Posts Tagged ‘Book Review’

Book Reviews: Skinny Bitch

February 19th 2010 Posted at Book Review, Uncategorized, giveaway, review
9 Comments

The Winner is lucky number 8: Congrats Emma! 

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My first impression of Skinny Bitch was that the name was just really not appealing as my husband and I are not ones to use the term “bitch” and I find it has just a negative feeling.  I decided to over look this and give the book a chance since everyone has been reading it.  I must say that the book has a lot of great information.  It is just as it says on the cover “a no-nonsense, tough-love guide” and that is exactly what it is.  The book is filled with important information about the foods people eat from animal products, sweeteners and coffee.  However if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you. 

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Following the release of Skinny Bitch a new book came out Skinny Bitch In the Kitch . This book is filled with a variety of recipes for the girl (or guy) who wants to be a skinny bitch (or bastard). The recipes are all vegan and are easy yummy recipes for anyone- you can check out some of the sample recipes on the Skinny Bitch website.

Rory and Kim came up with some kick-ass recipes for every craving there is:

  • Bitchin’ Breakfasts
  • PMS (Pissy Mood Snacks)
  • Sassy Soups and Stews
  • Down Home Cookin’
  • Grown-Up Appetizers
  • Happy Endings (Desserts)

Lastly, my favorite SB book is Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven a “no-nonsense guide for pregnant gals”.  This book is great for any pregnant mom to be and especially those who are vegan or vegetarian.  For many vegan and vegetarian women there is a concern about eating properly during pregnancy and this book can help get you on the right track and give you great ideas. The book starts out much like the first SB book and then adds in things that are important for pregnant gals to know.  

I received a copy of this book for review however I already own it myself so I am giving you a chance to win a copy of Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven.  If you would like to win a copy of this book you can:

1. Leave me a comment letting me know why you’d like to win this book.

2. Tweet “I want to win SB Bun in the Oven @cookveganlover http://wp.me/ppaTI-vx”

Please enter to win by February 23, 2009 @ 8am

Blogger Disclaimer: Running Press provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Book Review: That's Why We Don't Eat Animals

February 17th 2010 Posted at Book Review, Uncategorized
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Click to View on Amazon

 

My first impression of this book was that it seemed slightly morbid for a children’s book, however as I began to think about it there really is no easy way to explain to children why it is that we don’t eat animals.  Although this book is slightly morbid for children it depicts accurate images of life for animals on factory farms, in the sea or in the rainforest in a way that children will understand.  I think that the graphics are amazing in this book and that they are the closest thing to real photos of factory farms without actually having to show children such graphic pictures.

This book starts by introducing the idea that we are all Earthlings and explains what a Vegetarian and a Vegan is. The book is set up in a way that starts with the most familiar animals to the least familiar to children.  The first section is about pets which is a great place to start because pets are the animals that children have the most exposure to whether in their own house or at friends/families.  Following pets are farm animals from birds to pigs and cows.  These pages explain what life is like for the animals when they are free to roam on their own and how life is dramatically different for farm animals when they are placed in factory farms. The last sections of the book are dedicated to ocean  and rainforest life.  Both of the animals and other living organisms are the least familiar to the average child that would be reading this book (at least in North America). 

One of my favorite features of this book is the very last page that list ideas on what you can do to make a difference and learn more.  I think that this was a great addition to the book as it gives children and parents ideas on what else to do after the book is done.   I also have to add that this book is not only a great tool for teaching your kids why they are vegetarian or vegan but also to teach adults and others why it is important not to eat meat. 

Overall this is a must have book for any vegetarian or vegan bookshelf.

Blogger Disclaimer: The publishing house provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Cookbook Review: Therapeutic Chef

February 10th 2010 Posted at Book Review, Recipes, Uncategorized
2 Comments

A few months ago Kristin Doyle sent me a copy of her new cookbook Therapeutic Chef that is filled with “recipes to prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes.”  The first few chapters of this book are informational and discuss how to use the book, as well as suggested items for the Therapeutic Chef Kitchen.  These first few chapters of the book are great and are important to read to really understand the purpose of the cookbook and how the recipes can help in preventing heart disease, cancer and diabetes. There is also a “Seven Day Meal Plan For Good Health” which is a great resource especially for those who aren’t sure how to kick start a new healthier way of eating. 

