As a healthy foods fan, being a vegetable lover comes with the territory and although vegetables are a turn off to some, to me they are heavenly. Vegetables are what sustain us and their nutrients and vitamins go unmatched. I too am a meat lover but there are some times in my life when I focus mainly on vegetables and lay off the protein for a bit. While I don’t think I would make this a permanent change, I tend not to miss steak or chicken that much, certainly not as much as I would miss eggplant, corn and broccoli.

The keys to enjoying vegetables are buying fresh produce and mastering their preparation. If you are looking to experiment more or become inspired by vegetables then check out Mollie Katzen’s new cookbook “The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without”. Mollie Katzen has over 6 million books in print. She is the author of “Moosewood Cookbook”, “The Enchanted Broccoli Forest” and “Mollie Katzen’s Sunlight Café”. The New York Times lists Ms. Katzen as one of the best-selling cookbook authors of all time and Health Magazine named her one of “The Five Women Who Changed the Way We Eat.” Pretty Impressive!

Ms. Katzen’s latest book is a grand collection of almost 100 creative vegetable recipes, a real bang for your buck! I really enjoyed “The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without” because it is straight recipes. So many of the cookbooks I have read lately are interesting in that they explain a lot about food or preparation and at times that is really informative but if you need a cookbook that is going to deliver fresh, fabulous foods, this is it. At the back of the book Ms. Katzen does go into a couple explanations about stocking your pantry, what kitchen equipment you need (nothing fancy) and how to sneak extra veggies into your life.

With so many recipes to choose from there is something here for everyone from Wasabi Peas for Real to Portobello Parmesan. Some dishes can be served as a main course like Radicchio-Porcini Risotto and others are great for snacks such as Leek “Chips”. Her recipe for Broccoli Dipped in Wonderful Peanut Sauce is ideal for kids and the Apple-Maple Broiled Acorn Squash is perfect for fall.

Although I have just begun to chip away at the dozens and dozens of recipes, I can tell you now that this cookbook will become a staple in my kitchen. Check it out today!


The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without