125 Best Vegan Recipes

Monika Rohlmann is an environmental consultant in Barrie, Ontario.

Maxine Chuck is a writer and editor of various culinary, health, and
fitness books. Beth Gurney is a professional chef and cooking teacher.
Both have children and husbands who participated in the testing and
refinement of these recipes.

Vegetarian and vegan recipes are all meat free; however, vegan cooking
goes one step further by eliminating all animal products, including eggs
and milk. Beans, tofu, and TVP (textured vegetable protein) are typical
stand-ins for meat. Egg replacer, a product made from starches, gums,
and leaveners, is a common substitute for egg. Dairy-free beverages
include almond, rice, or soy milk.

The recipes are presented in a quick-read format: ingredients are
listed in both metric and imperial units, cooking instructions are
numbered, and most recipes are kept to one page. Sidebars provide handy
tips and commentary on recipe variations. There are recipes from all
categories; examples include Spicy Black Bean Dip, Spicy Squash and
Fennel Soup, Waldorf Salad with Cranberries, Spinach and Tofu Dumplings,
Coconut Rice, Curried Zucchini Strips, Pistachio Biscotti, Brownies, and
Fudge Pie. A section of popular treats for children includes granola
bars, sloppy joes, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate pudding.
Several photographs are included.

Given the vast selection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks available
today, it is difficult to appreciate how the recipes in this text could
be the “best.” Certainly, they have included variations of some of
the most popular recipes, and by limiting the number of exotic
ingredients, have made vegan cooking quite family-friendly. As
professionals in their own fields, Chuck and Gurney have not come to
this writing as devout vegans. This is evident in the smattering of
recipes that neglect to address the full protein and nutrient needs of
vegans. It is fine to adapt popular recipes to vegan alternatives;
however, vegans are interested not just in taste, but in providing
nourishment and healing. That said, this is still a fine book for those
starting down the road to healthier eating.