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Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners: Simple and Delicious Vegetarian Meals for Everyone
Transition to a vegetarian diet—or just add more meat-free meals to your repertoire—easily and deliciously with this collection of simple, affordable, and satisfying go-to recipes.
Greens, beans, fruit, and grains make a healthy and sustainable diet for you and for the earth , but finding vegetable-based recipes that taste delicious and are easy to make is sometimes a challenge, especially if you are new to vegetarianism. This abridged and affordable edition of Erin Alderson’s The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen makes vegetarian cooking accessible and flavorful for anyone who wants to learn to enjoy eating meat-free—even if it’s just some of the time.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners offers tasty and satisfying vegetable-based recipes that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters all day long. Each recipe offers ideas on how to up protein levels , customize taste , and feed your whole family —or just you. Even meat eaters will love these enticing dishes.
This book will help you establish a collection of recipes that you will want to make again and again, offering simple and affordable solutions for a happy and satisfied transition to an all-plant diet. Beans, greens, grains, fruits, and spices make each meal memorable, from breakfast to dinner , plus snacks and desserts .
You will find staple recipes such as salads , sandwiches , stir-fries , casseroles , stews , frittatas , omelets , bars , smoothies , and so much more, which can be easily adapted to seasonal or on-hand ingredients. Core recipes offer cooks an essential pantry list, so eating vegetarian is always easy. Mexican , Italian , and classic American fare are all included for a wide range of options to make vegetarian eating as easy as possible for beginners.
Whatever leads you on your path to a meat-free lifestyle, Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is the place to start you new plant-based approach to eating well.
Greens, beans, fruit, and grains make a healthy and sustainable diet for you and for the earth , but finding vegetable-based recipes that taste delicious and are easy to make is sometimes a challenge, especially if you are new to vegetarianism. This abridged and affordable edition of Erin Alderson’s The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen makes vegetarian cooking accessible and flavorful for anyone who wants to learn to enjoy eating meat-free—even if it’s just some of the time.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners offers tasty and satisfying vegetable-based recipes that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters all day long. Each recipe offers ideas on how to up protein levels , customize taste , and feed your whole family —or just you. Even meat eaters will love these enticing dishes.
This book will help you establish a collection of recipes that you will want to make again and again, offering simple and affordable solutions for a happy and satisfied transition to an all-plant diet. Beans, greens, grains, fruits, and spices make each meal memorable, from breakfast to dinner , plus snacks and desserts .
You will find staple recipes such as salads , sandwiches , stir-fries , casseroles , stews , frittatas , omelets , bars , smoothies , and so much more, which can be easily adapted to seasonal or on-hand ingredients. Core recipes offer cooks an essential pantry list, so eating vegetarian is always easy. Mexican , Italian , and classic American fare are all included for a wide range of options to make vegetarian eating as easy as possible for beginners.
Whatever leads you on your path to a meat-free lifestyle, Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is the place to start you new plant-based approach to eating well.
144 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 25, 2023
The blurb for this cookbook says that it is an abridged version of “The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen”, that book has 192 pages. This book has 144 pages. It isn’t much cheaper, so I don’t know why you would want an abridged book. The introduction says “Each base recipe is followed by four seasonal variations that are inspired by the produce (and the flavors) at that time of year.” That is true for some recipes, but not all. The book has an index and an appendix of grain cooking times. There are almost no pictures in the book. Since this book is aimed at beginners, the lack of pictures is a big problem.
