When I was asked if I'd like to participate in a virtual book tour for Beth Barnett's Rabbit Food Cookbook, of course I said yes. Although I don't consider myself a rabbit, I do have a cookbook collection that requires frequent feeding, and seems to multiply like rabbits. In exchange for my review, I got another cookbook to add to my collection, and a deadline of today, which is good, because although I'm mildly addicted to acquiring cookbooks, I'm not particularly compelled to use them. If you know what I mean. If you've been following the tour, you probably already know all about the cookbook and wish you could have one, too. Well, maybe you can, if you live in the U.S. or Canada. After reading the review, leave a comment mentioning what most attracts you to the book, or just leave a comment about anything, if you prefer. On Friday, Nov. 4, I'll randomly select a cookbook winner from all the commentators, and it may be you! Be sure your comment links back to an email address where you can be reached.
The book's handy size (5-1/2 by 7-1/2) and spiral binding, make it a pleasure to use, and the winsome illustrations add to the fun, but there's serious information inside the 223 page volume. Barnett provides excellent background information on why choosing a plant-based diet may be optimal for both us, and the planet. From The Food Supply in Perspective, to Health and Nutrition Considerations, to The Industrialization of Food in America, she's got it covered. There's even a section on how to prepare and maintain a garden, as well as instructions for making shopping and produce bags. Add Ingredient Tips, Essential Equipment and Measurements, and you've got plenty of useful advice to help you make the most of the recipes. Most of the recipes seem like the kind of tasty, everyday dishes that can be whipped up pretty easily without a lot of time or exotic ingredients. You'll find recipes for every meal — Waffles, Crumbly Coffee Cake, Crunchy Broccoli Salad, Balsamic Veggies and Potatoes, Seitan Walnut Quinoa, Tofu Knishes, Pasta With White Beans and Special Chocolate Cake — to name just a few of the 90 choices.
I chose to taste test Curry Tofu & Peas, because I happened to have all the ingredients on hand, and because another reviewer beat me to making Chickpea Masala. I added the optional coconut milk but was sorry — the flavors were more intense before I added it, and it didn't seem to add anything to the dish. I'd definitely leave it out next time. I added the cashews, too, but left them whole.
Posted with permission.
If you've somehow missed the rest of the tour, you can catch up here:
October 24—Cake Maker to the Stars
October 25—Cook Vegan Lover
October 26—Bake and Destroy
October 27—Carrie on Vegan
October 28—Vegancraftastic
October 29—Manifest Vegan
October 30—You are here.
October 31—Vegansaurus
Full disclosure: A review copy of Rabbit Food Cookbook was provided to me free of charge by Sasquatch Books, Seattle. I was not paid to write a review, nor was I threatened with bodily harm if I didn't write one.
So cool! I have been hitting on this cookzine on and off the webz - it's a great idea to do a virtual blog tour! This dish looks especially pretty for something that sounds so easy.
ReplyDeleteOKay, hitting on was not what I meant to say! I meant stumbling upon - on the internet - on and off - depending on blogs I find!
ReplyDeleteI think what makes me so interested in this book is the simplicity of the recipes. Being a college kid, I dont have the time or the money to be creating any exotic recipes. Based on what you posted, the recipes also look like they would be similar to home cooked meals.... Something I often miss being away at school.
ReplyDeleteI like that it provides a history of veganism as well as recipes that are easy for readers to make. I also like that the book cover is cardboard which seems very eco-friendly to me.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are rad and uhm a recipe for tofu knishes? Knishes, knishes! 'Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteInitially it was the adorable size and binding of the book that intrigued me, but a recipe for knishes? Bring it on!
ReplyDeleteFood Feud- stop hitting on this cookbook ;-)
That "smoky tempeh and kale" looks awesome (and it's on cook vegan lover). I have tempeh, and I have kale, and I want to make it! But first I'm going to make one of your soups - possibly an amalgam of those Tuscan things with kale, farro, etc. I don't have the exact ingredients for each one, but somehow I will make something!
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly like you when it comes to cookbooks...they do seem to multiply like bunnies; how did that happen?
ReplyDeleteI love that the book is in handwriting with hand drawings, very charming indeed.
For me, the appeal of this sweet lil' cookbook is the handmade details. I think it makes it more unique!
ReplyDeleteI've loved seeing this cookbook on people's blogs this last week, it's so cute and the tofu curry looks and sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteI've really liked the virtual book tour that they've done. The information, beyond recipes, that is included in this book sounds really useful and interesting!
ReplyDeleteI've been excited to see this cookbook on a virtual tour, and I am so happy to see the recipes on blogs. I love that this cookbook is just simple great in everyway.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in how easy the recipes seem and how the illustrations I've seen are cool.
ReplyDeleteI want this book because my mother-in-law has been vegan for the past 6 months. She's in her 50s, and has inspired me to do some research and make some big changes. :)
ReplyDeleteI like simple design, and I LOVE that it is spiral bound for lying open flat!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a copy of this. Rabbits and fairly easy and tasty looking meals? Sounds like a winner to me!
ReplyDeleteI like the illustrations and the buzz has been good about the book. Plus I want to own all the vegan books in the world. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love a chance to browse this cookbook. I'm new to vegetarian cooking, and really need to diversify my diet.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the recipes in this book--they all look so good!
ReplyDeleteCourtney
I'd love to try any of the recipes out of this cool cookbook. I love the name btw!
ReplyDeleteAww this book looks so nice! I like how it looks or is handwritten :)
ReplyDeletethis book looks awesome but does it have pictures?
ReplyDeleteVegas,
ReplyDeleteNot of the food. It has hand-drawn illustrations.