Book Review

The New Now and Zen Epicure: Gourmet Vegan Recipes for the Enlightened
by Miyoko Nishimoto Schinner
Review by Rebecca Hess

Have you always wanted to prepare gourmet, delicious food that will please vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike? Have you been hesitant to try new recipes because they seemed too difficult? If so, Miyoko Nishimoto Schinner has compiled a book of recipes and information just for you. The New Now and Zen Epicure is a well planned, easy to use vegan cookbook full of delicious, uncomplicated, visually appealing dishes. Ms. Schinner's recipes seem to be designed for the creative vegan who appreciates quality ingredients, dishes of different cultures, and above all delicious, awe inspiring food.

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The book begins with an ingredients glossary to help those of us who may not know how to use agar or where to buy okara. The majority of ingredients found in her recipes are familiar staples that are very easy to find in the grocery or health food store. The rest of the book is broken into chapters focusing on breakfast, appetizers, sauces, soups, entrees, vegetable dishes and salads, and desserts. I was very pleased to find that when testing recipes out of this book the directions were very clear and precise. The recipes are also uncomplicated and easy to follow. You won't find pages of ingredients for one recipe in this book.

Some of my favorite recipes from this book were: Kahlua Brulee, Fresh Corn Chowder, and Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes. In this cookbook there are many dishes that would be hits at a dinner party or gathering of any kind. I look forward to creating a spread of appetizers from this book to impress my guests at my next get together. This book is a perfect one if you want to show your carnivorous friends and family members how delicious and appealing vegetarian and vegan food truly is. The few colored pictures compliment the book nicely, I only wish there were more of them. So if you feel that you already have an enlightened palate or you would like to acquire one be sure to get your hands on The New Now and Zen Epicure. You won't be disappointed!

Order The New Now and Zen Epicure Now!

Rebecca Hess lives in New Jersey with her husband Steve and their crazy cats. She holds a masters degree in theatre and loves being part of vegfamily and getting to try so many great vegan products!

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