The Vegetarian Family Cookbook (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: fat milk rice milk, natural granulated sugar, ounce tub extra firm tofu, Dairy Calories, Homemade Seitan, Basic Vinaigrette (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Atlas, founder of the popular Web site www.vegkitchen.com, adds to her printed offerings with this latest volume (after The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet) aimed at the family at home. Understanding that children as well as adults can be "picky eaters," she provides a range of easy, adaptable vegetarian recipes that encompasses every occasion. In addition, she adds a vegan perspective to the book by suggesting the necessary substitute ingredients needed to provide this dietary alternative. The recipes take the reader through the day, from luscious breakfast smoothies and crunchy granolas, filling soups, light salads and snacks to the more substantial dishes of a main meal. Expanding on the beans and lentils of traditional vegetarian cuisine, she draws on inspiration from regional and international cuisine, from simple stir fries like the Hearty Seitan "Buddist's Delight" to Pasta with Enlightened Alfredo Sauce. Carefully including the nutritional analysis of each dish, the recipes vary in complexity but are aimed at the busy household, so most can be produced within a reasonable amount of time. Interspersed are helpful explanations of the more specialist vegetarian ingredients like tofu and seitan. Many of the recipes include "make it a meal" ideas for complementary dishes, while others suggest variations to embellish the finished result. The result is a competent, useful volume from a knowledgeable vegetarian author.
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Product Description

It can be challenging to create nutritious family meals that appeal to everyone at the table, including the picky eaters. But Nava Atlas has solved the dilemma with a collection of down-to-earth recipes reflecting the way families really eat. Flexible, adaptable, and filled with ways to make wholesome food more attractive to children, The Vegetarian Family Cookbook tackles breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time like no other vegetarian cookbook on the market.

Covering everything from family-friendly salads to comforting casseroles, Atlas shows how simple it can be to make enticing meat-free meals with selections such as Quick Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili, Vegetable Upside Down Casserole, Alphabet Soup, sensational sandwich fare for home or school, as well as energy-packed choices to start the day. She also takes the mystery out of cooking with soy and provides dozens of delicious whole-grain, low-sugar desserts. Most of the recipes include vegan substitutions for eggs or dairy products.

Whether motivated by economic, ethical, or health reasons, a record number of Americans are cutting back on or eliminating meat. The Vegetarian Family Cookbook makes this an appealing, stress-free decision.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Broadway (February 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767913965
• ISBN-13: 978-0767913966
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,873 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for vegetarian and vegan families!, March 1, 2004

By	Melanie Wilson "vegetarianbabydotcom" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Nava Atlas' brand new cookbook has given me motivation to cook again!! With two picky vegetarian children and no time to cook, it has been difficult lately to even think of meal ideas. Atlas' newest cookbook gives great suggestions, is designed to be a great time saver, and is perfect for vegetarian and vegan families. It is a wonderful addition to my family's bookshelf.

This book is easy to read and easy to use. It is divided into a number of sections including: Easy Breakfast Treats, Soothing Soups & Salads, Pasta, Tofu & Seitan, Vegetables and Grains, Easy Side dishes, Sandwiches and School Lunches, Healthy Snacks and Baked Goods.

I really appreciate that most of the recipes have easy-to-find ingredients and are simple to make. Many of Atlas' ingredients are already in your kitchen. Each recipe is clearly marked whether it contains dairy or eggs and most of the recipes include variations. I also love how she makes it easier for readers to plan meals by noting accompanying side dishes and their page numbers. This makes it so easy to serve a complete and delicious meal without frantically having to think of accompaniments.

In addition to the recipes, Atlas discusses vegetarian eating and other topics including pesticides in our food, the vegetarian food pyramid, and websites dedicated to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.--Denise Steele-Darnell

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nava has done it again!, February 5, 2004

By	"aloha-keneke" (Leesburg, VA) - See all my reviews

While I am not a vegetarian, I do incorporate vegetarian meals into my diet frequently. I have enjoyed all of Nava's other books, but was a bit leary of this book, since she adopted a veagan diet while writing it. I was wrong to doubt her.

She has several great recipes in there that I totally recommend: mushroom stroganoff, taco salad, and mashed sweet potatos with leeks, peas and walnuts. All are very easy and taste incredible.

I would recommend this book to anyone. I think the side-by-side nutritional analysis of the vegetarian vs. vegan versions of recipes are very eye-opening. It makes me want to try soy cheese one more time.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our new family favorite, March 6, 2005

By	Cathe Olson "natural foods cookbook author" (In the kitchen) - See all my reviews

I am so happy to have discovered Nava Atlas's latest book, The Vegetarian Family Cookbook. The simple, healthy, and delicious dishes are exactly what my family and I like to eat. Atlas's recipes are so approachable - especially for a busy parent. She offers ideas for meals that fit into a busy family lifestyle - simple breakfast ideas, suggestions for school lunches, healthy snacks, and quick dinners. The recipes call for few, easy-to-find ingredients making this book perfect for even the novice cook or beginning vegetarian.

This comprehensive book includes recipes for breakfasts, soups, salads, casseroles, pasta, grains, beans, vegetables, snacks, and desserts. For those who don't know what to do with tofu, Atlas explains the different types and gives many recipes that will make even those who think they don't like tofu, realize that maybe they do. I made the tofu burgers for family and friends and everybody was begging for more (I now make double batches!) I also enjoyed the section on seitan - a meat-like product made from wheat gluten. The recipe for homemade seitan is so easy and the seitan tastes so much better than the store-bought product that my family didn't like.

In addition to all the yummy recipes, The Vegetarian Family Cookbook includes great information about vegetarianism, reasons to eat organic, substitutes for dairy products, nutrition information, and useful books and web sites. This book had already become the cookbook I turn to first when trying to decide what to make for dinner. Whether your family is vegetarian, vegan, or just trying to eat a more plant-based diet, the recipes in this cookbook are sure to please.