Coming from a family that has faced heart disease, cancer and diabetes I have found that this cookbook is a great resource for my own health and when I am cooking for family and friends. All of the recipes are plant based and whole foods, which means that all of the recipes are processed and refined food FREE! Now the best part is that these recipes are delicious and nutritious.

Click to View on Amazon

  I have been cooking up a storm from this book and my dream is to attempt all of the recipes.  So far I have tired:

  •  Cream of Broccoli-Kale Soup
  • Creamy Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Parsley- Husband and parents really liked this
  • Squash Apple Soup
  • The Cleansing Omega 3 Spread
  • Walnut Miso Spread
  • Favorite Tempeh Marinade- This was a favorite of mine and I will be making it again!
  • Savory Marinade
  • Creamy Thai Kale
  • Garlic-Curry Sweet Potato “Fries”- these were absolutely amazing
  • Favorite Portobello Mushrooms
  • Ginger-Garlic Brown Rice
  • Celtic Shepherds Pie with Miso Gravy- This was popular with the family and the miso gravy is so delicious
  • Mom’s Favorite Veggie Burgers

Sounds like a lot right?  I haven’t even made a dent in this 486 page book and the yummy sounding recipes don’t seem to end.  Kristin Doyle gave me permission to give you a sneak peak from Therapeutic Chef with her recipe for Pressed Kale Salad:

Book Review: Go Dairy Free

February 3rd 2010 Posted at Book Review
4 Comments

Go Dairy Free by Alisa Marie Fleming is a guide and cookbook for milk allergies, lactose intolerance and casein-free living.  The book starts with a guide to Understanding Dairy and Dairy-Free From a Health Perspective these are the first 5 chapters the book.  These first 5 chapters provide a massive amount of information about dairy, the benefits of living dairy-free and any concerns that one might have about going dairy-free. 

The second section of the book is Eating Away From Home this is one of my favorite sections because it gives great ideas on what to do when eating out at restaurants as well as social events and travel. For those starting out eating dairy-free it is great to know some tips about ordering off the menu at various restaurants.  For example the book categorizes cuisines into green light, yellow light and red light cuisines.  Green Light cuisines are ones that have a number of dairy free options such as Chinese, Japanese, Tai and Vietnamese restaurants.  Yellow Light cuisines are ones that you need to be more cautious about such as Mexican, Greek, African and Caribbean.  The Red Light cuisines are ones you should be extra cautious about such as “American”, Irish/English Pubs, Indian, Italian, French, German or Swiss which all have a number of dairy based dishes. (p. 66-70)

The next two sections are Grocery Shopping & Preparing Your Kitchen and All You Ever Wanted to Know About Dairy Substitutes  I think both of these sections are really great for the newly vegan/those going dairy-free.  In these sections you can find shopping ideas as well as what are some great alternatives.  Here you can learn about a variety of milk alternative s from soymilk to hemp milk.  This section is a great tool for those seeking more information on what the next steps are to living a dairy free life.  

Now that you have made it through all the sections on what dairy is, why you should go dairy-free, what your pantry needs and what there are for dairy substitutes it’s finally Time to Eat! This section is filled with a number of recipes by Alisa Marie Fleming as well as various authors and fellow bloggers such as Ricki at Diet, Dessert and Dogs, Susan from Fat Free Vegan and Celine from Have Cake Will Travel.  All of the recipes featured in this book are great examples of yummy dairy-free recipes that anyone will love. 

The book ends with recommended resources such as online sources in the forms of blogs and various websites.  There are also suggested “offline reading and resources” which vegan, gluten-free/casein-free, food allergy and children’s books. Lastly, there is a great index the list the dairy alternatives and recipes and details whether they are vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, nut-free and/or peanut-free. 

Overall this book is a great resource for those who are looking to learn more about going dairy free.  All of the features from dining out to stocking the pantry as well as great recipes for everyone to enjoy make this book a great resource.

Disclaimer: Fleming Ink provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Review: PETA's Vegan College Cookbook

February 3rd 2010 Posted at Book Review, Uncategorized
1 Comment

PETA’s Vegan College Cookbook is targeted at college students who are without a kitchen or have limited access to a kitchen and/or time to cook meals.  All of the recipes are quick and easy to throw together.  Most recipes are based off meat analogues and packaged products with a few fresh ingredients.  It takes items that college students have easy access too such as veggie burgers, canned beans, ramen noodles and vegan cheese slices and creates easy dishes for the student on the run. 

