Book Review: VEGAN PLANET

Robin Robertson’s Vegan Planet has long been a staple in our house. No matter what kind of food we feel like, I am sure to find a recipe in that colossal, comprehensive cookbook. In the mood for Chinese? Try the To-Fu Yung. Indian? Make Robin's Checkpeas Vindaloo. There are vegan versions of food from just about everywhere, such as Italy, France, Greece, Thailand, and Africa--and plenty of U.S. favorites like California Chili made with olives and avocados. And how about Tempeh and Red Bean Jambalaya with Chipotle Chiles? Robin also offers a section of Vegan Basics with recipes for meat substitutes like Seitan, Marinated Tofu, and Tempeh Bacon Bits. One of my favorite features is the amazing variety of delicious dressings and sauces sure to add zest to any meal. She includes everything from an Easy Vegan Hollandaise and Bechamel to Bourbon-Spiked Barbecue Sause and Ginger Lime-Dipping Sauce. 

So, when I received a copy of the new revised Vegan Planet, I immediately checked to make sure my favorite recipes from the first edition were included . . . and yep, they were--including the Tomato-Basil Lasagna Spirals that have gotten me through many a potluck (and believe me no one misses the meat or dairy). And phew, there were the Barley-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that I make whenever I’m missing my mom’s German cooking. But the good news is that Robin has added 50 NEW recipes to the book, with dishes like Picatta-Style Cauliflower Steak, Paella-Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Portobello Barbecue, and Tiramisu Cheesecake. Robin has also updated the information and recipes from the original book to make them even healthier and more environmentally-friendly. Whether you are a long-time vegan needing fresh ideas or a new vegan wondering where to start, this cookbook is sure to satisfy. Check out some sample recipes here.

Vermont passes GMO labeling law . . . but will it stick?

I was so encouraged to hear that Vermont passed the GMO labelling bill which will requrie labelling of generically engineered products. But it is being attacked from all sides so who knows if it will stick?

I think this quote really puts things in perspective.


" . . . there are also existing labeling requirements that don't just involve health, safety and nutrition, Mr. Faber maintained. "Listing whether orange juice is made from concentrate is not a health question," he said. "It is to protect consumers from deception."

Labeling foods that contain GMOs is not about whether you are in favor of them or against them. It's not even about whether GMOs are safe or dangerous for consumption and the environment. It's about consumers having the right to know what is in the products they consume and what they feed to their families. IT'S OUR RIGHT TO KNOW! Here is more info on the issue.

BOOK REVIEW: PARENTING M.D.

You might have time to wade through a 500-page book on child-rearing before your first child is born, but once the baby arrives, you’ll be lucky if you find time to eat and sleep, never mind read. So where can an overwhelmed new parent go for advice? Natasha Raja’s Parenting M.D! No searching through page after page trying to find the information you need. Raja combines well-researched childcare advice with the latest technology to give parents a reliable and convenient way to get answers about what to expect during their baby’s first year. One just needs to click on the desired topic and go straight to the information. Raja’s sensible advice soothes new parents’ anxieties and gives up-to-date, practical answers to things like feeding, sleeping positions, tooth care, immunizations, and much more. This is the perfect guide for today’s parents and would be a welcome gift at any baby shower.

Raja has a great blog as well, with many more tips for keeping your kids healthy and safe.