Rating: 
Summary: Serviceable, Prosaic
Review: I don't think I was quite the right audience for this cookbook-for me, it rated a 3; but for the right person, it's a 4.The right person for this book is seeking a way to make regular, balanced vegetarian (ovo-lacto) weeknight meals on the fly, who wants tried and true fare. Much is made of canned goods, dried herb blends, bottled salsa and salad dressings, frozen corn, and like ingredients that are easily found in supermarkets. This is strictly family food, not party impressive, with an eye on the fact that kids may be in the mix. There is little to chop, mostly there is throwing together in one pot or bowl. Menu suggestions are offered here and there, as well as basic helpful hints. I need more originality and flavor than this book offers. The helpful hints are very basic. I appreciate the menu suggestions--I'm still learning about what goes with what in a vegetarian meal--but they were not consistently available. A different editor might have caught some inconsistencies in the text. An example: for the Split Pea and Barley Soup, there is a helpful hint on the same page on which it appears that reads something like, "Sometimes I like to add rice or barley to the Split Pea and Barley Soup (page 'x')." Well, yes, you might like to add barley since it is called for and yes, it is on page 'x', the same page you are reading at the moment. If you choose to do rice, do you substitute it for the barley? It does not elaborate.
Rating:
Summary: Great for non-vegetarians, too!
Review: I have been an on-and-off-again vegetarian for 15 years. I am currently "off", and yet, I LOVE this cookbook! I still like to eat vegetarian meals, especially at lunch, and this is great for that. The recipes are fast and easy. You can use canned beans, or slow-cook some. The recipes only use five ingredients (salt, pepper, and a couple other items don't count), but if you are feeling creative, you can add numerous other things to any of the recipes to make them a little different (canned chipotles, salsa, extra herbs, etc.). Using this cookbook, I have dicovered "new" grains, such as pearl barley, polenta, bulgur, etc. You can only eat so much rice, you know!
In my part of the world, "vegetarian fast food" means a greasy grilled-cheese sandwich, nasty iceberg lettuce salads, or a hamburger without the meat. This is the perfect antidote to that. I find a few dishes every week that I want to eat, and that's what I eat for lunch all week. Much better than Sonic!
My favorite recipes so far have been: cold curried cucumber soup, barley and corn salad, ravioli with sweet potato sauce, ricotta and green chili rice, chili cheese grits, garlicky black beans, beer-stewed pinto beans, tomato and green chili soft tacos, and avacado and ricotta soft tacos. Can't wait to try everything else!
Rating: 
Summary: What a great cookbook!
Review: I have been vegetarian(ovo-lacto) for over 10 years and I have plenty of vegetarian cookbooks, but this one will be a big workhorse in my kitchen. I am a mom and I work outside the home as well, and this book has given me hope and inspiration to get out of the "sandwich-pizza-frozen dinner" slump that I've been in. All the recipes in this book call for only 5 ingredients, but there are endless ways that you can change or add to the recipes. I made two of the recipes tonight and both came out really well (Cabbage, Carrot & Apricot Slaw and Red Pepper and Corn Quesadillas). Also, the prep didn't take that much time or require a lot of clean up. Many recipes can be made using fresh convienience foods like pre-shredded or chopped veggies and canned broth and tomatoes. There are a few recipes for kids and also menu suggestions for dinner, parties and potlucks. I think that this is a very well thought out addition to anyone's kitchen library.
Rating:
Summary: Easy, Good, & did I mention EASY!
Review: I have fallen in love with this cookbook. Not only does it contain a wide variety of great vegetarian dishes, but it draws from many ethnic cuisines. The best part is that my 3 year old son actually likes alot of the recipes I have made from this book - especially the mac n cheese recipe which is divine. When a cookbook can satisfy adult cravings for good, healthy food and not cause the kids to run from the table in fear I am impressed - very, very impressed. The best part is the 5 ingredient thing - it makes life so much easier at the end of a busy day.
Rating:
Summary: Easy, Good, & did I mention EASY!
Review: I have fallen in love with this cookbook. Not only does it contain a wide variety of great vegetarian dishes, but it draws from many ethnic cuisines. The best part is that my 3 year old son actually likes alot of the recipes I have made from this book - especially the mac n cheese recipe which is divine. When a cookbook can satisfy adult cravings for good, healthy food and not cause the kids to run from the table in fear I am impressed - very, very impressed. The best part is the 5 ingredient thing - it makes life so much easier at the end of a busy day.
Rating:
Summary: You need this book
Review: if you work or have children. These are meals that work. They use normal ingredients and taste good. If you are looking for everyday food this is it. I have had this book about 4 months and love it. If you want to impress company with your skills try Voluptuous Vegan. But, if it is your family and friends coming over on Sat. night. This is still the cookbook to use. I want a cookbook that I can use and that I don't have to go to strange places to find the ingredients. I have children and work. I hope she does more cookbooks like this one.
Rating:
Summary: You need this book
Review: if you work or have children. These are meals that work. They use normal ingredients and taste good. If you are looking for everyday food this is it. I have had this book about 4 months and love it. If you want to impress company with your skills try Voluptuous Vegan. But, if it is your family and friends coming over on Sat. night. This is still the cookbook to use. I want a cookbook that I can use and that I don't have to go to strange places to find the ingredients. I have children and work. I hope she does more cookbooks like this one.
Rating:
Summary: Beginning vegetarians try this!
Review: Love the simplicity and originality. I have many cookbooks that intimidate me with their lists and/or directions. I also like the suggestions for companion dishes. I may finally become a vegetarian with books like this one.
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