radaction's review against another edition

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5.0

Veganomicon is heralded as “the ultimate vegan cookbook” and you won't find any argument from this author. Like an encyclopedia this book has a recipe for any occasion. The two authors, Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, have enough published volumes under their belts to have achieved cult vegan fame and now they're graduating to hardcover Joy of Cooking-style staying power.

The layout and design of this book is welcoming, polished and professional. These authors are all grown up and have more than just the look to prove it. There are no basic recipes such as tofu scramble but that doesn't mean that these meals are hard to make. Potato-Mushroom Blintzes are just as easy as a boring scramble, but so much more impressive when your guests see you make crepes from scratch.

From the 14 casserole recipe offerings it's hard to choose a clear winner but the Southwestern Corn Pudding has a lot going for it. Creamy coconut milk, spicy jalapenos and lots of corn come together in a silky spicy magical meal from your oven. Casseroles are not just for moms from the 70's, they are back and more vegan than ever. Cauliflower and Mushroom Potpie with Black Olive Crust is a simple recipe that comes out looking gourmet. Clear instructions make it easy for anyone to make crust from scratch.

That's what makes this cookbook so good- so many delicious results that are easy to make. There are “tip” sidebars whenever something might need more of an explanation, such as how to cut scotch bonnet peppers. Recipes are broken down into bite size steps that help the reader attempt anything regardless of previous experience. There are so many sections (17) that only expert vegan chefs could have created such divisions. “One Pot Meals and Stove-top Specialties” stands out because of the variety of meals that one can make if too lazy to clean more than one pot.

It would be easier to use the book in a messy kitchen if recipes were all on one page, but half the time flipping the page while cooking is a necessity. Splashes and stains on the pages will only serve to remind you which recipes you've already tried, just be more careful if you plan to re-gift this book. Though who would want to, with enough recipes in this volume to keep an enthusiastic vegan cooking all year then coming back for seconds because everything is so tasty?

constancelee's review against another edition

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Can't really rate this one yet as I haven't tried any of the recipes. Some that I plan to try are:

Pumpkin-Cranberry Scones
Rumnog Pecan Cookies (planning to make these for the holidays, YUM!)
Almond-Anise Biscotti
Lemon Bars
Caramel Apple-Spiced Cupcakes with Penache
Lower-fat Deep Chocolate bundt Cake (I'd make this NOW if I had a bundt pan!)

craftingchange's review against another edition

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5.0

So far I have only made 5 of the recipes, but each one is so amazing that I feel comfortable suggesting this book to vegans and omnivores alike.
The book is big, chock full of recipes, tips, and inspiration.

zlatty's review against another edition

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5.0

This is probably my favorite recipe book. I think that I have made (with help of others at times) at least 50 meals from this book and not one was anything below delicious. If you are switching from vegetarianism to being a vegan, or if you want to eat healthy, this is the way to go.

aquint's review against another edition

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5.0

Love love love this book!

longtime_reader_tsg's review against another edition

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5.0

One of the best cookbooks I've ever had.

surlygrrrl's review against another edition

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4.0

This is my #1 go-to cookbook. I generally stick closely to the recipes, but I'm an omnivore & my husband is a vegetarian so when "dairy" products are called for I go for the real deal. Of the recipes I've tried all but one have become a staple in our diet. This book is thick & I have barely scraped the surface.

oregon_small_fry's review against another edition

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5.0

I have the 10th year anniversary edition, it's the best!

jrc2011's review against another edition

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3.0

Think of this as the "Joy of Cooking" for inexperienced vegan home cooks -- it's got loads of simple recipes, some that are basically instructions for assembly. The first 45 pages are table of contents and instruction on kitchen basics such as equipment, pantry stocking, nutrition and how to cook certain things like rice or quinoa. Some of the recipes are familiar -- I've seen them in other cookbooks by this author (who can get enough pistachio rosewater ANYTHING, right?).

Though I shelled out some good money for this cookbook - it's not a cookbook that I use often. It's written for a certain audience -- the new vegan, the new home cook -- and it's an excellent cookbook to give to those folks.

kfernandez's review against another edition

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5.0

I recently repurchased and reread this book after destroying my first copy years ago. Isa uses simple ingredients to create vegan recipes that make veganism attainable for those who don't want to give up "normal" American food. Many of her dishes are healthy and delicious and the treats are decadent and loved by all. A great initial reference cookbook for those going vegan for the first time and even for those simply adding more plant based meals into their diet.