Vegan Everything

November 1, 2019

Unlike Horn's and Mayer's previous works (VBQ; The Ultimate Vegan Breakfast Book), this one abandons the single theme concept and instead provides a primer for the new vegan or generalists interested in more plant-based meals. For advice about how to shop frugally for vegetables and pantry staples, time-saving food prep equipment, and the ethics of food waste and choice, this resource is a helpful guide. The flow is easy to follow: Breakfast, snacks, quick meals, and desserts. Recipes are labeled "comfort food," "balanced," and "light" to denote overall feel rather than caloric content. As in Horn's and Mayer's other books, the spreads and condiments shine; these include a tofu feta and an oyster mushroom tapenade. Flavors are global, borrowing spices and ingredients from world cuisines. This is not an attempt to re-create popular non-vegan dishes, but rather a rethinking of what plants offer that is satisfying and unique. VERDICT New and longstanding vegan cooks and plant-focused generalists will appreciate the emphasis on variety and generally simple preparations.--Jeanette McVeigh, formerly Univ. of the Sciences, Philadelphia

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2019
For anyone who thinks a vegan lifestyle is too limiting, this is a must-read. Horn and Mayer, creators of Germany's most popular food blog, prove that vegan food is not limited to nuts, beans, and tofu with this cookbook full of options to suit any skill level. Rather than opting for substitutes, the authors focus on real, healthy food that is also loaded with flavor. Cuisines from all over the world are represented, and each recipe features a full-color photo, from breakfasts to snacks, one-pot meals, date-night dinners, and party hits. Dishes are labeled as "light," "balanced," or "comfort food" with an easily identifiable key for gluten-free, soy-free, or sugar-free recipes, which those with allergies will appreciate. Options like African peanut stew, Mexican paella, and polenta lasagna will appeal to both newbies and seasoned vegan veterans. There's also a tempting assortment of desserts, like mocha cupcakes with cashew Kahlua frosting and a mini brownie tart.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)