Friday, November 29, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: One-Dish Vegan


I absolutely love meals that can be served out of one bowl and have all of the important nutrients right in that dish, so Robin Robertson’s new cookbook, One-Dish Vegan was right up my alley. The book contains over 150 hearty soups, salads, and entrees that really are complete meals. As is usual with Roberson’s recipes, they are drawn from cultures all over the world. You’ll find everything from Senegalese-Inspired Red Lentil Soup to Louisiana Red Beans and Rice to Turkish-Style Stuffed Eggplant with Walnut Sauce. And for chili lovers, she has a whole chapter devoted just to chili with selections like Tequila Sundown Chili, Devil’s Food Chili and Orange-Scented Chipotle Chili.
We tried the Cauliflower Comfort Casserole made with layers of butternut squash, potatoes, cauliflower,  greens, and walnuts covered in a white bean sauce and it was absolutely delicious (though you might want to allow extra time because I needed to bake this quite a bit longer than the recipe indicated). We also loved the Lentil and Butternut Soup as well with its complex array of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. My daughters have asked for the Fettuccini with Creamy Cannellini Tomato Sauce next and it is simple enough that I think they will be able to prepare it themselves.
All of the recipes in the book have clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Although many of the recipes are fast and easy to make, there are more complex dishes too that will take more than one bowl or pot to prepare them—but I think you’ll find those worth the effort. I just love that these recipes are so healthy and made with whole food ingredients and there is enough variety to suit pretty much any taste. This is a great book to use during the busy holiday season ahead, and would make a wonderful gift as well.  

Friday, November 15, 2013

Preview from Robin Robertson's newest cookbook

Just made the Cauliflower Comfort Bake from Robin Robertson's new cookbook, One-Dish Vegan. Layers of butternut squash, russet potato, cauliflower and greens covered in a garlicky white bean sauce and sprinkled with walnuts. Yum!

Full review of the book coming soon!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Best bread for French Toast

Okay, I just made the best French Toast that I've ever made . . . maybe even the best French Toast I've ever eaten. I made it with Trader Joe's Cranberry Walnut bread. It's kind of a European-style loaf--not sweet at all. I let it sit out in the bag for a couple of days after I bought it to dry out a bit. Then this morning sliced it a little thick and made French toast. I'm not trying to advertise for Trader Joe's or anything but this was too good not to share.