The recipes are usually simple (and bland). They are organized in broad categories:
Breakfast, including oatmeal, muffins, parfaits, waffles, frittatas, omelets, scones, porridge, quiche and Dutch babies
Lunch/Light Dinners, including a soba noodle bowl, grilled cheese, spiced eggplant sandwich, polenta, quesadillas and salads
Appetizers/Small Plates, including potstickers, hummus, salsa, crostinis, spring rolls and flatbread with various toppings
Dinner, including pizza, enchiladas, ravioli, tacos, stuffed peppers, lasagna, veggie burgers and mac and cheese (the spinach and gouda mac and cheese looks good and has one of the few pictures)
Desserts, including sorbet, cupcakes, fresh fruit crisp, baked cream tart, pudding, fruit upside down cake and bread pudding
I think that it is correct to say that this is a cookbook for beginners. However, the recipes require making your own pasta and tortillas, so they aren’t always quick. I did not see much that enticed me. But I think it might appeal to people looking for help putting a simple meal together (and aren’t very adventuresome). 3.5 stars rounded down due to the lack of pictures.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The recipes are usually simple (and bland). They are organized in broad categories:
Breakfast, including oatmeal, muffins, parfaits, waffles, frittatas, omelets, scones, porridge, quiche and Dutch babies
Lunch/Light Dinners, including a soba noodle bowl, grilled cheese, spiced eggplant sandwich, polenta, quesadillas and salads
Appetizers/Small Plates, including potstickers, hummus, salsa, crostinis, spring rolls and flatbread with various toppings
Dinner, including pizza, enchiladas, ravioli, tacos, stuffed peppers, lasagna, veggie burgers and mac and cheese (the spinach and gouda mac and cheese looks good and has one of the few pictures)
Desserts, including sorbet, cupcakes, fresh fruit crisp, baked cream tart, pudding, fruit upside down cake and bread pudding
I think that it is correct to say that this is a cookbook for beginners. However, the recipes require making your own pasta and tortillas, so they aren’t always quick. I did not see much that enticed me. But I think it might appeal to people looking for help putting a simple meal together (and aren’t very adventuresome). 3.5 stars rounded down due to the lack of pictures.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
June 28, 2023
This just wasn't the right book for me. I like to cook many more vegetarian dishes than meat dishes, so It's always nice to get new ideas I'm not an expert by any means, but this book was just too simple for me. That said, it would work well for someone just starting out and looking for ideas. The other issue I had was that it is aimed at the US market, and there were ingredients I don't have access to listed. I could probably just Google them and make replacements if I wanted.
*Many thanks to the publishers and Edelweiss for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
*Many thanks to the publishers and Edelweiss for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
November 8, 2023
Being vegetarian whole my life, I can vouch for the vegetarian diet and say it proudly that this is something that always keep you healthy and active.
She (Erin, author) here bring a quick guide on the preparation of vegetarian recipes and for beginners it is okay to learn the easily cookable dishes. Spanning breakfast, lunch, appetizers and desserts she bifurcated the meals for each solar time. Here she use all kind of beans, fruits, grains and spices but bit less as being an Indian I know there are many more to enhance the taste. ;)
She gave her dishes the Mexican, Italian and American flavors suitable for all kind of people she knew around. She took care of explaining on protein levels and customization of taste as per an individual's requirement. Her writing make a way to inspire readers to start cooking for themselves.
I advice, for meat eaters to leave the same and adapt vegetarian diet approach to save animal kingdom and pollute less in terms of saving an environment. As much as I learned from my US friends they can't live long without having meat or chicken, but I say this way you are spoiling your old age. As much as you burden you organs they will start giving-up.
My NetGalley review
She (Erin, author) here bring a quick guide on the preparation of vegetarian recipes and for beginners it is okay to learn the easily cookable dishes. Spanning breakfast, lunch, appetizers and desserts she bifurcated the meals for each solar time. Here she use all kind of beans, fruits, grains and spices but bit less as being an Indian I know there are many more to enhance the taste. ;)
She gave her dishes the Mexican, Italian and American flavors suitable for all kind of people she knew around. She took care of explaining on protein levels and customization of taste as per an individual's requirement. Her writing make a way to inspire readers to start cooking for themselves.
I advice, for meat eaters to leave the same and adapt vegetarian diet approach to save animal kingdom and pollute less in terms of saving an environment. As much as I learned from my US friends they can't live long without having meat or chicken, but I say this way you are spoiling your old age. As much as you burden you organs they will start giving-up.
My NetGalley review
May 2, 2023
As an individual who hates, having to come up with ideas for supper that are quick and easy and don't require many specialised ingredient - this book has several easy recipes which promise to be quite tasty. It caters to multiple taste palettes and this combined with the simplicity of the recipes, would appeal to vegetarians and meat-eaters both.
The only drawback that I find is that many of the recipes contain egg which would not work for my family and friends who do not consume eggs however this will appeal to most vegetarians who do consume eggs.
