What drives a person to write 20 veg'n cookbooks? What compels and inspires a chef to work countless hours in the kitchen developing, rejecting, re-trying and finding new or innovative ways to bring foodstuffs together? Behind in my own efforts, I know how easy it is to underestimate the time, resources, trials, and tribulations involved. Tough job, and although one might do a few books just for the money, it takes real inspiration, dedication, and a spiritual will to help the animals and promote veg'nism by being willing to go through that process over 20 times.
Robin sent me a copy of her latest effort, "1,000 Vegan Recipes" a few weeks ago, and since then I've been marveling at, among other things, the sheer magnitude (and physical weight!) of what's she's just accomplished (disclaimer: I did the website work/design for her "Global Vegan Kitchen" website). We interacted soon after and I asked her about how the hell she pulled it off. So many testers (over 30), so many recipes, so many ingredients. Most notable about her response was this amazing bit of information:
"Three years."
...it took her over three years get this book in public hands! Three years of labor giving birth to an amazing collection of recipes, resources, advice, and menus. An encyclopedic recipe set of creativity, practicality, and efficiency, all in a single 612 page book. And here are the numbers: 80 appetizers and snacks, 253 salads, sandwiches, and soups, 170 main dishes, 46 breads and muffins, 138 cookies, cakes, and other desserts... and that's not all. Pages of menus groups by such topics as "Family-Style Dinner," "Casual Company Dinner" and the "Seasons." Several pages for types of ingredients explanations, online resources, and a comprehensive "vegan pantry" checklist!
And the recipes --- they shine as well-tested and glow with simplicity of effort as well as ingredients. Enthralling. A breadth and depth to a vegan cookbook like none ever done before (and not likely again). Check out the following: "Pomegranate-Infused Lentil and Chickpea Stew," "Tempeh and Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie," "Rotini and Almond-Mint Pesto with Orange Zest," "Pistacio-Pear Couscous Salad," "Chai Spice Cookies," "Vegan Pound Cake(!)," "Strawberry Parfaits with Cashew Creme," and "Pumpkin Waffles with Cranberry Syrup." Of course, those are just the tip of a "Titanic-sized" iceberg.
Back when I reviewed her "Quick-Fix Vegetarian," I likened that effort to a series of minuets. In contrast, her latest book is a gourmet library of music to be played in the kitchen, enjoyed, and treasured countless times for years to come. I highly recommend "1,000 Vegan Recipes." It's several books in one, and those with special dietary preferences (no added fat, etc.) will find most recipes easily adaptable. Be sure to check out Robin's Vegan Planet blog, and website, where you can sample recipes from most of her books. And here's the link to the "1,000 Vegan Recipes" sampler. Surf over and sample the music! It's beautiful.
I haven't yet seen this massive tome, but my sister will probably give me one for xmas. I love her "Vegan Fire and Spice" and "Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker" since almost all the recipes are McDougall friendly by just removing the oil. All the recipes I've tried were great!
Posted by: vgpedlr | 2009.11.16 at 17:58