outlines daily vegan nutritional guidelines and provides brief overviews on seven body systems and how to optimize their function through dietary and lifestyle changes. “Whole Foods for the Health” includes over 150 profiles of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, soy foods, sea vegetables, herbs and flavorings, along with their healing actions, uses, and buying, storing and cooking tips. The Vegan Cook’s Bible is organized into categories, divided by course and function within a meal, and covers everything a vegan cook needs to know, from the basics (seasoning blends, sauces and toppings), to entrees like Sweet Potato Curried Cauliflower Soup or Succotash and Corn Dumplings, and even beverages and snacks like Orange Creamsicle and Pear and Avocado Pitas. The Vegan Cook’s Bible is informative, meticulous and easy to read. Filled with delicious and rich recipes, it is a must-have for any health-conscious lover of food - vegan or not. Previous articles: Angeline Linardis: V Cuisine [Cookbook Reviews - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging, cookbooks, cookbook reviews --> back to Cookbook Reviews --> back to Super Chef