French Vegetarian Cooking [Paperback]

Paola Gavin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Evans Novel of the West | Publication Date: September 2, 1997

Contains regional and local specialties from all the French provinces from Flanders to Provence.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Although French cuisine is not ordinarily thought to be synonymous with vegetarian meals, Gavin directs her attentive and practical eye to meatless dishes that can be found in regions throughout the country. Rather than emphasize the elegant fare of France's restaurants--and all the fuss associated with haute cuisine--Gavin opts to pass along recipes cooked in family kitchens. Customary chapter divisions encompass appetizers and salads, entre{‚}es and egg dishes, soups, vegetables, and desserts. In a nutshell, Gavin is inclined toward tarts or pies, not souffle{‚}s, and puddings, not puff pastries. For curious cooks, Gavin discusses the various provinces and lists their specialities, including many not featured here. Alice Joyce --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Vegetarian dining is not new to French folk, as Gavin proves in a culinary exploration of dishes from across the country. Local and regional specialties, the influences of nearby countries, and a satisfying range of mostly main dishes makes for a cookbook which will delight many cooks; especially vegetarians with a prior affection for French cuisine. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: M.Evans & Company; 2nd edition (September 2, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871318377
• ISBN-13: 978-0871318374
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,860,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably Delicious, Unbelievably Easy, January 3, 2006

By 

NK "NK" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: French Vegetarian Cooking (Paperback)

As a vegetarian for almost 30 years, this was the cookbook I had always been waiting for. For inexplicable reasons, France appears to be anti-vegetarian. Though the food seems so easily adaptable to vegetarians, instead of leaving the meat out of the amazing and wonderful dishes, usually the top French restaurants in the US and restaurants in France would serve a vegetarian nothing but a plate of grilled vegetables, albiet exquisitely arranged. (Though I noticed that as side dishes or additional courses, meat eaters would often get some delectable vegetarian dishes.) Finally, there is a great cookbook that tells you how to make these dishes and how to make them vegetarian. What's even more amazing is how easy these recipes are. So many books will include in their titles words such as "quick", "in less than 30 minutes", "five ingredients only" but the recipes are really not that simple, easy or quick. But this book actually is simple and easy, though it doesn't bill itself as such. (Soups are so delicious and easy that it can be part of everyday meals with very little fuss or preparation.) I've made most of the recipes and everyone was absolutely delicious. The ingredients are simple and easily substitutable. Most importantly, as you use the book a little, you develop an understanding for how the different types of dishes are made and become independent of the book - so you can create your own quiches, crepes, flans, tians, and gratins. The French really are amazing cooks and they do it with simple but good ingredients and this book makes that possible for vegetarians. The recipes are great for non-vegetarians as well. My carnivirous father-in-law was unbelievably impressed.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite cookbook, May 30, 2004

By 

Priscilla (Vienna, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: French Vegetarian Cooking (Hardcover)

French Vegetarian Cooking has become my favorite cookbook. It almost converted me to being a vegetarian. The recipes are simple, with sublime combinations of readily available ingredients. The recipes are wonderful for whipping up a quick afterwork meal or vegetable dish that tastes like good French restaraunt food. If you're tired of eating the same old-same old, buy this book. You'll be thrilled with the results of throwing together a few classic ingredients that produce a fabulous tasting and refreshing change from your regular fare.

It will impress your family too. If you're going to feed them green beans you might as well pour on a little combination of lemon, garlic, olive oil and basil to make a superb side dish. (Great for taking to parties too). As long as you're making baked potatoes, it takes no time to throw together a cream, mushroom and herb concoction to stuff them with. So much better than boring old spuds. And even the kids will be tempted by the lovely creamy, cheesy mornay sauce you can pour over the brussel sprouts. Really! My 8 year old loves that dish.

So if you want to impress friends and family using simple, fast recipes that produce surprisingly scrumptious results, get this cookbook. You will find yourself using it often and loving it.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's French, it's vegetarian, but it's not intimidating., April 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: French Vegetarian Cooking (Hardcover)

Paola Gavin has done down-to-earth cooks a huge favor by proving that the words "French" and "vegetarian" can co-exist in peace and simplicity. Refreshingly short ingredient lists grace the pages, presented in an austere format which belies the tempting and tasty dishes that will result.