The Middle Path Cookbook: A Vegetarian Awakening (Hardcover)

by Jay Disney (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Jay Disney's holistic approach to food is inspired by the age-old, tried and true philosophy of moderation, making his new cookbook, the follow-up to Let There Be Lite! an invaluable guide to achieving balance and good health through food. He inspires readers to move beyond seeing foods as "good" or "bad" and offers common-sense guidelines to finding happiness and health through diet. He reveals the cooking techniques and shortcuts he's developed, gives innovative tips such as how to get a "meaty" taste from vegetables, shows how to make your own fresh pasta, and discusses virtually all varieties of grains and of legumes-the staples of vegetarian cuisine.

For strict vegans or for life-long carnivores who are curious about exploring the vegetarian lifestyle, The Middle Path Cookbook is filled with simple and mouth-watering meat-less recipes inspired by cuisines from around the world-an international approach that delighted fans in Let There Be Lite! From French Onion Soup to Crèpes a l'Indienne, from Kyoto Spinach & Carrots to Acorn Squash Genovese, Jay Disney's tasty recipes, favorites from his successful catering company, are both delectable and inspiring.

"An engaging raconteur, Disney serves up philosophy, commonsense cooking tips and belly laughs as well." (Publishers Weekly)

About the Author
Jay Disney is owner of Traveling Lite, an in-home chef service specializing in low-fat cuisine and he is the author of Let There Be Lite: An Illuminating Guide to Delicious Low-Fat Cooking. He has appeared on numerous television shows, including Food Network's Food News & Views and In Food Today as well as on Lifetime's Our Home, among others.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: Overlook Hardcover; 1 edition (April 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585672602
• ISBN-13: 978-1585672608
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,313,980 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific book, even if you dont agree with "moderation.", January 2, 2003

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

"The middle path" is a phrase that rings of moderation, temperance, and acceptability; the antithesis of "extreme." It gives a sense of inclusion and appeals to the mainstream. That's what, I believe, Jay Disney is hoping to achieve in his cookbook, The Middle Path, a book written to appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Disney provides a realistic and sophisticated approach to vegetarianism without being aggressive.

Disney discusses the various reasons for eating a vegetarian diet without offending the meat eating set and without getting on the cruelty-free soapbox. The only soapbox he stands upon is the one dedicated to "moderation." While he does make mention of the far-reaching benefits of a vegetarian diet, he does it in a matter of fact way that speaks to why people do it as opposed to why all people should do it.

In The Middle Path Cookbook, Disney supplies a book full of information on techniques and ingredients. Each chapter includes an educational introduction giving descriptions of the focus ingredients and cooking tips. For many cooks this may be old news. However, those less experienced cooks will find this information and instruction takes away the intimidation factor in most of the more sophisticated recipes.

Disney's recipes range from basic to sophisticated, healthy to decadent, with everything in between. Although Disney uses eggs and dairy in several of the recipes, he does offer up some advice on substitutions. Still, there are a number of recipes using heavy cream, butter, and sour cream without mentioning whether or not non-dairy substitutes would work in those instances. Many of his recipes are "transitional" in nature, but he still manages to include recipes utilizing tempeh and seitan for the more experienced vegetarian.

Overall, The recipes are creative and tasty, especially the vegan ones.
--Review by Lucy Watkins