The Voluptuous Vegan. - Review - book review

Vegetarian Journal, Jan, 2001 by Debra Wasserman

Isn't it wonderful more and more vegan cookbooks are being published? The Voluptuous Vegan offers creative gourmet-type dishes. Many of the recipes are not quick nor easy; however, if you have the time, this book is meant for you.

The recipe section consists of "Soups," "Main-Course Menus," and "Desserts." Among the soups, you'll find Wild Mushroom and Rice, Butternut-Lemongrass, Mushroom-Barley with Fennel and Coriander, and many others.

In the "Main-Course Menus" chapter, the authors state that each menu reflects an artful balance of flavors, textures, and colors. One menu includes Warm Chickpea Salad with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes; Fresh Corn, Millet, and Rice Croquettes; Jalapeno-Potato-Tofu "Cream;" and Olive Tapenade. Another menu consists of Baked Tempeh with Creole Sauce, Cajun Sweet-Corn Relish, and Rice with Parsley and Lemon.

The "Dessert" section offers items such as Raspberry-Cornmeal Tart with Raspberry Sauce, Apple Spice Streusel Cake, and Carrot Cake with Coconut-Cardamom Sauce.

The only suggestion I have for this book is that when it is reprinted, nutritional analysis should be added to each recipe.

The Voluptuous Vegan (ISBN 0-609-80489-8) is published by Clarkson Potter Publishers. The book is 336 pages and retails for $18.00. Look for this book in your local bookstore. Reviewed by Debra Wasserman.