Table for Two (Paperback)

~ Joanne Stepaniak (Author) "Whether you have downsized a formerly large household, are a single-parent, have an alternative living arrangement, share your space with roommates, cook daily or occasionally..." (more)
Key Phrases: teaspoon onion granules, instant gluten flour, breading meal, Tofu Sour Cream, Per Tablespoon, Cheeze Sandwiches (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Table For Two offers recipes that are quick, nutritious, and easy. Most of them take under 30 minutes to prepare! With just a few ingredients and simple directions, anyone can have the great taste of family style cooking without all the leftovers and time-consuming preparations experienced with conventional recipes that feed four or more people. Vegan cuisine is gaining support from doctors and dietitians alike for the role it can play in protecting us from diet-related diseases. In addition, because a vegan diet (egg and dairy-free) utilizes plant protein, it creates less of a demand on the world's resources and encourages a lifestyle that is compassionate toward the Earth and all life. Sections include setting up a kitchen for two, setting up a pantry for two, cooking tips for small-portion cooking and dining, kid-pleasing recipes, and super duper quick & easy recipes. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description

This book offers you recipes that have the great taste of family-style cooking without all the leftovers and time-consuming preparation you experience with conventional recipes that feed four or more people.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Book Publishing Company (TN); 1 edition (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570670196
• ISBN-13: 978-1570670190
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #134,674 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Table for Two: Cook to Impress (In 30 minutes!), August 8, 2004

By	Erin Murphy "vggiegirl" (Chicago, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Table for Two has been a main source of meals for me. Yes, I live alone, with two cats. I don't have a lot of time, space, or money to cook. Enter Table for Two. Possibly Jo's most lifesaving book for vegans strapped for time and space such as I.
There are a lot of vegan cookbooks out there not suitable for new vegans. This is not one of them. Actually, all of Jo's books are suitable for new vegans! It is chock full of information to ease the pain of leaning to cook such as "Basic Cooking Terms", "Cupboard Staples", and even "Kid-Pleasing Recipes". I have to disagree with the latter...they tickle me pink and I'm no kid!
To start, the book has a great "Lay-Flat Binding" cover. Very convenient in the kitchen. It has recipes for every occasion, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I love starting my Sunday's with "Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes". Oh my! So delicious and still manage to stay in the realm of healthy eating! Another favorite for me and my workmates is Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins. Those always go over well :-) Preparing dinner? Try a side of "Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Salad" or "Warm Dutch Potato Salad". There is a killer recipe for "Thousand Island Dressing" as well. Low on fat, high on taste! "Pan-Handle Chili" is a bi-weekly recipe for me. This recipe even freezes well for those who are actually a Table for One :) Another favorite is "Old World Cabbage Soup". It is JUST like I remember it from the Polish and Jewish restaurants my grandparents took me too as a child. The tomatoey base of this hearty soup really brings me back. Some vegans feel that they will never have another grilled cheese as long as they live. Not so. "Toasted or Grilled Cheeze Sandwiches" are delicious and they actually melt! Imagine! Cheezy goodness with a pickle spear on the side. Remember those days? Anyone can make a bean burrito but be honest...If you are like me it's usually a can of pre-mushed beans plopped into a tortilla. The "Bean Burritos" on page 101 will keep you wanting more...hearty and authentic.
There is an extensive variation to stir-fries with "Stir-Fries Tonight!" "Aunt Rose's Marinara Sauce" is so delicious and simple...you'll never pop the top off another jar of pre-made sauce again. There is an entire section on my favorite...potatoes! and grains and pasta. "Stuffed Sweet Potatoes", "Aunt Shayna's Potato Cakes" (yum yummy!), "Cheezy Macaroni" and "Brown Rice Croquettes" to name a few. Are you ready for dessert? "Schoolyard Oatmeal Cookies", better than mom used to make! A favorite of mine and my non-vegetarian boyfriend is "Maple Banana Custard" topped off with some "Carob Fudge Sauce". Decadent and you'd think a little naughty...but again, this is vegan cooking and the dessert is low fat.
This nowhere near completes the extensive span in this book, but I hope it gives you (vegan and non-vegan, young and old) a better idea of Table For Two. It is a staple in my house and a staple to my health. Enjoy!

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best vegan cookbook I've ever had..., August 9, 2004

By	K. J ReeverMorghan "avid reader" (Hines, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I haven't had this cookbook for a year yet and it is already falling apart from overuse. I like all of Joanne's cookbooks, but this one definitely gets the most use. The Mexican Black Bean Salad is a favorite on hot days, as is the Maple Banana Custard. I really enjoy the Pierogies in a Pot on cool nights. The Saucy Franks and Beans and the Cabbage and Pasta Bake are both big favorites of my husband. The best part is that the recipes are sized for two, so no leftovers. Also, none of the recipes have been complicated or time-consuming to prepare, which is great for a busy couple.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a good very basic little cookbook to get you up and running, September 24, 2005

By	yogagirl "grrrl" (chicago) - See all my reviews

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This cookbook is great because it has all the things you would want in a little cookbook. That being:

1) Easy veggie-based recipes with ingredients easy to find or that you already have, for the most part. Seitan and nutritional yeast aside, you can find everything else easily.
2) Calorie and nutritional information breakdown
3) Plenty of tips for each recipe
4) A blurb on each recipe that gives good information and gives you the "feel" of the recipe and it's use.
5) Small quantities. Seriously, how many people need to make 6 servings of everything!?!?!
6) Esp. good for getting kids to eat healty. This book is really all about that.

This book can save you money because you don't need to buy too many ingredients that you don't end up using, and the author suggests ways to use the rest of what you have in another recipe.

This cookbook is made by a person who eats the things she writes about. I also like that she has a slightly Polish/Russian slant in some of the dishes. I have another book, 1001 Low-fat Vegetarian Recipes, and practically everything in there has some "southwestern" bent. That can get annoying. There are plenty of types of vegetarian dishes in every culture, and it's nice to see a recipe, for instance, that quickly gets you close to the taste of pierogis (if not the shape), without all the fuss.

I'm not actually vegan, but I really like and tend to use cookbooks that don't rely on meat in every freakin' entree, and which use vegetable protein.

This book is also good for just simple brainstorming on using what you've got. A basic staple book to refer to when you you don't think you have anything to eat. It's not anywhere near gourmet in style, but will at least jar your brain to think vegan about your food choices.