Pick this up if you are looking for inspiration and quick, easy recipes
The only drawback that I find is that many of the recipes contain egg which would not work for my family and friends who do not consume eggs however this will appeal to most vegetarians who do consume eggs.
Pick this up if you are looking for inspiration and quick, easy recipes
June 1, 2023
I have been a vegetarian for about 30 years but I have trouble seeing cookbooks with tiny print. I am very relieved that the print size is big enough for me to read. I perused this cookbook and found many recipes that I would love to try. I used to make a wonderful lasagna and there is a recipe in this book but I can no longer eat ricotta cheese. I hope that Erin Alderson can create a lactose-intolerant vegetarian cookbook in the future. I love that the recipes are simple, I will be much more likely to make them. It is also wonderful to add more variety to my menu.
April 25, 2023
If you are new to vegetarian cooking, Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking For Beginners by Erin Alderson is a good place to start. Using the same casual, "sit down and nosh with me" tone that you find on her blog, Naturally Ella, the author welcomes you into the world of vegetarian cooking like an old friend who is already confident of your success. And she wants you to be successful. As one who transitioned from omnivore to vegetarian, she knows that easy is all relative and has tried to make the journey as simple, yet tasty as possible.
As a photographer and web designer, Alderson is no stranger to visually capturing a dish at its best. This is especially important for people who are cooking foods that they aren't used to. There is nothing worse, to my way of thinking, than a cookbook without pictures if you are unfamiliar with cooking or a particular cuisine. If recipes sound foreign to you, a mouthwatering visual might be just the thing to entice you. And if you've decided to try something new, you want some idea as to whether that Garlicky Spinach and Quinoa Frittata (p. 18) that you made was supposed to come out looking more like an omelet or a crepe. This book has enough visuals to prompt a newbie to want to make the recipes without making the book feel flabby or overloaded. This isn't a coffee table book. This is a book that inspires you to actually make a few things.
Most of the recipes are "little effort, big reward" affairs that can easily be made every day of the week. At the same time, you wouldn't be ashamed to create a menu, which we did, for a casual get together. You don't have to choose flavor over expediency. That being said, there are a few things, like the All Natural Granola (p.14) or a quiche, that you might want to reserve for the weekend, unless you've made them ahead of time. The aforementioned Garlicky Spinach and Quinoa Frittata, paired with Pomegranate and Hazelnut Breakfast Parfait (p.15), Pantry Panzanella (p. 38). and a side of potatoes made for an easy, delicious, and eye-catching brunch with friends. Nobody missed the meat. Because I am already very familiar with cooking, I automatically know to adjust seasonings for taste, or to meet a diners health restrictions, and do it out of habit. If one is finding the recipes to be bland, they may have to become comfortable adjusting seasonings for their own palate.
As a bonus, the book uses both metric and imperial units of measurement, which is a plus for users worldwide. If there is a drawback, it is that a recipe variation will refer the cook back to the base recipe on previous pages for cooking/baking/assembly instructions. For example, if one were making the Roasted Sweet Potato and Adobo Pizza (p.88), they would have to refer back to the base recipe for instructions and substitutions. There are things more irritating than having your hands full of pizza dough and being told to flip back a few pages in order to see what you should be doing with it. Okay, there are a lot of things more irritating than that however, you get my point; it would have been simpler to just add a complete instruction to each of the recipes.
Overall, this is a great book for those taking that initial toe dip into vegetarianism, or for those who would simply like some healthier food options in their diet. The recipes are easy, and if you have just a smidge of cooking experience and some creativity, they are easily adaptable by adding things you may already have in your fridge or pantry. A beginner will learn the building blocks from which to feel comfortable branching out in vegetarianism in greater depth.
As a photographer and web designer, Alderson is no stranger to visually capturing a dish at its best. This is especially important for people who are cooking foods that they aren't used to. There is nothing worse, to my way of thinking, than a cookbook without pictures if you are unfamiliar with cooking or a particular cuisine. If recipes sound foreign to you, a mouthwatering visual might be just the thing to entice you. And if you've decided to try something new, you want some idea as to whether that Garlicky Spinach and Quinoa Frittata (p. 18) that you made was supposed to come out looking more like an omelet or a crepe. This book has enough visuals to prompt a newbie to want to make the recipes without making the book feel flabby or overloaded. This isn't a coffee table book. This is a book that inspires you to actually make a few things.
