Archive for April, 2013

A Beautiful Bowl of Soup by Paulette Mitchell

by on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Book Description
No, there is no chicken stock in this soup. What you’ll find here is page after glorious page of the loveliest, most delicious soups and stews – each and every one entirely vegetarian. Brimming with international flavors, Paulette Mitchell’s easy-to-follow recipes are paired with unique accompaniments, garnishes, and toppings that add tremendous visual appeal. Witness hearty Pumpkin Stew baked and served in a pumpkin shell; classic onion soup updated with crunchy goat cheese toasts; and Spicy Sweet PotatoAncho Bisque swirled with bright Roasted Red Pepper Cream. From Mediterranean Saffron Stew to Greek Spinach and Orzo Soup, these colorful dishes are simple enough for every day, yet sophisticated enough for elegant dinner parties. Instructions for making tasty vegetable stock from scratch, a selection of delicious vegan soups, and a helpful “tips” section make this gorgeous cookbook an important addition to any kitchen where good food and good health are on the menu.

Book: A Beautiful Bowl of Soup by Paulette Mitchell
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)

Organic Vegan Cashew Cocoa Fudge Recipe by Karen Peebles

by on Friday, April 26th, 2013

Book Description
This is the creamiest, most delicious vegan fudge ever! No dairy or non-dairy products, no sugar or atrificial sweeteners, just truly healthy ingredients.

What does Organic Vegan Cashew Cocoa Fudge Recipe cover?

The title says it is a recipe for organic vegan cashew cocoa fudge by Karen Peebles.

What is the fudge free of?

The Amazon description says it has no dairy or non-dairy products and no sugar or artificial sweeteners. It does not list the ingredients.

Summary based on the book description on Amazon. The description is short, so check the Amazon page for the full contents.

What should I know about nuts, sugar and sweet treats before reading?

Nut-based desserts are rich, so they suit small portions. The Harvard Nutrition Source page on nuts describes nuts as sources of healthy fats, protein and fibre, and a handful can fit in a balanced diet. Cashews and cocoa also add flavour, so a few pieces go a long way.

The description says the fudge contains “no sugar or artificial sweeteners”, so it relies on natural ingredients. Sweetness from dates, maple syrup or honey still counts as sugar for your body. The Harvard added sugar page says sugary treats should be used sparingly, if at all.

Store nut-based sweets in the fridge or freezer. The USDA FSIS freezing guide says food kept constantly at 0°F stays safe, and that quality is what declines over time. Wrap well to avoid freezer burn.

Tree nuts are a common allergen, and traces on shared equipment can cause reactions, so label desserts clearly if you share them. If you have diabetes, discuss treats with your health team. Cashews, like other nuts, keep best in a sealed container in a cool place, and roasting them lightly before blending brings out their flavour. Cut the fudge into small squares, because it is rich. Keep it cold until serving.

Related reading on this blog: Antioxidant Foods: Why Colorful Plants Beat Supplements and Diet and Fitness: How Carbs, Fat and Protein Fit Together

Book: Organic Vegan Cashew Cocoa Fudge Recipe by Karen Peebles
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)

Your Vegetarian Pregnancy by Holly Roberts

by on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

Book Description
When you’re eating for two, you need to eat well.

There’s no question that a vegetarian or vegan diet is just as nutritionally sound during pregnancy as one that includes animal protein. In fact, vegetarian nutrition offers pregnant women valuable health benefits that you simply won’t find in a nonvegetarian diet, such as higher levels of folic acid, lower cholesterol, and an abundant variety of essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. Whether you are already vegetarian or you simply want to reduce the amount of meat in your diet, making the right dietary choices to support you and your baby is the key to a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Fulfilling every nutritional guideline recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Your Vegetarian Pregnancy is the first authoritative guide to maintaining a healthy plant-based diet before, during, and after the birth of your child.

What is Your Vegetarian Pregnancy about?

The description says the book is a guide to maintaining a healthy plant-based diet before, during and after the birth of a child.

Who is this book written for?

It speaks to pregnant women who are already vegetarian and to those who simply want to cut down on meat.

Who is the author?

The title credits Holly Roberts as the author.

What does the description claim?

It says a vegetarian or vegan diet is “just as nutritionally sound during pregnancy” as one that includes animal protein, and that the book follows every nutritional guideline recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Those are the description’s statements and are not confirmed here.

This is a summary of the book description, not medical advice.

What should I know about eating well in pregnancy before reading?

Pregnancy raises the need for some nutrients. The MedlinePlus pregnancy and nutrition page says you need more folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin D than before pregnancy, and 600 micrograms of folic acid a day from foods and vitamins. A prenatal vitamin is usually advised, and your obstetrician or midwife can recommend one.

People who avoid animal foods have extra things to discuss. The ODS B12 fact sheet points out that a baby whose mother follows a strict vegetarian or vegan diet may also lack vitamin B12, so ask about supplements and testing.

