The New Vegetarian Epicure: Menus--with 325 all-new recipes--for family and friends: A Cookbook

This is a beautiful cookbook! I am so amazed at all the critics! One reviewer said it's too healthy, not enough butter, cream and cheese, another said too much cheese! Sheesh! Another complained no page numbers for recipes.....there are, btw! So many veggies complaining about ONE turkey recipe by her husband. To me, it's not a big deal, but I guess if you are veggie on high moral grounds, it might bother you.In any case, these are lovely recipes, some a little on the complex side, but many simple and easy ones, too. If you're new to cooking, some of the menus may take awhile to prepare, but (obviously) you can easily mix and match dishes based on your tastes and available time. To clarify, she has the recipes categorized under menus, one reads- "A Casserole Supper" and has: rice and corn salad, hubbard squash flan, simple chipotle sauce, tortillas and fresh fruit in season. Another section "Four Easy Soup Dinners" and one of them reads: Lentil soup, jalapeno and cheese cornbread OR pumpernickel bread and a slice of smoked cheese. In her cornbread recipe, she points out that jalapenos lose a lot of their fire when baked in a batter, which could be very helpful to someone not familiar w cooking them and afraid of their heat. Another recipe calls for haricots verts in a salad, and she explains that they are important in the salad and you shouldn't sub regular larger and tougher green beans. Another reviewer complained about her "snobbiness" with this comment, but she's simply explaining you will get sub par results w a regular green bean. As a cook, I appreciate these comments and tips. Another menu--Rustic Autumn dinner: fresh herb salad, roasted autumn veggies, brown and wild rice pilaf, plum and walnut galette. Each menu is accompanied by more description, anecdotes or tips, and she then also has some tip or anecdote before the actual recipe. It's very personalized and an obvious labor of love. It's an interesting cookbook that I found fun to read, with good direction in her recipes.

I bought this for a friend because I love mine so much. Mine is well worn with many place holders in it and good splatters on the pages. Delicious recipes and easy to follow instructions.

I have owned three copies of this cookbook, and because I love it, I've shared it with those who enjoy vegetarian cooking as much as I do. I eat vegetarian some of the time and have for years. Now we have "meatless Mondays" that is so popular. It's nice to see others who never thought they eat vegetarian are doing so for environmental reasons as well as good health.One reviewer found the author's approach snobbish. Not at all. Let's be honest, we all as good cooks, want to use the best ingredients we can afford to make a splendid meal. I understand the reviewer's feelings, not all can afford the finest ingredient but don't miss out on cooking these wonderful recipes.I also like the fact the recipe for turkey was included. What would be insensitive is if you have a mix of vegetarians and non vegetarians at your house for dinner, a good host will accomodate both.I love this book and I've just reordered to replace my copy I shared with a relative. You won't be disappointed if you buy this book.

I love cookbooks and collect them. My favorite ones have lots of recipes and lots of colorful pictures. I grab a cup of tea and page through cookbooks like I'm reading fiction. :)The New Vegetarian Epicure has loads of good recipes; I just wish it had pictures. Some of my favorite recipes are:Butternut Squash and Pear SoupBlack Bean ChiliArtichoke FrittataSummer Vegetable PastaChocolate Sponge CakeThis books is FILLED with great recipes.

I have had this book for almost 7 years now. I love it and it is still inspiring. What I think I love the most though is how many times I have prepared a menu from this book when having meat-eaters over for dinner and wowing them everytime - they are always surprised at the end of the meal that they didn't miss the meat. I love fruits and vegetables and the recipies in this book do a wonderful job highlighting the different flavors and textures of produce. As for the review that said this was "health food" implying that's a bad thing, these recipies are healthful - but she's still not afraid to call for butter, eggs, cheese, and milk. There's a wonderfully luscious carmalized onion flan that has plenty of cheese for anyone! I highly recommend it for vegetarians and those looking to eat less meat.

Many repeated recipes throughout the book. I should have read description more thoroughly because did not find menus to be as useful as recipes simply listed by category. Still adore the original first book, a pillar of our home cooking.

I debated between the old version and this updated version. I am glad I went with this one (though admittedly don't have the old one for comparison). I am using 3 of the recipes in the Indian Luncheon section for my Gourmet group this month. They are easy to follow and each has been truly wonderful. The cardamom ice cream is terrific; my 8 year old likes to warm it up in the microwave and eat it like a custard -- sooo soothing. Apparently the original version is supposed to have greater use of heavy cream etc.. Well, this one uses it too, and I wouldn't want any more than is used in this book! I just don't eat as 'heavy' as I used to...

I love, love, love this cookbook. It has so many interesting ideas for pairings I'd never considered, and I'm a pretty big foodie. The bad reviews of this cookbook come from the more conservative vegetarians who are actually vegans. This is not the best vegan cookbook out there, and it isn't pretending to be! Many vegetarians do eat some dairy and eggs and this cookbook is absolutely fantastic for this group, especially if you are interested in pulling together a special occasion with really great food.