Most of the recipes are "little effort, big reward" affairs that can easily be made every day of the week. At the same time, you wouldn't be ashamed to create a menu, which we did, for a casual get together. You don't have to choose flavor over expediency. That being said, there are a few things, like the All Natural Granola (p.14) or a quiche, that you might want to reserve for the weekend, unless you've made them ahead of time. The aforementioned Garlicky Spinach and Quinoa Frittata, paired with Pomegranate and Hazelnut Breakfast Parfait (p.15), Pantry Panzanella (p. 38). and a side of potatoes made for an easy, delicious, and eye-catching brunch with friends. Nobody missed the meat. Because I am already very familiar with cooking, I automatically know to adjust seasonings for taste, or to meet a diners health restrictions, and do it out of habit. If one is finding the recipes to be bland, they may have to become comfortable adjusting seasonings for their own palate.
As a bonus, the book uses both metric and imperial units of measurement, which is a plus for users worldwide. If there is a drawback, it is that a recipe variation will refer the cook back to the base recipe on previous pages for cooking/baking/assembly instructions. For example, if one were making the Roasted Sweet Potato and Adobo Pizza (p.88), they would have to refer back to the base recipe for instructions and substitutions. There are things more irritating than having your hands full of pizza dough and being told to flip back a few pages in order to see what you should be doing with it. Okay, there are a lot of things more irritating than that however, you get my point; it would have been simpler to just add a complete instruction to each of the recipes.
Overall, this is a great book for those taking that initial toe dip into vegetarianism, or for those who would simply like some healthier food options in their diet. The recipes are easy, and if you have just a smidge of cooking experience and some creativity, they are easily adaptable by adding things you may already have in your fridge or pantry. A beginner will learn the building blocks from which to feel comfortable branching out in vegetarianism in greater depth.
April 21, 2023
Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
********************************************************
Transition to a vegetarian diet—or just add more meat-free meals to your repertoire—easily and deliciously with this collection of simple, affordable, and satisfying go-to recipes.
Greens, beans, fruit, and grains make a healthy and sustainable diet for you and for the earth, but finding vegetable-based recipes that taste delicious and are easy to make is sometimes a challenge, especially if you are new to vegetarianism. This abridged and affordable edition of Erin Alderson’s The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen makes vegetarian cooking accessible and flavorful for anyone who wants to learn to enjoy eating meat-free—even if it’s just some of the time.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners offers tasty and satisfying vegetable-based recipes that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters all day long. Each recipe offers ideas on how to up protein levels, customize taste, and feed your whole family—or just you. Even meat eaters will love these enticing dishes.
This book will help you establish a collection of recipes that you will want to make again and again, offering simple and affordable solutions for a happy and satisfied transition to an all-plant diet. Beans, greens, grains, fruits, and spices make each meal memorable, from breakfast to dinner, plus snacks and desserts.
You will find staple recipes such as salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, casseroles, stews, frittatas, omelets, bars, smoothies, and so much more, which can be easily adapted to seasonal or on-hand ingredients. Core recipes offer cooks an essential pantry list, so eating vegetarian is always easy. Mexican, Italian, and classic American fare are all included for a wide range of options to make vegetarian eating as easy as possible for beginners.
Whatever leads you on your path to a meat-free lifestyle, Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is the place to start your new plant-based approach to eating well.
I love meat (especially burgers) but we cannot afford it: heck, we can barely afford basic groceries these days so vegetarianism makes more and more sense every day. (And as a bonus, our cholesterol is lower ... hubby is even off his meds ... and no longer needs fibre supplements or Peptol Bismol to get through the day!)
The recipes are wonderful - yummy looking and sounding and easy to make. It may take a bit to stock up your pantry but your waistline and wallet will thank you in the end!
Highly recommended to new vegetarians and old hats like myself.
********************************************************
Transition to a vegetarian diet—or just add more meat-free meals to your repertoire—easily and deliciously with this collection of simple, affordable, and satisfying go-to recipes.
