The Almost No-Fat Holiday Cookbook: Festive Vegetarian Recipes

Rating:
Summary: Only for the Serious Vegetarian
Review: This cookbook is no doubt a joy for devoted vegetarians. The recipes comprise an excellent collection of very low fat recipes aimed specifically for holidays. As many vegetarians know, it is extremely difficult to find no meat recipes for special occasions. However, these recipes are not only for vegetarians, but also for health conscious celebrants.

My only complaint would be that most non-vegetarians (such as myself) will find the recipes rather skimpy and lacking the hearty flavors of holidays. I personally would rather indulge during holidays and watch my health on the other days!

Whether it be used for holiday ideas or everyday meals, this book certainly has merit for certain cooks.

Rating:
Summary: A vegan celebration of the cuisines of the world
Review: This is Bryanna Clark Grogan's second cookbook, and just like the first one, this is also almost-no-fat vegan takes on holiday recipes from all over the world! Whereas the former reviewer has a point that you should be able to indulge in your holidays if only you just eat healthy the rest of the days, I must say that I do not find the recipes skimpy. Try out the different versions of Bryanna's creme-filled cake roll, and tell me if you think that's skimpy! The book provides tasty, elegant menus for St. Valentine's Day; Independence Day; Chinese New Year; Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist holiday foods; Christmas menus; a Greek New Year's Eve; and more! Bryanna's barbecued seitan "ribs" with smoky barbecue sauce are incredibly yummy - her Vegetarian Irish stew with Guiness Stout served with Colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale) from her St. Patrick's Day menu are much tastier than the humble ingredients may suggest. Bryanna's Lasagne From The Garden is also a guaranteed hit, just as the holiday baking chapter. All in all, this is a very innovative cookbook which really proves that you don't have to feel you're restricted just because you've embarked on a vegetarian / vegan diet. If you've just recently discovered Bryanna's cooking, be sure you're in for a treat - do not hesitate to get her other books! You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Bryanna!
Review: This is one of the best vegetarian recipe collections I've come across. Unlike many veggie cookbooks, this one does not assume that just because you're not eating meat that it's fine to go ahead and load up on nuts, cheese and other high fat ingredients. As a matter of fact, the recipes are vegan, so there is no cheese or milk at all (or honey, I don't think...). The recipes are easy to make and very healthful and DELICIOUS. I love the no-fat basic cookie dough. Try it, it's amazing. I keep making them for omni-vorous friends and they are a hit every time.