Archive for July, 2013

Vegetarian Bible by Sarah Brown

by on Monday, July 29th, 2013

Vegetarian Bible by Sarah Brown is a substantial, traditional cookbook for readers who want a broad collection of meat-free meals in one volume. The original description promises more than 250 international recipes together with information about nutrition and ingredients. That makes it closer to an all-purpose reference for the kitchen than to a single-cuisine or quick-meals booklet.

What is inside the book?

The selling point is variety. Instead of presenting vegetarian cooking as one particular way of eating, the book promises ideas drawn from different culinary traditions. A large collection can be useful when you want to rotate dinners and keep meals interesting, especially if your household includes people with different preferences.

Sarah Brown has published other vegetarian cookbooks, so the edition matters. The Vegetarian Bible discussed here is the Reader’s Digest hardcover edition with ISBN 0762103590, listed in 2002. It should not be confused with Brown’s earlier Sarah Brown’s Vegetarian Cookbook, which has a different title and ISBN.

Who is likely to enjoy it?

This is an appealing choice for someone who enjoys browsing cookbooks, trying new ingredients, and building a repertoire of everyday meals. It may also suit cooks who have been vegetarian for years but want to move beyond a handful of familiar dishes. A recipe collection this large can serve as inspiration rather than a strict weekly plan.

What should vegan readers know?

Vegetarian and vegan are not interchangeable. A vegetarian cookbook may include eggs, milk, or cheese, so readers avoiding animal products should check individual recipes before buying or cooking. A dairy-free or egg-free substitution can sometimes work, but the best choice depends on the role an ingredient plays in the dish.

Nutrition is about the overall pattern, not a label on the cover. The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate offers a useful picture of variety across vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy protein sources. People following a vegan diet should also pay particular attention to vitamin B12, as described by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Is an older cookbook still worth buying?

Yes, if the recipe style appeals to you and the copy is in good condition. Ingredient availability, prices, and nutrition advice have evolved, but cooking techniques and flavour combinations may still be rewarding. Used copies are currently listed by specialist booksellers; confirm the exact edition before ordering.

Related on Veggie-Blog: Antioxidant Foods and Vitamin Deficiency: Who Is at Risk.

Book: Vegetarian Bible by Sarah Brown
Find the original book on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)

Linda McCartney’s World of Vegetarian Cooking by Linda McCartney

by on Friday, July 26th, 2013

Book Description
Now in paperback, Linda McCartneys World of Vegetarian Cooking presents international menus that follow in the healthful and delicious tradition of the bestseller Lindas Kitchen. Linda McCartneys World of Vegetarian Cooking uncovers the pleasure of eating fresh vegetables and other meat-free foods beautifully cooked and imaginatively prepared with the herbs and spices of countries around the world. From Green Jade Soup from China to Asparagus and Herb Risotto from Provence, the 260 recipes include distinctive ingredients from Europe, Mexico, Asia, India, and North America. Each recipe is personalized by Lindas comments and accompanied by wonderful photos. This is a cookbook that will provide incredible variety for the vegetarian cook as well as refreshing new options for anyone who wants a healthy and tasty meal. Linda McCartney on Tour, the hardcover version of Linda McCartneys World of Vegetarian Cooking, was a nominee for the 1999 Jacobs Creek World Food Media Award in the category for the best hardcover recipe book. Linda McCartney was famously committed to vegetarianism, a cause that her family continues to support publicly.

Book: Linda McCartney’s World of Vegetarian Cooking by Linda McCartney
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Betty Crocker Easy Everyday Vegetarian by Betty Crocker Editors

by on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

A meat-free dinner does not have to feel unfamiliar. That is the practical idea behind Betty Crocker Easy Everyday Vegetarian, a family-oriented cookbook built around dishes many households already know: pizza, lasagna, burgers, vegetables, grains, and pasta. Rather than asking readers to change their whole cooking style, it starts with the everyday favourites and offers vegetarian ways to make them.

What kind of recipes should readers expect?

The original description specifically mentions vegetarian versions of pizza, lasagna, and burgers. Its appeal lies in food that is easy to recognise and easy to put on a family table. Readers who share meals with meat-eaters may particularly appreciate a cookbook that does not require separate dinners. Add a salad or roasted vegetables, and one main course can work for everyone.

The title is listed under the Betty Crocker Editors. Bibliographic records identify the 2006 second edition as Betty Crocker Easy Everyday Vegetarian: Meatless Main Dishes You’ll Love, with ISBN 0471753041. That distinguishes it from later Betty Crocker books called simply Vegetarian Cooking; they are related products, not the same edition.

Why is the everyday approach useful?

For people who are new to vegetarian cooking, familiar formats lower the barrier. A lasagna can use spinach and mushrooms, a burger can feature beans or lentils, and a pizza can make vegetables the star. These are examples of the kind of adaptations home cooks can try, not claims about specific recipes appearing in the book.

It also helps to keep an uncomplicated vegetarian pantry: canned tomatoes, dry or canned legumes, rice, pasta, frozen vegetables, herbs, and a few favourite seasonings. With ingredients already on hand, it becomes easier to cook a meat-free meal on a busy evening.

