natural foods

My mother in-law bought me this book shortly after I married her son. I think she was a little worried that he wouldn't eat well because he married a vegetarian. Our first year of marriage I used only this cookbook and a few recipes my mom had given me. I can't tell you how exciting it was to sit down, read through a section of the book, write a grocery list for the items I would need, write out a dinner menu for the whole week and then call my friends to tell them what I was fixing on each night and ask them what sounded good to them so they could join us for dinner. I did this for several months until my evenings were filled with other activities. (Eating was definitely an activity when it came to using this book.) I have enjoyed every recipe I have used from this book. And they're so easy!! Here are a few of my recommendations (I don't have page numbers in front of me): The Barbecue Red Beans, Corn and Rice; Manicotti; Fajitas; Falafel; Hummus; Black Bean Hummus; and so many more. My only problem with some of the recipes is that I'm not a big salt eater and so I changed a few of the measurements on some recipes. And also, because she uses a lot of cheese (which is my favorite food) I gained a lot of weight that year. I do love the fact that she doesn't suggest using lowfat or non-fat foods to make the recipes but use caution. This is a "must have" cookbook if you love eating really good food!!

This cookbook is a good staple cookbook, like _Joy_ or _Better Homes and Gardens_ are for omnivores. It has good, simple recipes for all the vegetarian classics, as well as some innovative and delicious variations and ideas. It belongs in all omnivore and vegetarian kitchens. I was rather surprised by the quality of the recipes, as I found the quantity-focused title off-putting, but I have used this book almost exclusively since recieving it as a gift four years ago. It is not tony gourmet (simpler than _The Vegetarian Epicure_) nor lowfat (thank goodness!) but yields excellent meals with great variety. The reviewer who found it a "diappointment" was clearly thinking of another book...this one doesn't have pictures, just great recipes for good meals.

I learned how to cook using this book and now not only do I LOVE cooking but I am also an EXCELLENT cook (just ask the anyone who I've cooked for...they always ask for seconds and are enthusiastic when i invite them to dinner). This book offers wonderful recipes that are very easy to prepare. Even a meat-eating crowd will be overly pleased with the foods made from this book. Additionally, this book teaches readers how to cook in general, which makes it a good place to not only practice but to get inspiration to start creating your own wonderful dishes. this book is absolutely ESSENTIAL to have in your life...trust me it will make it 1,0000 times yummier!