If boiling water or turning the microwave on is as far as your culinary abilities go then this is a great book for you. This recipe book is rather a guide on how to throw ingredients together and heat them up.  If you already know how to cook and can do more than mix, boil water and turn the microwave on then this cookbook is definitely not for you.  This book is not meant to be anything great and you won’t find me using it but if you know someone who is clueless in the kitchen (or you are yourself) it might be worth picking up, if nothing else it’s comical.

Source

Disclaimer: Sourcebooks Inc.provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Review: Green Smoothie Revolution

January 6th 2010 Posted at Book Review
3 Comments

In the past 2 years I have really gotten into the raw foods diet and although I do not practice it as much in the winter I still try to get in at least one raw meal a day (we live in VT and produce is not so great in the winter).  Somedays this means just keeping it simple and having a green smoothie usually for breakfast, sometimes at lunch.  The recipe book  Green Smoothie Revolution by Victoria Boutenko has been a great resource for making some delicious green smoothies as well as providing a ton of information about green smoothies in sections such as The Importance of Rotating Greens in Your Smoothies and Food Combining in Green Smoothies. 

Click to View on Amazon

 

The second part of this book features:

  • Tips and Tricks for Smoothie Preparatoin
  • Green Smoothies for Beginners
  • Supergreen Smoothies
  • Savory Green Smoothies and Soups
  • Green Smoothies for the Adventurous Souls
  • Green Puddings
  • Green Smoothies for children
  • Green Smoothies for Pets
  • Green Smoothies for Body Care

So far I have been mostly playing around with recipes from Green Smoothies for Beginners, Supergreen Smoothies and Green Smoothies for Children however I am interested in trying some green soups and puddings soon.  The great part about this book is the variety of recipes there are, 200 to be precise, that are all fun and different.   The recipes use a variety of greens to keep things interesting as well as a number of great fruit and veggie combinations.  My favorites (so far) have been the Medallion Melon which is simple cantaloupe and romaine- simple and delicious.  However, my absolute favorite and so far go to smoothie has been the Winter Green Smoothie which is berries, spinach, water and ginger- soooo good.  

Over all this is a great book for those interested in raw foods, green smoothies and healthy new ways to get greens into ones diet. 

Blogger Disclosure:  Cooking For A Vegan Lover received this book at no cost from the publishing house for review.

Cookbook Review: The New Vegan

December 17th 2009 Posted at Book Review, Uncategorized
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Brussels Sprouts and Udon Noodles in Miso Sauce

 

I have been testing out some recipes from The New Vegan by Lorna Sass who is also the author of The New Soy Cookbook.  This book is a great introduction to vegan recipes, the first chapter features how to stock your vegan pantry.  The best thing about this cookbook is that there is a photo to go with almost every recipe.  For those of who have been cooking for years pictures are not so important but being a new cook or new to vegan cuisine it is great to have a photo reference to go with a recipe. 

I made the Brussels Sprouts and Udon Noodles in Miso Sauce from the book and it was delicious.  I love that this book features recipes from various cuisines in a way that is approachable for anyone.  This book although called the “New Vegan” is great for any level of cook and anyone interested in veganism/vegetarianism. 

Click to view on Amazon

The Asian Vegan Kitchen

December 15th 2009 Posted at Book Review, Uncategorized
4 Comments

 

Click to view on Amazon

 

If you didn’t already know my husband and I are huge fans of Asian food. Thai, Chinese, Malaysia, Indian, Korean, Japanese….you name it we pretty much love it, so I was excited when I was given the opportunity to try out The Asian Vegan Kitchen, a great cookbook filled with a variety Asian recipes. 

This cookbook is set up into sections based on cuisine which include Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Burmese, Indonesian and Malaysian.  Many of the recipes take a bit of planning to make as some of the ingredients are more difficult to find in North America.  Some ingredients you can find in the international foods aisle at your local market however there will be some that you will have to go to your local Asian market (sometimes even a few different ones).