Does vegetarian always mean healthier?

Not automatically. A vegetable-based meal can still contain a great deal of salt or saturated fat, depending on the cheese, sauces, and packaged ingredients. The FDA Nutrition Facts guidance is useful for comparing ready-made sauces and meat substitutes. For a balanced plate, include vegetables, a source of protein such as beans or tofu, and whole grains when practical.

Because this is an older cookbook, it is worth checking which edition and condition a bookseller offers. But the overall idea—making vegetarian eating a normal part of family cooking—has not gone out of date.

Related on Veggie-Blog: Vitamin Deficiency: Who Is at Risk and Can You Lower Cholesterol Naturally?.

Book: Betty Crocker Easy Everyday Vegetarian by Betty Crocker Editors
Find the original book on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)

A Teen’s Guide to Going Vegetarian by Judy Krizmanic

by on Saturday, July 20th, 2013

Becoming vegetarian as a teenager can be exciting, but it also raises questions that adult-oriented cookbooks rarely address. In A Teen’s Guide to Going Vegetarian, Judy Krizmanic speaks directly to young readers who are changing how they eat, whether for animals, the environment, their health, or simply because they want to try something different. First published in 1994, this is a period piece in some respects, but its focus on real teenage life remains its main attraction.

What does the book cover?

The publisher’s description places three subjects at its centre: nutritional requirements, conversations with parents and friends, and easy introductory recipes. That is a useful combination. Choosing not to eat meat can affect family meals, school lunches, social events, and the food available when you are away from home. This book aims to make that transition feel less overwhelming rather than treating vegetarianism as a set of rules.

The book’s bibliographic records identify Krizmanic as the author and confirm a 1994 edition from Puffin Books. Because food products and nutritional guidance have changed since then, readers should use the book for its perspective and practical encouragement while checking current advice about nutrients.

What should a vegetarian teenager eat?

Teenagers need enough food to support growth and daily activity. Lentils, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives, whole grains, and varied vegetables can all have a place in a satisfying vegetarian diet. It is worth thinking about meals, not just subtracting meat from the plate. Beans on toast, a tofu-and-vegetable stir-fry, or a hearty lentil soup are more useful starting points than relying on snack foods.

Iron deserves special attention, particularly for teenagers who menstruate. The NIH iron fact sheet explains that iron from plant foods is less readily absorbed than iron from animal sources. Pairing beans or lentils with foods containing vitamin C, such as peppers or citrus fruit, can help. Those avoiding all animal products also need a reliable source of vitamin B12; see the NIH vitamin B12 fact sheet.

Who is this older guide best for?

It suits readers who want a reassuring, teenager-focused discussion and who may enjoy exploring a classic vegetarian title. It is not a substitute for current nutrition advice or individual medical assessment. A qualified dietitian can help a teen and their family plan meals if there are nutritional concerns, restrictive eating habits, allergies, or growth issues.

Related on Veggie-Blog: Vitamin Deficiency: Who Is at Risk and Antioxidant Foods.

Book: A Teen’s Guide to Going Vegetarian by Judy Krizmanic
Find the original book on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)

Food for the Vegetarian by Aida Karaoglan

by on Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Lebanese vegetarian cooking is built around more than one famous dip or salad, and Food for the Vegetarian: Traditional Lebanese Recipes by Aida Karaoglan offers a window onto that wider tradition. The book’s original description emphasises recipes gathered from rural Lebanese communities, passed down through families and adapted for readers cooking in Western kitchens.

What kind of recipes does it celebrate?

The book is presented as a collection of everyday, home-style vegetarian dishes rather than a chef-driven restaurant showcase. Its description promises colourful photographs, accessible preparation and a focus on ingredients that make vegetables and pulses satisfying. Although the archived description does not supply a complete contents list, its emphasis on Lebanon’s rural culinary heritage is clear.

What makes Lebanese vegetarian food distinctive?

Think of lemon, parsley, garlic, olive oil, lentils, chickpeas, aubergine, beans, grains and fresh vegetables. Dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed vegetables and lentil-based meals show how flavour and texture can come from herbs, spices and careful preparation. Those are examples of the broader cuisine, not a claim that each appears in Karaoglan’s book.

Does vegetarian mean vegan in this cuisine?

Not always. Some Lebanese vegetarian dishes may contain yoghurt, cheese, butter or eggs; others are naturally plant-based. Readers avoiding dairy, eggs or honey should check individual recipes. Tahini is made from sesame, an allergen for some people, while bulgur is wheat and therefore unsuitable for anyone who must avoid gluten.

Why might an older regional cookbook still be worth buying?

It can preserve a particular way of cooking that more general international compilations sometimes overlook. A book shaped by family recipes may be valuable for its tone and cultural setting as much as its instructions. This one is a good match for readers who want something more specific than a generic Mediterranean diet collection.

The book is an older title, but used copies are still offered. Its original ISBN is 1566561051, so comparing that number helps avoid confusing it with another Lebanese cookbook.

Related on Veggie-Blog: The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen and Global Vegetarian Cooking.

Book: Food for the Vegetarian: Traditional Lebanese Recipes by Aida Karaoglan
View the original book on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)