Description:
For vegetarian singles or couples, Nancy Mair's The Intimate Vegetarian offers a multinational array of recipes designed to be made in small portions. The beauty of this book is that every recipe was created to be prepared for one person or two--and exact measurements are given for each option--so there's no guessing about how to reduce a recipe and no wasting of excess food. The recipes cover a wide range of ethnicities, but all are simple to prepare and use easy-to-find ingredients. A more seasoned cook might complain that Mair relies too heavily on prepared sauces, dried herbs, and the ubiquitous "garlic granules," but for those new to the kitchen or those who simply want tasty, easy-to-prepare, and healthful vegetarian meals, this book is a helpful guide. Mair--who is coauthor of the popular Simply Vegetarian!--even includes a handy section of cooking tips for beginners, shopping hints, food storage tips, tricks for converting recipes for restricted diets, and advice on stocking the pantry so that flavorful meals can be improvised at the drop of a hat. The book includes chapters on every course, from appetizers, dips, and snacks to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, sauces, spreads, and a whole lot more in between. Must-tries include the spicy and fresh California Gazpacho, jazzed up with serrano chiles and cilantro; Risotto with Asparagus, given a luxurious twist with the addition of champagne; homey Mashed Potato Pancakes napped in velvety Mushroom Gravy; and spicy Cauliflower Curry with Mushrooms and Peas. Desserts are mostly homey selections such as Chocolate Brownies, Baked Apples, and Peach Crisp. The one standout is the Amrit Rice Pudding: tiny pearls of Basmati rice suspended in sweet, thick milk delicately scented with rose water. Customarily served as a dessert, it also makes a decadent breakfast--or even a deliciously sinful afternoon treat. --Robin Donovan
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