Vegan Cookbook Reviews

The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen

Hmm! I feel a little weird. Oprah raved about this book. I don't feel quite as excited.

When I saw it on the Oprah show I decided to add it to my collection. She said the recipes were fantastic, so I bought the book.

It's a lovely book, with great pictures, interviews and foodie lovers information, but some of the recipes require ingredients I can't get and take more time than I want to spend.

In several recipes, author Tal Ronnen, calls for a product called Gardein. I finally tracked some down at a local supermarket. Oprah said it tasted like chicken. All I can say is "Where is she getting her chicken from?" To me it tasted like a plant based chicken substitute. I wasn't impressed.

There was a real find in this cookbook however and it was the cashew cream. I made a Roasted Tomato Soup using an unfiltered variety I made myself and it was a real hit with the family.

I wouldn't cross this off your list completely, but consider how much time you want to spend in preparation and whether the ingredients are available in your neck of the woods.

I'll give it Three Frying Pans!

What do you think?

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