The China Study Family Cookbook

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Bring the Whole Family to the Plant-Based Table with Fun and Delicious Recipes

You know the benefits of a plant-based diet—it’s the best choice for your own health and well-being, not to mention the planet’s. But now you need to successfully navigate the transition and convince your family to do the same . . . or at least eat a few more veggies.
The China Study Family Cookbook is the family-friendly cookbook and guide you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to make plant-based eating easier and even more rewarding for your family—no matter your lifestyle. 
The China Study Quick & Easy Cookbook and Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook author Chef Del Sroufe’s 100 easy, flavorful recipes—with family classics reinvented for today’s health-conscious cooks—include:
Sloppy Joes White Bean and Squash Chili Tater Tots Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole Mac and Cheese Breakfast Tacos Apple Butter Pizza, Whoopie Pies, and more


My thoughts-

My family does not follow a plant based diet, but I do think it is important to eat a predominately plant based diet. Finding recipes my whole family will like without meat is always a struggle so I wa excited to see this book specifically for families. I found a lot of recipes in the book that I know my family would love, particularly in the soup section. The only complaint I have is that there is a heavy reliance on whole grains which we do not eat in our house since we are gluten free. I can come up with gluten free versions of the recipes but I would have love to have had a gluten free suggestion along with the original recipe for families like mine. I recommend this book to anyone looking to eat more plant based foods.

A Modern Way to Eat by Anna Jones (Cookbook Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.



About the book-

A beautifully photographed and modern vegetarian cookbook packed with quick, healthy, and fresh recipes that explore the full breadth of vegetarian ingredients--grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables--from Jamie Oliver's London-based food stylist and writer Anna Jones.

How we want to eat is changing. More and more people cook without meat several nights a week and are constantly seeking to push the boundaries of their own vegetarian repertoire. At the same time, people want food that is a little lighter, healthier, and easier on our wallets, and that relies less on dairy and gluten. Based on how Anna likes to eat day to day--from a blueberry and amaranth porridge, to a quick autumn root panzanella, to a pistachio and squash galette--A Modern Way to Eat is a cookbook for how we want to eat now.

My thoughts-

I like to have an eclectic mix of cookbooks in my walk in pantry, but I would definitely say that I lean vegetarian where I can. My family are all meat eaters and I do eat meat as well, but I know that it is healthier (and more cost efficient) to eat a primarily vegetarian diet. Sometimes that can get mundane, until you discover the wide array of vegetables and fruits that are actually available and find wonderful cookbooks like A Modern Way To Eat that present them so beautifully. ;The food pictures contained in this book are gorgeous! The recipes represented are delightful. I honestly forgot that this was a vegetarian cookbook while reading through it the first time because the recipes sounds so tasty and so filling. I love that there are several pages that present one recipes in many ways or offer you the ability to customize it to your liking or to be able to switch things up if like my family you like a huge variety in your food repertoire. I recommend this book to anyone who eats a vegetarian based diet, but I also recommend A Modern Way to Eat to anyone looking for exciting yet healthy dishes that will please everyone in the family.

annajones.co.uk

Clean in 14 Detox by Melissa Costello (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

P90X creator Tony Horton, the Old Spice Man, and hundreds of others lost weight, boosted their immunity,and increased their energy levels—undeniable proof thatThe Clean in 14 Detox really works!

Millions of people are embracing cleansing because it rids the body of accumulated slow poisons that cause a sluggish metabolism, inflammatory and digestive issues, a host of chronic diseases, and unwanted weight gain.

The Clean in 14 Detox is a whole foods, vegan- and juice-based cleanse that not only flushes the body of toxins, but frees the mind of negative patterns, allowing the entire system to reset itself to a place of balance.

From leading successful group and private cleanses,Melissa Costello pulls no punches: She explains that the key to kick-starting health is to eliminate the CRAP (Caffeine, Refined Sugars, Alcohol, Processed Food) and the SAP (Sabotaging Addictive Patterns). Costello encourages readers to make the commitment, teaches them how to prep their minds and kitchens, and shares practical tips to succeed through the program with minimal withdrawals or cravings. The best part of this cleanse is that it’s user friendly and the participant will never feel deprived, unlike most other cleanses out there. A wide variety of delicious, unprocessed foods are allowed and there are no diet pills or chalky shakes. The Clean in 14 Detox features 14 days of mix-and-match meal plans and more than 75 irresistibly fresh and simple recipes, including Baja-style fajitas,chopped salad with creamy pepita dressing, coconut yam soup, oven-baked sweet potato fries, and more.

