This is a great book for not only those new to the raw diet, but for seasoned raw fooders like myself. I am the author of my own raw food book and have seen everything out there. This is a keeper. What makes it special is that it is written by the owner of a raw food restaurant chain, New Leaf. Though I have not been to the restaurant I have sampled many of their goodies that are sold at Whole Foods in the refrigerated gourmet raw foods section. Now I am finally in possession of some of these restaurant quality recipes, such as the falafels, carrot cake with orange icing, Leaf Organics house dressing, wraps, etc.
The book is so much more than a recipe book. It includes a great deal of information such as why organic is important (the author thinks it is more so than even raw; I disagree), the author's story, why raw is better than cooked, how to transition to raw, dealing with food addictions, setting up a raw food kitchen, the benefits of probiotics, and more. Some segments are written by other authors. There is even a handy sprouting guide (an entire chapter which includes a chart) and a chapter on kids eating raw. Rod's writing style includes humor and wit to prove his points: "If you can cut an apple in half, you are a raw-food chef....(To keep it simple and natural)"Avoid adding too many cups of ego to your recipes."
The recipe chapters include dehydrated goodies (crackers, croquettes, pizza, bread), breakfast (smoothies, porridges, granola), appetizers, salad meals (includes dressings and wraps), soups, entrees, and desserts. Some of the recipes I am chomping at the bit to try include the "love loaf" for a Thanksgiving feast, the" Middle Eastern lentil soup", veggie sun burger croquettes, and the "groovy granola."
I appreciate that there are quite a few international raw dishes. When people go raw, they often miss their ethnic dining: Mexican, Indian, Chinese food, etc. But among these recipes you will find Spanish gazpacho; Middle Eastern soup, wraps, falafels & hummus; Mexican corn chowder; Mediterranean burgers; Sicilian Savory Snaps; several variations of raw pizza; pad thai, and more. The author talks about how he traveled a lot before opening the restaurant, and it shows in his cuisine!
So whether you just want a raw version of good ol' American "fish" sticks or apple pie, or you crave raw international fare, either way, this is something you will be glad to have on your shelf!
Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor: The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet
and
Beyond Broccoli, Creating a Biologically Balanced Diet When a Vegetarian Diet Doesn't Work
