A Celebration of Wellness [Paperback]

James Levin (Author), Natalie Cederquist (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Enjoy an unusual vegetarian cookbook which is reviewed here for its emphasis on nonfat, healthy dishes using no diary. One might anticipate a relatively dull selection; but the tastes and flavors here are outstanding, making use of spices and herbs to compensate for anything which might be missed by eliminating fat and dairy products. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 307 pages
• Publisher: Avery (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895296845
• ISBN-13: 978-0895296849
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars spritely, September 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Celebration of Wellness (Paperback)

I just picked up this book and am really intrigued by it. As a recent convert to veganism I've been looking for a cookbook that will keep me "interested" and this one seems to be doing it. The recipes do require time and preparation. Still, once you have the basics in your pantry, it's possible to whip up a quick and healthy meal in no time. Great recipes all around from entrees to sides dishes, breakfasts (yummy blue corn pancakes!) even recipes for body-cleansing teas. Also includes suggestions on how to live healthfuly. I like the bits of information in the margins and the sometimes comical "country" illustrations.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The title says it all, May 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Celebration of Wellness (Paperback)

This is a lovely, inspiring cookbook. The recipes are unique and healthful, and the sidebar quotes and tips give the book a warm, nurturing tone.

The two things that struck me about this book were:
(1) the the entrees reference the "sauces" pages, so that I actually use this section, unlike with other cookbooks, where I have no idea what to do with the sauce recipes.
(2) many vegan cookbooks have the requisite chapter on breakfast, but never before has one offered so many attractive options that have actually helped lure me from my regular cereal-and-soy-milk routine.

I have tried many of the dishes, so far my favorite is the Wild 'n Cheezy casserole, which uses nutritional yeast, and contains kale (both are rather new dietary items for me - nutritional powerhouses - and thanks to this book, ones that I now enjoy immensely).

If you are looking for "something different" for dinner, are familiar with basic cooking techniques, and have a decent level of competence in the produce section of the grocery store, I would highly recommend this book for your collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A keeper! But needs more careful editing..., February 22, 2003

By 

Kenneth Simon (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Celebration of Wellness (Paperback)

There are plenty of recipes in this cookbook that are keepers! The recipes are presented in an easy-to-read typfeace -- an important feature of any cookbook. The health-conscious, vegan recipes are not too complex, and a few of them have inspired us to make them repeatedly over the months.

I would caution that the book is a victim of some sloppy editing. There are some odd misspellings (celery "stocks" instead of "stalks") and occasionally the recipe instructions are ambiguous. At least one recipe from this book came out awful because the preparation instructions were unclear.

I still do recommend this cookbook. The bulk of its contents will make for some delicious, healthy meals.