Book Reviews
Vegan Soups and Stews for All Seasons
by Nava Atlas
Now that cold weather has arrived in parts of the USA, you will greatly appreciate the 5th edition of Vegan Soups and Stews for All Seasons. How do piping hot bowls of Vegan Chick'n Noodle Soup, Thai-Spiced Sweet Potato Stew, Four-Grain Tomato Soup, and Beefy Seitan Stew sound? When the weather warms up again, you can also prepare Creamy Parsley Potato Soup, Masala Vegetable Soup, Lemony Spinach Orzo Soup, Cool Zucchini Corn Soup, Tomato & Watermelon Gazpacho, and so many other delicious recipes. Finally, a few accompaniment recipes, such as Scallion Pancakes, Focaccia Bread, and Cheese and Herb Corn Muffins, are included.
Nava has written many vegan cookbooks and always serves up creative dishes using ingredients that are readily available. In addition, Vegan Journal Senior Editor Hannah Kaminsky shot many of the gorgeous photos found throughout this new edition. See Nava's collard recipes on page 6.
Vegan Soups and Stews for All Seasons (ISBN 978-1-7371-3341-4) is a 212-page book. It is published by Book Publishing Company and retails for $24.95. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator
I Dance and I Eat Plants
by Tabatha and Kennedi James
Having raised a veggie son, I'm always excited to see a new creative vegan children's book. I Dance and Eat Plants is geared towards 5- to 6-year-old kids. At the beginning of the story, a teacher assigns her class to “think of two ways to describe yourself using rhyming words.” A young girl is the main character, and she spends several days deciding how she will respond to the homework assignment. Along the way, readers learn about her vegan lifestyle and her passion to dance.
This book promotes raising vegan children in a positive fashion and would make a wonderful addition in any children's library.
I Dance and Eat Plants (ISBN 978-1-940184-72-2) is a 32-page hardcover book. It is published by Vegan Publishers and retails for $17.99. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator
Food Is Love
by Palak Patel
Palak grew up in a vegetarian household in India and spent the first 12 years of her life with 14 relatives living under one roof. Cooking in large quantities was a regular occurrence and as a result, food preparation was central to her life.
This vegan Indian cookbook reflects her love for the food of her home and heritage, and is beautifully designed with dazzling photos spread throughout. A section that defines the spices used in the recipes is helpful for American cooks, especially since some of the items such as mango powder or garam masala may be new to the uninitiated.
Among the recipes you’ll find are a number of different styles of chutney, such as cilantro and cranberry, as well as various Indian breads like garlic naan and lacha paratha (layered bread). South Indian dishes such as Uttapam, rice-based dishes like Biryani, and plenty of main dishes like Yellow Dal, Seekh Kebab Burger & Plantain Chips, and a Chik'n Curry are top hits. Wash your meal down with cooling beverages including Turmeric Milk and Mango Lassi, or hot Classic Masala Chai. Finally, satiate your sweet tooth with Chai Sticky Toffee Cakes and Coconut Rice Pudding with Butterscotch, and other fantastic desserts. Once you open this book, you will start cooking right away.
Food is Love (ISBN 978-0-0633-2064-2) is a 280-page hardcover book. It is published by Harper Collins and retails for $35. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator
