<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Good for browsers
Review: I like reading cookbooks. I mean, I like reading cookbooks in the same way that I like reading novels. If that's true for you as well, this book is a good choice (only beware, there are no pictures). As far as utility purposes go, this isn't a book for the casual chef. Many of the ingredients are obscure and many of the recipes call for over 10 ingredients. I disagree that it holds up well in the kitchen - I've only actually made a few recipes from it (I agree wholeheartedly about the Tofu-Basil Lasagna - but you can use regular white vinegar instead of umeboshi vinegar) and already some pages threaten to fall out.
I also value a cookbook that can convince me that its recipes have been thoroughly tested. I hate feeling that the money I've spent on the book and on the ingredients (for this book, the ingredients can get costly) as well as my time and effort were all just to satisfy a whim some chef had - instead of concrete evidence that a meal will be tasty. The Kripalu cookbook includes little stories about each recipe that I really appreciate and trust.
If I had unlimited funds and didn't have to work full time, this would be a primary resource in my cookbook collection. As it is, it's definitely a major player in my casual "flipping through" collection.
Rating:
Summary: Good for browsers
Review: I like reading cookbooks. I mean, I like reading cookbooks in the same way that I like reading novels. If that's true for you as well, this book is a good choice (only beware, there are no pictures). As far as utility purposes go, this isn't a book for the casual chef. Many of the ingredients are obscure and many of the recipes call for over 10 ingredients. I disagree that it holds up well in the kitchen - I've only actually made a few recipes from it (I agree wholeheartedly about the Tofu-Basil Lasagna - but you can use regular white vinegar instead of umeboshi vinegar) and already some pages threaten to fall out.
I also value a cookbook that can convince me that its recipes have been thoroughly tested. I hate feeling that the money I've spent on the book and on the ingredients (for this book, the ingredients can get costly) as well as my time and effort were all just to satisfy a whim some chef had - instead of concrete evidence that a meal will be tasty. The Kripalu cookbook includes little stories about each recipe that I really appreciate and trust.
If I had unlimited funds and didn't have to work full time, this would be a primary resource in my cookbook collection. As it is, it's definitely a major player in my casual "flipping through" collection.
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad but not great.
Review: I love this cookbook & have given it to many friends! The recipes are easy & very tasty. Who says that eating healthy needs to taste bland? This book is good for beginners & more advanced cooks. I would highly recommend it to people who want more variety in their already healthy diets.
Rating:
Summary: The recipes I've tried have been worth the price.
Review: I recommend this book to anyone interested in cooking vegetarian. The tofu basil lasagna alone is worth the price of the book, and I've even pulled off making it for a Christmas dinner (the die-hard meat eaters had no idea, and even had seconds!).
The muesli recipe is excellent, and I've made the garlic green beans a staple in my house.
The only drawback is that there is no nutritional information provided, which is a drag for label-readers like myself.
It may be a silly point, but the book holds up pretty well in the kitchen, what with sauce and splotches mucking it up, and if it ever gets REALLY messed up, I would pay the money to replace it.
Hope this helps anyone with a decision.
Rating:
Summary: Not bad but not great.
Review: Out of 12 recipies I made, my family only liked 3 of them. Spinach lasagna, rainforest bars, and whole wheat bread. There are several errors in the book, so pay attention and calculate amounts carefully. The prep and cooking times are low. Two hours usually means a little more than three. Everything looks delicious but it's not all that easy to prepare. Some of the ingredients are a little difficult to find, too.
Rating: 
Summary: excellent replicas of terrific food
Review: whether you've been to Kripalu or not, their food is wonderful. If you have been there, this book will be treasured as it offers the chance to recreate some delicious and very healthy dining experiences. Try the Greek Tahini salad dressing and the tofu-basil lasagna!
<< 1 >>
| 