Greens, beans, fruit, and grains make a healthy and sustainable diet for you and for the earth, but finding vegetable-based recipes that taste delicious and are easy to make is sometimes a challenge, especially if you are new to vegetarianism. This abridged and affordable edition of Erin Alderson’s The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen makes vegetarian cooking accessible and flavorful for anyone who wants to learn to enjoy eating meat-free—even if it’s just some of the time.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners offers tasty and satisfying vegetable-based recipes that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters all day long. Each recipe offers ideas on how to up protein levels, customize taste, and feed your whole family—or just you. Even meat eaters will love these enticing dishes.
This book will help you establish a collection of recipes that you will want to make again and again, offering simple and affordable solutions for a happy and satisfied transition to an all-plant diet. Beans, greens, grains, fruits, and spices make each meal memorable, from breakfast to dinner, plus snacks and desserts.
You will find staple recipes such as salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, casseroles, stews, frittatas, omelets, bars, smoothies, and so much more, which can be easily adapted to seasonal or on-hand ingredients. Core recipes offer cooks an essential pantry list, so eating vegetarian is always easy. Mexican, Italian, and classic American fare are all included for a wide range of options to make vegetarian eating as easy as possible for beginners.
Whatever leads you on your path to a meat-free lifestyle, Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is the place to start your new plant-based approach to eating well.
I love meat (especially burgers) but we cannot afford it: heck, we can barely afford basic groceries these days so vegetarianism makes more and more sense every day. (And as a bonus, our cholesterol is lower ... hubby is even off his meds ... and no longer needs fibre supplements or Peptol Bismol to get through the day!)
The recipes are wonderful - yummy looking and sounding and easy to make. It may take a bit to stock up your pantry but your waistline and wallet will thank you in the end!
Highly recommended to new vegetarians and old hats like myself.
September 6, 2023
A BIG THANK YOU to NetGalley and New Shoe Press for Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners by Erin Alderson. Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is a delightful and accessible cookbook that caters to both novice and experienced cooks looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their daily repertoire. Alderson's book is a culinary treasure trove filled with simple yet delectable recipes that prove that vegetarian cooking can be a breeze. With clear instructions and an emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients, this cookbook is a valuable addition to any kitchen.
One of the standout qualities of this book is its approachable nature. Alderson has a knack for breaking down the sometimes intimidating world of vegetarian cooking into easy-to-follow steps. Even if you're new to the kitchen, you'll find the recipes in this book approachable and user-friendly. From vibrant salads to hearty main courses and flavorful side dishes, the variety of recipes ensures there's something for everyone.
Alderson's passion for vegetarian cuisine shines through in her writing, making it evident that she genuinely cares about helping people explore the world of meatless cooking. Her recipes are not only tasty but also health-conscious, focusing on the nutritional benefits of each ingredient. Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is an excellent resource for anyone looking to make delicious, meatless meals a regular part of their culinary repertoire. It's a cookbook that will inspire and empower both beginners and experienced home cooks to create flavorful vegetarian dishes with ease. ★★★★★
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 18 Apr 2023
#netgalley #cooking #vegetarian
One of the standout qualities of this book is its approachable nature. Alderson has a knack for breaking down the sometimes intimidating world of vegetarian cooking into easy-to-follow steps. Even if you're new to the kitchen, you'll find the recipes in this book approachable and user-friendly. From vibrant salads to hearty main courses and flavorful side dishes, the variety of recipes ensures there's something for everyone.
Alderson's passion for vegetarian cuisine shines through in her writing, making it evident that she genuinely cares about helping people explore the world of meatless cooking. Her recipes are not only tasty but also health-conscious, focusing on the nutritional benefits of each ingredient. Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners is an excellent resource for anyone looking to make delicious, meatless meals a regular part of their culinary repertoire. It's a cookbook that will inspire and empower both beginners and experienced home cooks to create flavorful vegetarian dishes with ease. ★★★★★
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 18 Apr 2023
#netgalley #cooking #vegetarian
April 28, 2023
At this point I can’t tell you how many beginner vegetarian cookbooks I’ve looked at, some I’ve even reviewed. Unfortunately the majority tend to regurgitate tried-and-true recipes that I’ve seen dozens of times before with little to no alteration in the recipe whatsoever.
Enter Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners by Erin Alderson.