My thoughts-

I have Melissa Costello's cookbook Karma Chow in my pantry and it is definitely my go-to cookbook for vegan fare. I like to eat predominately vegetarian, but the rest of my family are meat eaters and still they will eat most things that I make from Karma Chow. I knew that I would have to check out the Clean in 14 Detox because I knew already that Costello has some home run recipes and if trainers like Tony Horton get in shape on her meal plans, then it is definitely worth a shot. There are great recipes in Clean in 14, but I knew that would be the case before I opened the book. What really set apart this book from other weight loss and detox books is that it is an overall approach to getting healthy. One of the things included in this book that I really liked is a journaling aspect. There have been countless books telling us to journal what we eat, but this book tells us to journal about how we feel. There are morning and evening journaling exercises to complete that allow you to let go of some emotions you might otherwise be holding on to and the act of writing them down is helpful in allowing thoughts to tumble out of your head and onto paper. That simple act is quite helpful for mental health. Another aspect of this book that helps with mental health is doing a bit of meditation. You can eat healthy and exercise, but if your too stressed out, you may still be holding yourself back. There are recipes included to guide you through the 14 days. Melissa Costello provides all of the tools necessary to complete this detox and begin your rode to a better you. Even if you are not into eating vegan, these recipes will be doable. It is only two weeks, give it a try and see how you feel. You might find that you actually want to eat less meat after seeing how good it will make you feel giving it up for a short amount of time. I recommend this book to anyone looking to jump start good, healthy habits. 

About the author-

Melissa Costello (Santa Barabara, CA) is the founder of Karma Chow and the personal chef to celebrity fitness guru Tony Horton, creator of the highly popular fitness system, P90X®. A certified nutritionist and wellness coach, Costello is constantly finding creative ways to keep Tony and her many other clients happy, fit, and healthy through a whole foods, plant-based way of life. She works one-on-one with clients and leadsfood-based cleanses with large groups, teaching how to implement changes that will yield a lifetime of great health.

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Delicious Vegetarian Main Dishes By Jennifer S. Larson Cookook Review

One sure fire way to get kids more interested in a wide variety of food is by allowing them to join you in making meals or baking desserts in the kitchen. Cooking as a family can teach such valuable skills like math, reading and maybe even a little problem solving. Cookbooks aimed at kids are a lot of fun because they take care to make sure that these recipes will be ones that kids will enjoy. One of the things I really liked about Delicious Vegetarian Cooking is that it stepped outside the usual realm of kid far and offers some tasty meals that they will still love.

This book is definitely aimed at older children who can read well, but I think that it can be used with younger ones who are just beginning to learn to read, since they will have an adult helping them create these meals. The beginning of the book offers a section dedicated to explaining different tools you will need in your kitchen, which I thought was particularly great. Before that, there is a section called "before you start" which says to make sure you have an adult helper and to always ask permission before you begin. I like that this cookbook is full of easy meals that kids can help create, but I also love that it is full of great kitchen behavioral tips as well, another great lesson disguised in the form of kitchen fun.

There are some great recipes in this book including an egg bake, tofu sticks, curried potatoes & rice and roll up lasagna. The only complaint I have about this book is that it is short on recipes. The recipes included sound great, but I would have liked to see twice as many as are offered. I definitely plan to get in the kitchen with my littles to make some of these recipes very soon!

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*Disclosure- I received a free e-copy of the book via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

Fix-it and Forget-it Vegetarian Main Dishes by Phyllis Pellman Good Cookbook Review

I can never get enough of cookbooks. I have kind of an addiction to buying them and no matter how many I get, it is never enough! I chalk it up to my mom's rotation of the same 6 meals, with at least half coming from boxes, and the boredom of food choices I had growing up for my obsession with all things cooking.

The latest obsession for me, of course, is anything and everything vegan and vegetarian. I don't eat meat anymore, but everyone else in the house still does, so it is important to me to find recipes they will actually eat. I do try to limit their meat intake and only serve red meats every once in a blue moon. Anyway, when I see Fix-It and Forget-It, I automatically think of slow cooking. And there are definitely plenty of slow cooker recipes in this book, but there are also other meal options that cook a little quicker, but still don't take a lot of effort to throw together.

Some of the recipes I particularly enjoyed or look forward to trying are:

• vegetable enchiladas
• mushroom manicotti
• spinach lasagna
• vegetarian pasta sauce
• tasty lentil tacos (as a new vegetarian, I can't get enough lentils!)
• wild rice and mushrooms (I am lucky to have a house full of mushroom lovers!)
• herbed risotto
• Thai veggie curry
• crustless spinach quiche

I love that there is a good mix of recipes featuring different pastas, grains, beans and legumes. There are recipes that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy and then there are a few that will satisfy those of us who like to be adventurous in what we eat and have a wide variety of options to choose from. Even if you are not a vegetarian, a vegetarian cookbook like this deserves a place in your kitchen. Cutting down on meat consumption is definitely a good thing for your health, and this would make a great "Meatless Monday" go to book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to eat meat free, once to have a few meatless options or who really doesn't have time to cook, but wants to have nice home cooked meals that are ready before you know it without much effort from the cook.

