Book Review

Vegan Lunch Box Around the World

By Jennifer McCann
Reviewed by Cathe Olson

Jennifer McCann is back with another book of delicious vegan recipes that will make your child's lunchbox the envy of the school and your lunchbox the envy of your workplace. Vegan Lunchbox Around the World includes menus from the United States, Canada, Central and South America, The Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. From New York, try the Potato Parsnip Latkes, Tzimmes, and the Chocolate Babka Muffins. Want to go Scottish? You can serve Vegetarian Haggis and Brown Sugar Shortbread. Recipes from Japan include Potato Salad Balls, Cucumber Sushi Rolls, and Tofu Tamagoyaki.

Our favorites so far are the Chik'n Pot Pie, Rice with Toasted Millet, and New England Chowder - but I still have many more I want to try like the Cabbage Rolls, Plaintain Wraps with Tangy Black Spread, and homemade Fish Crackers (which I want to bring into my daughter's third grade class!). As in McCann's previous book, most of the recipes take a bit more time and energy than I have for preparing school lunches (though she does have some "quick and easy" dishes). So, I use this book as a dinner cookbook but make enough to have leftovers to put in my children's lunch boxes. Two meals from one cooking session . . . works for me!

What I love about McCann's books is that all of her recipes are so well-tested - thanks to her loyal blog readers. She has a fun, friendly style of writing and adds details that really help the cook have a successful experience. She includes possible allergen information with her recipes, and indicates recipes that are particular favorites of kids. This cookbook is sure to be well-used in your vegan household. Buy your copy today!

Cathe Olson is the author of the new nondairy ice cream cookbook: Lick It! Cream Dreamy Vegan Ice Cream Your Mouth Will Love, as well as Simply Natural Baby Food and The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook. Visit Cathe's website at www.simplynaturalbooks.com and her blog at http://catheolson.blogspot.com.

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