Sunday, November 13, 2022

Easy Plant-Based Cookbook for Two- Review and Recipe



Lei Shishak, author of Farm-to Ladle Desserts and Beach House Baking, has published a new cookbook called Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two - and I think it's impressive and worth a look!

 I found Lei's vegan recipes interesting, uncomplicated, health conscious, and perfect to feed two average eaters. And I love that there is a beautiful color photo for each of her 80 recipes! For example, the following recipe is for her chickpea loaf which I intend to try for the holidays. 

Professional photo supplied by the author from the cookbook

Whether you are an experienced plant-based cook or a beginner just looking to include more plant-based meals into your diet, this book covers all bases. 

Those new to a plant-based diet might benefit from her chapters 
  •  Tips for Starting a Plant-Based Diet
  •  Plant-Based Pantry
  •  Grocery Shopping Tips
   
More experienced plant-based cooks will enjoy new and inspirational ideas and refreshing recipes. I know I'm always looking for something different and new to me.  I've listed a few of the recipes I found in the cookbook that looked interesting to me:  

  • Lavender Coffee
  • Garlic Naans (which can probably be made gluten-free by using a GF all-purpose flour)
  • Thai Chopped Salad
  • Tahini Ginger Sauce 
  • Roasted Eggplant with Walnut Pesto Pasta
  • Chickpea Loaf
  • Sesame Soba Noodles 
  • Spaghetti Squash Soup
  • Indian Style Potatoes (looks amazing)
  • Wild Rice and Brussels sprouts  
Although the cookbook is not intended to be a gluten-free cookbook, the author includes and identifies many of the naturally gluten-free recipes in her 80 recipe collection. Many of her other recipes can very easily be converted to gluten-free.


What's unique about her recipes?- They are intended to help make plant-based recipes in just the right quantities making them perfect for newlyweds, singles, empty nesters, seniors, and anyone looking to have a new delicious plant-based food everyday.

Format
Let's start with the format of the cookbook. 
  • Easy to navigate
  • Contents page with page numbers for each chapter
  • Extensive Index by recipe and ingredient for an easy search 
Quality : 
  • Sturdy
  • Print is easy to read 
  • Photos are exquisite 
Recipes:
  • Easy to follow directions
  • Recipes are easy to make
  • Most ingredients are easy to access



With the author's permission, I'm sharing a recipe selection from the cookbook for Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts - just in time for Thanksgiving.

Professional photo courtesy of Lei Shishak
from her cookbook

Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts 
from Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two 

Ingredients: 
2 cups lightly salted water
1/2 cup of wild rice
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/4 cup of raw walnut halves
3/4 cup of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts 
1/4 cup of small diced onions
1 medium celery rib, small-diced
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of pepper
1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon of dried sage
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon of dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon of white wine vinegar

Directions: 
In a small pot, combine 2 cups lightly salted water, rice, and bay leaf and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and cook at a low boil for 40 minutes until rice is tender. Drain through a strainer and discard bay leaf. Return rice to the pot, and cover to keep warm.

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until light golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuts to a plate. Add the Brussels sprouts, onions, celery, slat, pepper, thyme, and sage to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the wild rice, cranberries, and vinegar. Cook until warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Fold in the walnuts and serve. 


My Conclusion
If you love a cookbook with wonderful photos, recipes that make your mouth water, directions that are easy to follow and a true consciousness for healthy eating, then go directly to Amazon and take a look at this book. 

Who do you know that could benefit from having this cookbook? Could be a nice gift! Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two (Amazon Link) 

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Amazon. If you click and follow a link on my blog and make a qualified purchase, I will receive a small compensation at no cost to you. This helps defray the cost of running a free blog. Thank you for your continued support. 


26 comments:

  1. Many thanks for the review and sharing the recipe.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi Jan, thanks for stopping by .

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  2. Replies
    1. You can try the recipe that I shared and see how you like it.

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  3. Good to know! I love the idea of a cookbook written for just two diners since it's only the husband and me. Not that my cooking ventures all that far from the basics! Anyway, I'm glad you found a good recipe for Thanksgiving. I can't believe it's the week after next . . .

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    1. I believe that you are part of the target audience since it's just. you and your husband. Perfect recipes for two.

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  4. Thanks for the review, bet plant based fans would love the book.

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    1. I agree- and I think many of the recipes are perfect sides even for meat eaters like you!

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  5. This cookbook sounds like just what I need - recipes that don't leave leftovers!! We are trying to eat more plant-based foods and some of the recipes you listed sound really good. I'll check it out. Thanks for a great review.

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    1. I appreciate your comments. I think many people feel the same way you do that recipes are not geared for large quantities.

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  6. this book looks and sounds good. i have tried plant based recipes, although good, they are not for us full time!!

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    1. Most people are accustomed to eating animal products so plant-based is a big change, but remember along with chicken or meat, you can always make a good plant-based side dish.

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  7. it's a garden snake on my blog!!!

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    Replies
    1. thanks for letting me know. They are safe. Right?

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  8. Thanks for sharing this new cookbook. I'm really looking at eating more veg, vegan and I think this book sounds perfect. You listed a number of recipes you want to try that sound amazing to me.

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  9. The Thai chopped salad sounds amazing... and I really need to try the spaghetti squash soup. YUM

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  10. It sounds like an amazing help for someone who wants to eat a plant-based diet.

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  11. This is how I bake and cook as well. For one or two at time. It's just so great. Happy Cooking. Happy Eating. Cheers and boogie boogie, Ivy.

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  12. Thank you Judee for such a wonderful and thorough review of my cookbook! I hope you enjoy the chickpea loaf over the holidays! All the best, Lei

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  13. Great review! Those brussels sprouts look yummy!

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  14. The Brussel sprouts and wild rice looks really good. The cookbook looks fantastic. Everyone should have a good selection of plant based recipes-no doubt we would feel much better. Thanks for sharing the cookbook with us.

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  15. That chickpea loaf looks really delicious.

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  16. I agree with others -- those Brussels sprouts look yummy. This is looks like a good book that has doable and appealing recipes.

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  17. I've never had luck making GF naans, do you have a tried and true recipe?

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  18. I can never get tired of reading new cookbooks, but always love it when they come with a trustworthy review. You certainly hit the nail on the head with your thorough coverage! Nice recipe selection too! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!

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  19. Loved how beautiful the wild rice and brussels sprouts salad looked! Although I/we are not vegan I enjoy vegan cookbooks for recipes that we will enjoy that are a bit more sophisticated than a simple cooked vegetable for our side dish. Thanks for the review!

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Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.

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