Food safety also matters: the FDA food-safety advice for pregnant women gives guidance for pregnant women on foods to avoid and safe handling. Any dietary approach in pregnancy should be agreed with your doctor, midwife or a registered dietitian.

More on this blog: Vitamins and Your Health: Do You Need a Supplement? and Antioxidant Foods: Why Colorful Plants Beat Supplements

Book: Your Vegetarian Pregnancy by Holly Roberts
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)

The Teen’s Vegetarian Cookbook by Judy Krizmanic

by on Saturday, April 20th, 2013

Book Description
From Apple-Date Dessert to Zesty BBQ Burgers, vegetarian cooking is more varied and exciting than ever before. Here are over 120 recipes for mouth-watering and nutritious meals, snacks, and desserts–including Easy Homemade Granola, Cold Sesame Noodles, Thai Coconut Curry, and Chocolate Coma–that are easy enough for beginning chefs to handle. You’ll also find a glossary of cooking terms and unusual ingredients, complete step-by-step menus for meals the whole family can enjoy, and a chapter on college cuisine. So get ready to do some vegetarian cooking–all it takes is a little enthusiasm and the willingness to experiment, and in no time at all you’ll be simmering, sautéing, and stir-frying like a pro!

Do I need experience to use it?

The book description says the recipes are “easy enough for beginning chefs to handle”.

Who wrote it?

Judy Krizmanic is the author listed in the title.

What is in the recipe collection?

It names Easy Homemade Granola, Cold Sesame Noodles, Thai Coconut Curry and Chocolate Coma. It also lists a glossary of cooking terms and unusual ingredients, step-by-step menus for family meals and a chapter on college cuisine.

What is The Teen’s Vegetarian Cookbook about?

The Amazon description says it has over 120 recipes for meals, snacks and desserts, ranging from Apple-Date Dessert to Zesty BBQ Burgers.

This summary is based on the book description on the Amazon page.

How do teens learn to cook safely?

Young cooks gain confidence fastest with simple dishes, clear instructions and good habits. The FDA safe food handling guidance guide outlines four steps: clean, separate, cook and chill. Washing hands, keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods apart, cooking foods properly and refrigerating leftovers promptly cover most risks.

Teens also need enough energy and nutrients while growing, so snacks and desserts count. Include protein foods such as beans, eggs, tofu or nuts, whole grains, and a vegetable or fruit at each meal, and think about iron and calcium sources if you avoid meat or dairy.

Knife skills deserve a lesson from an adult: use a stable board, keep fingers curled and cut away from your body. Ask an adult before using the oven or hob the first time. If you have food allergies, read labels carefully every time.

More on this blog: Antioxidant Foods: Why Colorful Plants Beat Supplements and Eating to Lower Cholesterol: Oats, Fruit, Beans and Healthy Fats

Book: The Teen’s Vegetarian Cookbook by Judy Krizmanic
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)

The Vegetarian Paleo Recipe Cookbook by Jennifer Dawn

by on Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Book Description
Today only, get this #1 Amazon.com bestseller for just $2.99. Regularly priced at $4.99.

From breakfast to lunch, dinner and dessert, The Vegetarian Paleo Recipe Cookbook features 47 simple and tasty meals free from gluten, grains, dairy, soy and refined sugar.

Indulge in paleo-inspired vegetarian recipes such as comforting pancakes, delicious smoothies, creamy soups, savory casseroles and satisfying desserts. Many meals include five ingredients or less, so you can enjoy eating without much fuss, even when you only have a few minutes.

What kind of book is The Vegetarian Paleo Recipe Cookbook?

The book description says it features 47 simple and tasty meals, from breakfast to dessert, free from gluten, grains, dairy, soy and refined sugar.

What recipes can I expect?

The paleo-inspired vegetarian recipes include pancakes, smoothies, soups, casseroles and desserts.

Who is this book written for?

The description says many meals use five ingredients or less, so they suit people with only a few minutes to spare.

Who is behind The Vegetarian Paleo Recipe Cookbook?

The author named in the title is Jennifer Dawn.

Everything above comes from the book description on its Amazon page.

What is the paleo diet, and how does it fit with vegetarian eating?

The paleo diet is based on foods thought to have been eaten before farming. The Harvard review of the paleo diet says it generally excludes grains, legumes, dairy and refined sugars. That means a vegetarian version relies on vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and, if you eat them, eggs.

Cutting out legumes and whole grains removes familiar plant protein and fibre sources, so planning matters. Nuts and seeds supply healthy fat and some protein but are energy-dense, and many people will need to add B12 and check iron and calcium.

Evidence for paleo diets is limited, and the Harvard review is a useful summary of what is and is not known. If you have kidney disease, diabetes or are pregnant, speak with your doctor before restricting food groups.

More on this blog: Diet and Fitness: How Carbs, Fat and Protein Fit Together and Popular Diet Plans Compared: What Each One Asks of You

Book: The Vegetarian Paleo Recipe Cookbook by Jennifer Dawn
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)