The Cafe Brenda Cookbook: Seafood and Vegetarian Cuisine

Rating:
Summary: Ambitious but delicious
Review: I have been using this cookbook on a regular basis for over 3 years. The vegetarian entrees and hot soups are to die for. Some of them are rather elaborate, involving numerous sub-steps, but the results are well worth the effort. The authors have developed flavor combinations that work with a beautiful mix of color and texture. I've personnaly given this cookbook to all my best friends. If you don't mind a little work, you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: A great all-purpose book for healthier eating
Review: I spent a brief time working at Cafe Brenda, and I bought the cookbook while working there. I've worked my way through just about every recipe, and 90% of them were wonderful - the recipes are full of flavor, interesting, satisfying, and a great place to begin exploring a variety of international flavors. I particularly love the soup and dessert recipes. The almond cake with chocolate ganache makes a wonderful birthday cake, the maple pot de creme is a wonderful and easy way to end a dinner party with friends, and the variety of soup recipes make use of all the seasons with wonderful results. I do have to say that the fish recipes are generally a bit more creative than the vegetarian entrees, though I've made the vegetarian and vegan croquette recipes (Brenda's signature creations) many times and received enthusiastic feedback from my family and friends. I've given this book as a gift many times with a lot of good feedback. It's also a plus that not many people know about the book, so the recipes aren't dishes that are made over and over again by people who cook primarily vegetarian and have worn out the books by Deborah Madison and Molly Katzen, great though they may be. Hope you enjoy it.