In the first few pages in which Alderson presents some breakfast recipes I knew I was going to like this cookbook. The recipes go beyond the typical smoothies and overnight oats. There are frittata recipes and omelets, scones, quiches, something called a Dutch Baby, that I’m dying to try, and porridge amongst others. One thing I really like is that Alderson gives the straight-forward recipes and then gives multiple variations. So I’ll not only be able to bake a regular Dutch Baby (which sounds very, very wrong, ha) but I’ll be able to make a Lemon, Blackberry, Einkorn or a Multigrain Herbed Pea or a Pecan Pear one as well, just based on the original recipe.
The following sections include recipes for lunches and dinners (welcome all riffs on grilled cheese!) with interesting variations on quesadillas, fried rice, pizza, baked potatoes, lasagna (which I’m excited about trying as I’m still searching for that one vegetarian lasagna recipe that will make me happy), enchiladas, and others. These recipes look pretty kid friendly too.
I also like the fact that the recipes use whole foods, minimal sweetener in the desserts. There is a nectarine upside-down cake that is calling my name.
All in all, this is an exciting entry for beginner vegetarians and even ones like me who have been cooking veg for many, many years now.
Enter Quick and Easy Vegetarian Cooking for Beginners by Erin Alderson.
In the first few pages in which Alderson presents some breakfast recipes I knew I was going to like this cookbook. The recipes go beyond the typical smoothies and overnight oats. There are frittata recipes and omelets, scones, quiches, something called a Dutch Baby, that I’m dying to try, and porridge amongst others. One thing I really like is that Alderson gives the straight-forward recipes and then gives multiple variations. So I’ll not only be able to bake a regular Dutch Baby (which sounds very, very wrong, ha) but I’ll be able to make a Lemon, Blackberry, Einkorn or a Multigrain Herbed Pea or a Pecan Pear one as well, just based on the original recipe.
The following sections include recipes for lunches and dinners (welcome all riffs on grilled cheese!) with interesting variations on quesadillas, fried rice, pizza, baked potatoes, lasagna (which I’m excited about trying as I’m still searching for that one vegetarian lasagna recipe that will make me happy), enchiladas, and others. These recipes look pretty kid friendly too.
I also like the fact that the recipes use whole foods, minimal sweetener in the desserts. There is a nectarine upside-down cake that is calling my name.
All in all, this is an exciting entry for beginner vegetarians and even ones like me who have been cooking veg for many, many years now.
May 31, 2023
3.5, rounded up.
This cookbook shares a variety of vegeterian recipes. The instructions are concise and easy to understand, and the author includes seasonal variations for many of the recipes. She also encourages people to do what they can, and to not feel pressured to make everything from scratch when that's not a possibilty. Her relaxed and non-judgmental approach will appeal to people who are new to vegetarianism or cooking in general, and this cookbook is also worthwhile for people who do eat meat, but who also want new ideas for plant-based cooking.
The meals are pretty simple, with nothing too elaborate, and the author adds a personal touch through occasional anecdotes and commentary without overwhelming the book with too much information about herself. Overall, this is a quality cookbook with accessible, helpful information.
Although the photographs are nice, many readers will wish that there were more. They are always clearly labeled so that you know which recipe is pictured, but many people will want to know what the other meals look like. Also, this is an abridged version of a previous cookbook the author published, so someone who has already read or bought one from her before should make sure that this isn't a duplicate. Lastly, even though though this paperback cookbook is priced much lower than nicer, hardback cookbooks, the paperback cover is fairly flimsy and the pages are quite thin. This will show wear and tear very easily, especially if someone is using it while cooking.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
This cookbook shares a variety of vegeterian recipes. The instructions are concise and easy to understand, and the author includes seasonal variations for many of the recipes. She also encourages people to do what they can, and to not feel pressured to make everything from scratch when that's not a possibilty. Her relaxed and non-judgmental approach will appeal to people who are new to vegetarianism or cooking in general, and this cookbook is also worthwhile for people who do eat meat, but who also want new ideas for plant-based cooking.
The meals are pretty simple, with nothing too elaborate, and the author adds a personal touch through occasional anecdotes and commentary without overwhelming the book with too much information about herself. Overall, this is a quality cookbook with accessible, helpful information.
