Mayim’s Vegan Table by Mayim Bialik with Dr. Jay Gordon – Review
This book caught my eye, for few reasons. First because of the author- Mayim Bialik (who stars in my favorite show The Big Bang Theory), but also because the book was written together with a doctor – Dr. Jay Gordon. And of course because of vegan recipes.
I like to discover new recipes and I have found many great ones in this book. Not all recipes are gluten free (you may skip whole “Bread” chapter, if you are on gluten free diet). Most of the recipes use sample ingredients, and they don’t call for any gluten flours, or ingredients with gluten. And even if they do, they can be easily substituted.
I love that at the beginning of the book authors explain veganism, and why consuming meat and animal products is bad for our health and environment. For somebody who is just starting to eat vegan meals, or for those,who just wanted to try some recipes, this is a nice informative introduction. It gives the basics of nutritional information and about plant-based diet. It also covers tips on meal planning and substituting ingredients to plant-based ones.
The book contains ideas for breakfast, lunch, for salads, smoothies, breads, sweets, soups,etc. Recipes included in the book are created with kids in mind.
I love the salads recipes, especially the one with quinoa (Quinoa Salad With Veggies And Herbs is on my priority list to make now 😉
(Photo by Denise Herrick Borchert, from “Mayim’s Vegan Table” by Mayim Bialik).
Also I love all the recipes of veggie dishes that are baked in the oven. ( I am definitely trying Tzimmes! ).
There are also several recipes that are from Mayim’s Jewish background. I actually tried some of the dishes years ago, at my Jewish friend’s house, so I am looking forward to make some of those dishes in vegan version now. (And pass along a recipe or two, to my friends 😉
I may not always agree with Mayim’s choices, for example, I wouldn’t use maple syrup that much in my recipes. Also level of sugar in baked goods seem on the high note.
Also since this is a cooking book, I love to see photos of dishes I am going to prepare. Yes, there are some photos in the middle of the book, put together, but not next to the dish recipe. I would like to see more photos.
In conclusion, this is in an informative, and educative, well written book, and it is packed with vegan recipes, that should please picky eaters, regardless the age.
General rating: ★★★★
Book provided by: De Capo Press LifeLong Books.
http://www.dacapopress.com/book/mayims-vegan-table/9780738217055