Southwestern - The Vegetarian Resource Group

GREAT CHEFSCOOK VEGANBy Linda LongLinda Longshoots the beautifulphotos that grace the frontcover of each issue of this magazine.She has now produced herfirst cookbook, featuring veganmeals prepared by award-winningchefs. Linda asked each professionalcook to offer a vegan menuof three to four courses. Then, shephotographed the gorgeous dishesand shares all of the recipes inGreat Chefs Cook Vegan.Dan Barber’s cuisine focuseson locally grown, in-season produce.His Tomato and MelonSalad with Tomato Sorbet and hisCauliflower Steak with Quinoaare quite unique. David Burke’sdishes clearly demonstrate thatvegan meals can be visually stunning.His Vegetable CarouselTorte with Pomme SoufflesFilled with Peas and his SweetPea Ravioli with Sautéed PeaLeaves are truly works of art.Floyd Cardoz serves upAmerican/Indian fusion cuisine.His Artichoke Bhel Puri and hisFricassee of Morels and FavaBeans with Coconut Taro Puréewould please any diner. GabrielKreuther’s artisan French-cookingstyle incorporates organic herbsand plants to produce dishes likehis Seasonal Vegetable Medleywith Sautéed Tofu and HorseradishBroth. Linda personally raved tome about the incredible flavor ofthe broth in this dish!Finally, this book serves upmany extraordinary—not to mentionmouth-watering—desserts.These include Anne Quatrano’sCantaloupe Truffle Bar with SoyCaramel and Spearmint Ice andJean-Georges Vongerichten’s CrispChocolate with Sautéed Bananas,Fresh Figs, Blackberry Coulis,and Brandied Cherries.Great Chefs Cook Vegan (ISBN 978-1-55152-234-0) is published by Gibbs Smith.Purchase it online or in your local bookstore.Reviewed by Debra Wasserman.ALT FIBERBy Shannon OkeyIf you arevegan, are anenvironmentalist, are allergic towool and other animal fibers, orjust love to knit, Alt Fiber is a terrificbook for you! Shannon Okey,co-owner of Stitch Cleveland,introduces readers to plant-basedfibers, including Tencel madefrom wood pulp and other yarnsmade from soy (soft like silk),ramie, kenaf, flax, hemp, bamboo,seaweed, nettles, and more. Theseplant-based fibers are more environmentallyfriendly than cotton.(When cotton is used in thisbook, it is organic.) This bookfeatures sections on natural dyesand naturally colored fibers. Youwill also find a thorough resourceguide to help you find the materialsmentioned in this volume.Please note that silk and milkfiber are used a few times in thisbook, and these products shouldbe considered non-vegan. Thepatterns in this book generallyallow you to accommodate substituteyarns. You’ll find patternswith full-color photos for a skirt,a sweater, a jacket, a cardigan, ascarf, socks, and so much more.reviewsAlt Fiber (ISBN 978-1-58008-915-9)is published by Ten Speed Press. It retailsfor $19.95 and would make a terrific present.Find this book online or in your localbookstore. Reviewed by Debra Wasserman.METAMORPHOSISBy Marcia “VeganPoet” KatzThe author ofthis beautifulbook of poemsand photographyhas been veganfor more than 30 years. Throughoutthis inspiring work, you willread creative verses about veganism,animal rights, human rights,saving the environment, and more.All the stunning photographs thatappear in this book were takenby vegans as well.One poem, “If Animals SpokeOur Language,” starts off with“Animals speak to us in their ownway, But if they spoke with wordswhat would they say? One thingI declare, without ANY doubt, Allcreatures in cages would say, ‘Letme out!’” Another piece, called“Because I’m Female,” begins with“Because I’m female, my body andbreast feel for a cow and her lifeof unrest. Because I’m female, I’mfilled with disdain at using sistersfor financial gain.”Metamorphosis would be awonderful gift for any vegan orpoetry lover in your life.Metamorphosis (ISBN 0-929274-26-1) is being distributed by the AmericanVegan Society. The book retails for $20(including postage). Purchase it onlineat , or call(856) 694-2887 to order a copy. Reviewedby Debra Wasserman.VEGETARIAN JOURNAL Issue Two 2009 31