One of the most persistent myths about vegan or vegetarian food, aside from perhaps "where do you get your protein?" is that our diet is bland, dull, and unappealing. Perhaps this attitude may stem from a 60's stereotype that we live on only tofu and brown rice... Fortunately, Robin Robertson is back. Having dispelled the illusion that vegans don't have a variety of food options with "Vegan Planet," and crushing the "it takes so long to cook veg food" whine via "Quick-Fix Vegetarian," she's returned to disintegrate yet another urban legend.
In "Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes," she blazes a new trail, this one combusting as a series of recipes that, depending upon your internal thermostat, range from promoting a mild flush, to making endorphins flood and toenails sweat. With such sizzlers as the "Barbados-Style Grilled Kebabs," steamy sauces like "Svikla" (a horseradish and red beet relish from Eastern Europe), a fruity and febrile "Persian Orange Rice with Pistachios," and the thermogenesis-inducing, "Three-Alarm Lo Mein," Robin invites us to explore the world's tastes from sublime to searing.
Extremely well-organized as chapters by broad locale (e.g., Europe, Middle East and so on), then, by areas (say, Italy or Pan-Asia), the recipes are categorized by type (sauce, stew, etc.), each having a 1 to 3 "heat" rating and commentary. With a superb index, an excellent intro about spices, suggested kitchen tools, and more, this cookbook stands out a fascinating journey through the taste buds of civilization with an experienced and, ahem, well-seasoned guide to light the way.
As the first book from "Vegan Heritage Press," their new publishing endeavor, the Robertsons show a spirit that promises a great future for their efforts. Witness Robin's dedication from the first page:
"This book is dedicated to compassionate people throughout the world who help each other, the animals, and the environment by eating a heathful plant-based diet."
In my opinion, it's one helluva cookbook... and the fire is not just in the recipes alone.
Thanks for the review - I'll have to take a closer look at that book.
Posted by: the vegan blog tracker | 2008.02.03 at 14:04