Although the photographs are nice, many readers will wish that there were more. They are always clearly labeled so that you know which recipe is pictured, but many people will want to know what the other meals look like. Also, this is an abridged version of a previous cookbook the author published, so someone who has already read or bought one from her before should make sure that this isn't a duplicate. Lastly, even though though this paperback cookbook is priced much lower than nicer, hardback cookbooks, the paperback cover is fairly flimsy and the pages are quite thin. This will show wear and tear very easily, especially if someone is using it while cooking.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2023
This book will be welcomed by vegetarians, those who are not vegetarians but love good recipes and, those who like recipes that are easy to follow and yield good food. The author organizes the book by meals, appetizers and small plates, and desserts after a short introduction.
Some choices for breakfast include Morning Oats, Rye Waffles with Lemon and Blackberries, and an Herbed Omelet. For lunch try Grilled Polenta with Chickpeas and Ginger Chutney or Grilled Vegetable with Cheese and Hummus. An appetizer to try might be Traditional Hummus or Fresh Spring Rolls. Dinner options include Black Bean Enchiladas, Simple Stuffed Peppers and, Veggie Burgers, among others. And for dessert, maybe Vanilla Cupcakes, a Vanilla Bean and Pomegranate Custard Tart or a Whole Grain Bread Pudding.
The directions look easy to follow. There are also many delicious looking photos.
This title looks like a nice resource. Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own
Some choices for breakfast include Morning Oats, Rye Waffles with Lemon and Blackberries, and an Herbed Omelet. For lunch try Grilled Polenta with Chickpeas and Ginger Chutney or Grilled Vegetable with Cheese and Hummus. An appetizer to try might be Traditional Hummus or Fresh Spring Rolls. Dinner options include Black Bean Enchiladas, Simple Stuffed Peppers and, Veggie Burgers, among others. And for dessert, maybe Vanilla Cupcakes, a Vanilla Bean and Pomegranate Custard Tart or a Whole Grain Bread Pudding.
The directions look easy to follow. There are also many delicious looking photos.
This title looks like a nice resource. Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own
April 23, 2023
This was a good book for, as the title says, quick and beginner cooks who are taking on vegetarian dishes. I liked a lot of the recipes, and the introduction as well as the variations were a great way to position this book as a bit different from other, similar titles, Each recipe has variations that are actually suggested based on season, so if you are looking for something to make in the fall, there are options with the type of veggies and fruit that are more common and in season. Given that Alderson also encourages farm to table, it's important to have options for when something is not in season.
A lot of the recipes do use whole wheat or similar grain flours, so I will have to experiment with substitutions because I tend not to buy whole wheat flour. But the recipes I did try turned out well (they were ones without need of anything I didn't already have) and were pretty easy to not only whip up but to follow the instructions to make happen.
Good cookbook and with some variations I hadn't tried or seen before.
* I received a copy via NetGalley.
A lot of the recipes do use whole wheat or similar grain flours, so I will have to experiment with substitutions because I tend not to buy whole wheat flour. But the recipes I did try turned out well (they were ones without need of anything I didn't already have) and were pretty easy to not only whip up but to follow the instructions to make happen.
Good cookbook and with some variations I hadn't tried or seen before.
* I received a copy via NetGalley.
May 2, 2023
I’ve recently downloaded this E Book and I have to say I’m extremely impressed with it already. It has beautiful pictures, easy to find ingredients, easy to follow instructions, and very tasty recipes. We already had all the ingredients for the parfait and granola so my son and I decided to give that a try and boy is it delicious. It’s crazy how we already had these ingredients at home and yet never thought to put them together in this way.
I’m not much of a cook at all and really do not like to cook, at all. But I love to eat.. sigh.. therefore finding a good, easy to follow, exciting cook book is hard to find. I will buy them and be excited and then find out I have no idea what some of the ingredients are, what some of the instructions mean, or just to time consuming. This book is none of that. It has exciting recipes that are super easy and quick to follow and that taste delicious. I’m so excited to try another tonight.
This book was graciously provided by NetGalley and my thoughts, opinions, and review are 100% honest and my own.
