From Publishers Weekly
Since the mid-1970s, Vegetarian Times?where Moll was executive editor?has grown from a simple newsletter to a four-color magazine. This all-purpose, appealing collection of 750 recipes is drawn mainly from the magazine's pages and caters to the vegetarian spectrum, from complete vegetarians to those who eat eggs and cheese. Introductory chapters explain differences between ovo-lacto vegetarians, lacto vegetarians and vegans, and tout the animal-free diet as healthy (most recipes derive only 20 to 25 percent of their calories from fat) and environmentally sensible (feeding a meat-eater requires 3.25 acres a year; an ovo-lacto vegetarian needs half an acre). But the real question is whether a vegetarian meal can be as tasty as a meat-, fish-or poultry-based meal. The proof here is in the pudding (a Spiced Pumpkin Custard or Spiced Carrot Pudding) and in appetizers, soups, main courses, sandwiches and breakfast foods. Recipes range from standard meat-replacement dishes (Nutty Lentil Loaf) to the imaginative (Chile-Mole Popcorn; Spaghetti Squash Salad), with nods to ethnic cuisine (African Peanut Soup). Included are plentiful recipes using less common ingredients such as soy-based tempeh and seitan, derived from wheat. Menu suggestions are also listed.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Vegetarianism has gone mainstream, and so has Vegetarian Times, with a fast-rising circulation now close to 400,000. This hefty cookbook features more than 700 recipes. The 100-page introduction includes, not surprisingly, a strong sell for the vegetarian way, as well as sections on menu planning, ingredients, and techniques. The diversity of the recipes demonstrates the evolution of the vegetarian diet from the unappetizing millet stews of the 1960s. There are lots of beans and grains, along with soy-based dishes and what the authors refer to as "taste-alikes," such as tofu "egg salad," but the majority are much more sophisticated and inspired by a wide range of cuisines, from Snow Peas with Radish Cream to Green Coconut Curry; it's too bad so many have such long ingredients lists. Recommended for most collections.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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