I have made a few recipes from this book (with plans to make many more) but so far my favorite has been the Vietnamese Fried Rice and the Spicy Tofu (Chinese).  The both had a ton of flavor and were fairly easy to make.

Spicy Tofu with Vietnamese Rice (also sauteed napa cabbage and eggplant with hoisin)

 

This is a great cookbook for those who are interested in Asian cooking that has been adapted for vegans.  One of the best features is the glossary in the back of the book where you can learn more about ingredients that may be less familiar and some even have suggest substitutions if you can not find that specific ingredient.  As well these recipes may at first seem complex but the great instructions make this book great for any cooking level.

Vegan Thanksgiving & Cookie Baking

November 22nd 2009 Posted at Book Review
9 Comments

.  Since Neil is heading north to New Brunswick next week we won’t be having vegan Thanksgiving so we enjoyed it yesterday with two of my girlfriends, Monica and Laura. After we shared vegan Thanksgiving we spent the remainder of the afternoon in the kitchen baking cookies from Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar. 
 

Celebration Roast, Cumin Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole

Already to bake!

We made the Blackstrap Gingersnaps first; I received a sample NuNuaturals NuStevia Baking Blend and we decided to try it out with these cookies instead of sugar.

 

Yeah! Gingersnaps!

Look mom greasy hands!

City Girl Snickerdoodles

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows


All of these cookies enjoyed with a nice cup of Boulevards Organics Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

We also made some Lazy Samoas (not photographed) which were delicious and just like the caramel delights I enjoyed as a girl scout.  The girls and I really loved this cookbook and found that all the recipes were fun and yet easy.  A few things we really loved were that all the cookies were baked at 350F and that all took 8min to 12min which was great especially when baking 4 different kinds. I really loved all the cookies I have to say it’s a toss up between the Chocolate PB and the Snickerdoodles for my favorite.

Vegan Brunch Review and Giveaway

November 21st 2009 Posted at Book Review, giveaway
35 Comments

The first vegan cookbook I ever bought as Vegan with a Vengeance I have used it so much over the years that it is stained with food and worn to pieces.  Over the years I picked up Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World which I loved and actually used 2 of the cupcake recipes for my wedding cupcakes. Then I was given a copy of Veganomicon by my loving husband for Christmas 2007 – I honestly haven’t used this book as much as VWAV & VCTOTW and was actually disappointed with it compared to Isa’s two earlier books.  However Isa Chandra Moskowitz  has redeemed herself with Vegan Brunch which features a number of great vegan brunch recipes.  

Vegan Brunch features savory recipes such as tofu scramble, frittatas, polenta ranchers, Tofu Benny and perogies.  Of the savory dishes I tried the tofu scramble which was delicious, the texture was almost creamy which I loved and really had the texture of scrambled eggs (or at least what I remember-it’s been awhile).  I also made the Cornbread Waffles which I loved because some days you just don’t want to have a sweet waffle and this was a great savory waffle. Lastly I made the Tofu Benny which I loved! The hollandaise was delicious and the Diner Homefries were nice and crispy. 

To be honest I have yet to try any of the sweet brunch options and am actually much more of a savory breakfast person. I actually did have plans to make the Banana Rabanada (Brazilian French Toast) this morning but my husband forgot the baguette on his desk at work. I guess I’ll make it another day!

Some other dishes I have made and loved where the Samosa Mashed Potato Pancakes, Chesapeake Tempeh Cakes and the Mushroom Gravy.  I made the Cheaspeake Tempeh Cakes for some of my omni friends and they couldn’t get enough of them.  I ate the mushroom gravy this morning with my scramble and am using the leftovers in my greenbean casserole.  

Over all this is a great book that I would recommend to anyone who loves breakfast.  This book is great because although many cookbooks have breakfast sections none have the focus and devotion to breakfast items like Vegan Brunch.

You can pick up your copy of Vegan Brunch on Amazon.

Now that you have read what I have to say about this book I am going to give you a chance to win a copy yourself. If you would like to win please leave a comment letting me know what your favorite brunch dish is by November 24th, 2009.

For extra chances to win:

  1. RT @cookveganlover (leave me a comment)
  2. Follow me on Twitter  (leave me a comment)
  3. Become a fan on Facebook (leave me a comment)

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Winner: Christina- “blueberry pancakes with a side of homefries and vegan sausage. yums!”

 

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