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Cookbook Buyin'

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

I make no claims to be a genius in the kitchen.  In fact, I make no claims to even be proficient in the kitchen.  There are people who love to cook and find the whole process creative and therapeutic.  I am not one of them.  However, I do love to eat delicious food and that means cooking must, at some point, happen.

I mentioned in my post about Paris that I eat a quasi-vegetarian diet.  I don't really like meat and fish but I do occasionally eat chicken or some seafood/fish to ensure I get enough protein and stay healthy.  Vegetarian cooking used to be so boring and bland.  How many of you vegetarians out there were disappointed when you went to a fancy restaurant and all they had to offer was a grilled vegetable platter or a stuffed pepper?

Things have changed for vegetarians since the 1990s and so many more people commit to a meat-free diet, meaning people far more creative than me have put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to craft beautiful, healthy, and appetising vegetarian cuisine that doesn't rely on obscure exotic foods you have to search high and low for.

For all you vegetarians and veggie-lovers out there, this one's for you!

a modern way to eat by Anna Jones
With pals like Jamie Oliver, you know this cookbook is going to feature nutritious and delicious recipes. Jones says in her introduction that at the end of the day, she wants good food that doesn't take too long to make and won't call for every pot and pan in the cupboard.  I like that philosophy.  It's a gorgeous book: easy-to-read writing, thick paper, and pictures you could definitely call "food-porn."




white beans, greens, olive oil--a.k.a. ribollita

lemon roasted feta with traffic-light tomatoes 

pan-dressed noodles with crunchy cabbage and crispy tofu

Leon: Fast Vegetarian by Jane Baxter and Henry Dimbley
When I first bought this book, I cut up some paper into little tabs to mark the recipes I wanted to try.  At last count, there were over 30 recipes that made me say, "Ooh, yum! I want to pause my Netflix for long enough to make that!"  A true testament to this cookbook's appeal for I am very committed to my relationship with Mr. Netflix (We're going on three years!  Ahh, true love!).

Same kind of concept as Anna Jones' lovely book.  Fast Vegetarian seems somehow a little more approachable than a modern way to eat but it's still the kind of food I want to eat.




spring vegetable & farro salad

grilled corn, avocado & toasted tortilla salad

courgette & tomato gratin

The French Market Cookbook by Clotilde Dusoulier
As I've said ad nauseam, I love France--especially the cuisine.  The problem sometimes is that French cuisine often showcases the meat.  That's great, good for them.  If you prefer a more vegetable-heavy diet, you may be in trouble.  Enter Mme. Dusoulier.

The author of the blog chocolateandzucchini.com divides this book into seasonally appropriate recipes, ensuring that you're eating the freshest food.  I would quite happily eat every single recipe in this book.  It's that good.  Simple, basic ingredients combined to provide healthy and appetising food with a french flair.  Yes, please!


crunchy lentil and watercress salad

baked apples with prunes and almonds

ratatouille tian

The Little Book of Lunch by Caroline Craig and Sophie Missing
Okay, I know.  This one's not technically a vegetarian cookbook.  However, there are so many veggie-friendly recipes as well as easily adaptable recipes that I'm including it anyways.  Besides, lunch is a meal I really struggle with.  If I'm not working from home, I either go out for a sandwich or bring a sad little PB&J.  I spend most days researching in the library and don't have access to a refrigerator or microwave.  That limits my lunch options.

As I alluded to, I'm not creative when it comes to cooking.  I need a recipe to follow.  Once I have a good resource, I'm golden.  And that's what makes this book such a great option.  There's even a page detailing just what to wrap your sandwiches in so that they don't get soggy!  While I would never serve this food at a dinner party to impress my hypothetical in-laws or boss, this book provides practical recipes all the while maintaining good flavours.  A winner in my book.




falafel with yoghurt, aubergine & red cabbage salad

tomato, pesto & goat's cheese tart

orzo pasta salad

I'm pleased with these recent purchases.  I've been cooking up a storm and actually enjoying the process, especially since it yields such wonderful results.  

Tell me, what are your go-to cookbooks?

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