Vegan CookBooks: Book Review

by Linda Long
Reviewed by Tammie Ortlieb

This is one book that can be judged by its cover. Before I could actually cook from Linda Long's latest, Great Chefs Cook Vegan , I simply sat it on my counter and looked at it, watched it, and when no one was looking, lovingly caressed its smooth and beautiful hardback cover. Long has created a visual masterpiece that just happens to be packed with mouthwatering vegan recipes.

Photographer and freelance writer, Linda Long has grown up in the food industry. A thirty year vegan, her work has appeared in VegNews, American Vegan, and Vegetarian Journal as well as on many book covers authored by fellow vegans. Inspired by a few superb dining experiences, Long set out to challenge top chefs in the pursuit of vegan excellence.

Rather than slapping out a plate of steamed veggies, 25 of the greatest chefs create plant-based culinary works of art. For the book, Long asked each participant to design a three- or four-course vegan meal. The resulting work is a hardbound photographic beauty with recipes from top chefs such as David Burke, Charlie Trotter, Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Anne Quatrano, Alex Stratta, Suzanne Goin, and Todd English among others.

Not a book for the beginner cook, this would make a great addition to the aspiring gourmet's kitchen library. Not only are the meals tasty, visually appealing, and entirely vegan, but each recipe includes instructions on how to plate the dish as well. I must confess that I was a bit intimidated at first. I plate my dishes by putting the food on the plate. I am not a fru-fru cook. I like food. I like it very much. And I'm pretty handy with a spatula. But I don't get personally involved. I have to say that I surprised even myself with my culinary skill. The recipes are easy to follow, utilize common ingredients, and include a photo of the finished product so the home cook can see exactly what the finished item should look like.

I enjoyed the short biographies of the chefs. More importantly, I enjoyed the recipes: Anne Quatrano's Crispy Fried Okra and Chiles with Pepper Vinegar; Erik Blauberg's Gratin of Berries with Tahitian Vanilla Bean and Dark Rum; John Besh's Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Truffle Molten Center and Gluhwein-Stewed Berries with Spiced Wine; David Burke's Vegetable Carousel Torte with Pomme Souffles filled with Peas; Gabriel Kreuther's Yukon Gold Potato "Linguine" and Fresh Sprouts Salad with a Sorrel-Arugula Emulsion. The meal I am absolutely in love with? Cat Cora's Basque Veggie Kabobs with Key Lime Sauce; Curried Cauliflower with Currants and Pine Nuts; and Kiwi Parfait for the finishing touch (an unbelievably simple and delicious dessert, even for the beginner cook!).

Delicious looking as well as satisfying to the palate, Great Chefs Cook Vegan makes a wonderful gift, if not to a friend then to yourself.

Buy Great Chefs Cook Vegan now!

Tammie Ortlieb is a freelance writer and adjunct instructor with a Master's Degree in Developmental Psychology. She resides in southwest Michigan with her omnivorous husband, four veg kids, and small menagerie of pets. Tammie writes for various vegetarian sources, mostly on being okay with your vegetarian self. She's a book nerd, a research nerd, a health nerd, and a huge glass of soymilk half full kind of creature. Visit her blog at www.middle-agedveganchick.blogspot.com.

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