I’m not much of a cook at all and really do not like to cook, at all. But I love to eat.. sigh.. therefore finding a good, easy to follow, exciting cook book is hard to find. I will buy them and be excited and then find out I have no idea what some of the ingredients are, what some of the instructions mean, or just to time consuming. This book is none of that. It has exciting recipes that are super easy and quick to follow and that taste delicious. I’m so excited to try another tonight.
This book was graciously provided by NetGalley and my thoughts, opinions, and review are 100% honest and my own.
July 24, 2023
Erin Alderson has written a book of very accessible recipes for anyone who wishes to cook quick and easy vegetarian meals.
Not all of the recipes have photos, but several have variations for different times of the year to make use of seasonal produce. They can also be adapted to use what is in most people's store cupboards.
Readers should be aware that the book is aimed primarily at the US market, so some of the ingredients mentioned may not be available in the UK or elsewhere.
This was an enjoyable read and I will definitely try some of the recipes out. My niece is a vegan, so will suggest this book to her.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group - Four Winds, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Not all of the recipes have photos, but several have variations for different times of the year to make use of seasonal produce. They can also be adapted to use what is in most people's store cupboards.
Readers should be aware that the book is aimed primarily at the US market, so some of the ingredients mentioned may not be available in the UK or elsewhere.
This was an enjoyable read and I will definitely try some of the recipes out. My niece is a vegan, so will suggest this book to her.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group - Four Winds, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this eARC in return for an honest review. Now, I’m not vegetarian…but I am also looking for new and enticing meat free recipes to enjoy and stay healthy so I thought it would be worth having a look at this, Sadly, I feel like it was lacking though…I wanted more pictures to make my mouth water, catchy dish names to make me want to try them. The section that sold me the most was the desserts. Not a cookbook I will probably often return to sadly. Just didn’t work for me.
December 21, 2023
A wonderful addition to the cookbook shelf, whether you are a vegetarian or flexitarian. I loved that there were variations on dishes, like the breakfast waffles for sweet and savoury tastebuds. Some really interesting ideas for meals throughout the day that I hadn't considered, like quinoa for breakfast & great ways to get some good protein into vegetarian dishes. Each recipe is tagged with a season for seasonal ingredients and cooking styles, which is a lovely addition. I'd like some additional photos to make my mouth water even more!
May 23, 2023
A fabulous array of recipes for all occasions.
The recipes do not look too hard to replicate with simple clear instructions.
I wish every recipe had its own picture do get an idea of what they should look like, however like so many other books out there this is not the case.
I will be trying a fair few of these recipes and it’s great to be able to have more vegetarian meals in my repertoire.
Would recommend especially if you are looking for some different veggie recipes.
The recipes do not look too hard to replicate with simple clear instructions.
I wish every recipe had its own picture do get an idea of what they should look like, however like so many other books out there this is not the case.
I will be trying a fair few of these recipes and it’s great to be able to have more vegetarian meals in my repertoire.
Would recommend especially if you are looking for some different veggie recipes.
May 31, 2023
This is a fantastic vegetarian cookbook covering a huge range of cuisines and ingredients. The layout is easy to follow and the recipes are straightforward without a long list of ingredients. Many are adaptable to include the same method with a variety of different ingredients. The illustrations and descriptions are helpful and would build the confidence of the most novice chef.
April 28, 2023
Great for life long vegetarians, meatless monday-ers or weeken vegetarians.
For anyone who wants to reduce their meat intake, this book is fill of great ideas anyone can cook. Even kitchen novices.
I received a copy via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
For anyone who wants to reduce their meat intake, this book is fill of great ideas anyone can cook. Even kitchen novices.
I received a copy via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
November 14, 2023
I've been cooking vegetarian since the 70's but I love a good cookbook to shake me out of my typical line up of dishes.
Now I've got a short list of new dishes to try that are unique and should spice up the winter.
Now I've got a short list of new dishes to try that are unique and should spice up the winter.
May 7, 2023
A must!!
Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2023
Tasty and delicious recipes. I can't wait to try them all. Well written, well set out, and very very inticing.
June 19, 2023
Terrific cookbook for starting a vegetarian diet. The recipes are easy to follow with easily accessible ingredients. I do wish there were a few more pictures.
May 28, 2023
For NetGalley: Great recipes written very week. The methods are very easy to follow and description of the products… mouth watering. Great book
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