quick and easy

I cannot say enough great things about this cookbook. First of all, several of the recipes in this book have become "classics" in our house (like the "Capellini with Tomato Pesto," "Herb Oat Bread," and the "Maple Fruit Crisp"). What's great about this book is that everything is quick and easy to make, using simple ingredients (the Capellini dish can be made with stuff you already have in your pantry), and the results are tasty and satisfying every time. What I really like about Lemlin's recipes is that she does not skimp on flavor as so many vegetarian cookbooks do. In other words, a little olive oil, butter, or nuts won't kill you if eaten in moderation! The categories in this book are: Appetizers, Soups, Breads & Muffins, Salads & Salad Dressings, Sandwiches & Spreads, Entrees (pasta, grains, vegetables, beans, tofu dishes), Side Dishes, Vegetarian Barbecue dishes, Desserts. There is also a listing at the back of the book of "Menus" that make entertaining or putting together a family dinner much easier. There are menu suggestions for Thanksgiving, vegetarian barbecues, easy dinners, buffet parties, etc. In other words, there's something for everyone. The dessert section is really great, too, which is unusual for a vegetarian cookbook (chocolate cake, apple cake, etc.). I have given many copies to friends and family with confidence that they will love this book as much as I do. You will love this book!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this cookbook, but it turned out to be a great investment! I've tried nearly thirty recipes from Lemlin's book and they are all wonderful, as well as easy to prepare. Some other vegetarian cookbooks turn out tasteless meals, but not this cookbook. Instead, Lemlin relies on easily found flavor enhansors, like Wasabi, or soy sauce, or even just good-old garlic to boost flavor and boy, does it work!

My family especially enjoyed the recipes for the vegetarian barbeque... who knew it could be so good?! She's got great sandwich and salad ideas, too, as well as main dishes that are different from the standard vegetarian fare. The whole family loved the meals from Lemlin's cookbook - yummy dishes! Thumbs up and Bon Appetit!

Even non-vegetarians like myself can find excellent recipes in this book. My husband and I have made several, and all work as written and are delicious. Tomato, basil pesto is fabulous and my husband now makes large batches of the sauce and freezes it, which works great. I have had great success with several of her quick bread recipes and appetizers, and her method for baking a fritatta is the best and super easy. The dishes are flavorful (we sometimes add a little more garlic) and not heavy on the brown lentil and tofu dishes that seem to be the mainstays of some vegetarian cookbooks. One does not need a lot of cooking experience to be able to follow these recipes; the directions are quite clear and simple.