In a previous review of a Robin Robertson cookbook, I referred to her as the “octomom” of vegan cookbooks (they just keep on coming). But, upon months of therapy and adjusting my meds, I’ve reconsidered that characterization. After receiving one of her latest works of culinary art (I’m a bit behind, been busy marketing my own cookbook!), I now envision Robin as more of the “Lance Armstrong” of vegan cookbook authors (without the doping). He won SEVEN consecutive “Tour-de-Frances,” an astounding achievement (despite how he did it).
And another astounding achievement describes, “Party Vegan,” by Robin Robertson. She’s written over 20 vegan cookbooks, and any of them are a welcome addition to any plant-based cook’s kitchen bookshelf. This book is no exception to the “Robin Rules.”
Too many of the current crop of vegan cookbook authors just “phone it in” as a Chef recently commented to me in private correspondence. In my own words, you can see by reading their books a lack of personality: they’ve happily written their books by using an Internet search engine and carefully changing a few ingredients in the recipes they find to avoid copyright issues.
But those books lack the same kind of sense of person you’d see in a Matisse or Picasso painting; where the brush strokes, the use of colors, the perspective... all combine to represent a unique viewpoint that is consistent throughout their creations, while still reflecting a grand artistic sensibility and evolving (ahem) “seasoned” creativity. The “search engine” books are but haphazard quilts digitally sewn together to coldly make money off other people’s work, and get away with it. The solid cookbooks are distinct in their reflection of the vision of their author.
As usual, Robin’s vision is quite clear in this new work. Her carefully and assiduously detailed efforts consistently show a deep dedication to plant-based cooking, respect for her audience, and continues to represent an astounding level of knowledge in vegan cuisine made simple and fun for all. Her unflagging efforts to help teach people to eat plants and save the animals are beyond reproach. She gives a damn, and is an uncompromising vegan promoting a healthy lifestyle on all levels with a deep love for the animals.
The book’s dedication: “...to party animals everywhere who don’t serve animals at their parties.”
Robin’s latest tour-de-force is “Party Vegan.” Most fascinating to me is that Robin brings a whole new side of her personality and deep cooking knowledge domain to this vegan party guide by virtue of her many years of experience as a professional in food services, finely showcased in this incredible book. The introduction is touching, and reveals a level of emotion and desire to serve others through her cooking I’ve not seen her express so personally in the past. This is the Server guiding us through the process of how she Serves.
As with any Robin Robertson Production, the book’s organization is based upon a solid foundation and designed to provide a firmament that facilitates all aspects of the “topic de jour.” Party time! Chockfull with tons of tips and tricks for all kinds of party planning, astute organization “Anytime Gatherings and Holiday Gatherings form the broad structure), short-cuts, when and how to party, this is much much more than a collection of vegan recipes, it is a comprehensive guide for a host or hostess to help have one helluva good time making superb “party food” for guests of all kinds and in all situations. I can’t think of any other book that approaches the level of detail and helpful suggestions provided to help successfully create the most basic of cultural rituals in human society: getting together and celebrating life through the bounty that nature has provided.
And provides she does. Here’s but a few of my favorite recipes that demonstrate Robin’s unique ability to re-configure simple and nutritionally superior ingredients into delectable reasons to party on:
“Teriyaki Shiitake Sticks” (for “crowd control”): shittake mushrooms wrapped with snow peas, threaded onto skewers, marinated in homemade teriyaki sauce.
“Fingerling Potato Salad with Pan-Fried Arugula Pesto” (for “a picnic lunch”): the argula pesto is an inspired concept!
“Seitan Buffalo Wingz” (for “a teen party”): I’ve seen many attempts at this concept, this is by far the best.
“Spinach-Flecked Chapati” (for “curry for company”): lacing the dough with spinach is such a cool idea and, well, clever.
“Chai-Spiced Muffins” (for “mother’s day brunch”): I don’t plan to wait for Mother’s Day to try these. Woof.
“Orange-Carrot Cake with Dark Chocolate Icing” (for “halloween”): I plan to steal parts of this recipe to make a Halloween pizza next year (of course, giving Robin full credit!).
I could ramble on much longer about how unique this cookbook is, the obvious love and care that went into it’s creation, let alone the well-crafted recipes. Having recently been through the “trial by fire” of writing my own cookbook, I can recognize true dedication when I read it, and be impressed by the subtleties of how well it’s been constructed to be more than just a list of recipes, but instead, a true “how to” cookbook. The indexing shows a consistent desire to serve her readers with the best she has to offer (there’s also aa great chart showing all recipes and identifying which to make ahead of time, and so on). Even the most experienced socialite will learn more about entertaining at home with this book.
Robin’s recipes are easily modified for those with distinct dietary requirements or limitations, and it is without hesitation that I recommend this marvelous book to everyone. It is, indeed, another brilliant effort by arguably the top (certainly most prolific) vegan cookbook author of the past few decades (please, I could never choose between Bryanna Clark Grogan and Robin...), and is breathtaking in scope, offerings, and emotion: feelings of love for others through one’s cooking.
I would be remiss if I didn’t end my review with a short excerpt from Robin’s introduction that shows just what a class act she is, that is indicative of why she deserves attention for every book she writes, and every blog posts she makes. She is one of the true originals, tempered from the fires of an incredible career and continually blazing new ways forward in vegan cooking. If you don’t own one of Robin’s cookbooks, you are missing truly original work that will forever change how you approach plant-based cooking.
...and the vegan party that can be yours and for those you love.
“To me, every time I cook is a celebration of life. As long as people gather in the spirit of friendship and goodwill, then even the simplest fare can be wonderful and memorable. And no matter how spectacular the food, the most important thing is to have a good time. Now, let’s party!”
Do yourself a holiday favor, order a copy of “Party Vegan” and join in the celebration. And save a chair for me, too... I’ll bring the wine.
To life!
Robin’s website/blog: http://www.robinrobertson.com
More about "Party Vegan" with sample recipes, here.