*Disclosure- I received a complimentary e-copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are 100% my own. 

Chloe's Vegan Desserts by Chloe Coscarelli Book Review

Before I even start this review, I need to mention that I am not vegan. I am working on hard on leaning more in that direction, but that has been difficult for me because of my love of cheese, but that doesn't have much to do with dessert does it? haha! So I thought "Well, I love dessert, I wonder if these recipes will be any good? I might as well give it a try!" And boy am I glad I did!

I have tried several recipes from this cookbook and they were all pretty knock your socks off amazing. And that is not just coming from me, my meat loving, kind of anti-vegan husband tried every recipe I created and thought they were awesome. He was especially impressed by the vegan brownie recipe! My favorite recipe I tried out of this book were for cupcakes with a sea salted caramel frosting. Those were so good, I decided I would send some to the Emergency Room for my husband's co-workers. They loved them! I bake for the ER quite often and one of my husband's good friends at work takes some home often for her 11 year old daughter. She said that these cupcakes were BY FAR her daughter's favorite dessert I have made. That says something about Chloe's talent as a vegan chef and about vegan baking in general. It is definitely possible to have delicious desserts without using dairy products or eggs. This recipe book is proof of that. 

Some other favorite recipes that we tried or are looking forward to trying are:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sourdough French Toast

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lemon Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Chloe O's

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Mint Cookies 'n' Cream Cupcakes

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Bollywood Cupcakes

...and many more. Honestly I could have pretty much listed out the entire book because I would try anything in it!

Another cool thing about this book is with a tiny tweaks to the recipes (which are noted at the end of the recipes) these can also be gluten free desserts. This is a huge win for people on a gluten free diet! This is probably my favorite recipe book I have had the pleasure of reviewing, traditional or vegan. Hands down, these are delicious recipes that even a person very skeptical of  the vegan diet will enjoy!

Chloe's Vegan Desserts comes out TOMORROW! You can still pre-order on Amazon.com and get this book for less than $13! That's a steal. I will definitely be ordering a copy to add to my cookbook collection. I may not be vegan (yet), but I know a good cook when I see one. This is the first cookbook of Chloe Coscarelli's that I have had the pleasure of looking in, but you can bet it won't be my last!

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Disclosure- I received a free advanced reader's e-copy of this above mentioned book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook by Melissa Costello Book Review

At the beginning of the summer, I challenged myself to go meatless for the month of June. What ended up happening is that I became a full time vegetarian. Well, I come from a meat loving family and my in laws are Persian, who eat pretty much mostly meat and rice, so at the few times we have been at their houses, I have eaten meat, but 98% of the time for the last five months, I have been eating a plant based diet. I LOVE variety in what I eat and I also enjoy being in the kitchen, so I am always looking for new recipes and cookbooks to try out. I have been very interested in adding more vegan recipes to the mix, but I am a little hesitant on recipes that rely too heavily on soy. I was super stoked to find the The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook by Melissa Costello. The first thing that drew me to it, was that the foreward was written by Tony Horton, founder of P90X, whom Costello is personal chef for. If you know who Tony Horton is, you know he is all about health and is very fit. If you don't know who he is, I suggest you look him up, but I will warn that P90X is not for the faint of heart. It takes some real dedication! I was also very excited to see that while skimming the cookbook that Costello only uses soy protein here and there and still offers many, many delicious vegan meals in Karma Chow.

The first recipe I tried, the banana chocolate chip mini muffins, has become a favorite recipe in our house. It also lead me to learn that I really like oat flour as a substitute for white or wheat flour, which is would have baked with. I have used oat flour several times since and it's now a staple in my pantry. My family also really enjoyed Spaghetti & "Meat"balls and the vegetarian meatloaf. The only thing we weren't a fan of was the quinoa brekkie bowl, but I think we just all have a personal preference for savory quinoa as opposed to a sweet breakfast quinoa.

There are so many other recipes I can not wait to try from The Ultimate Karma Chow Cookbook. I will definitely be buying a paper copy to add to my recipe book collection. I would recommend this book to any new vegetarian or vegan or even someone who eats meat who would like to add more meatless meals to their meal plan. You will not be disappointed with this delicous recipes.

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*Disclosure- I was provided an ARC courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of putting together this review. I was not required to render a positive review and all opionions are 100% my own.

500 Best Quinoa Recipes by Camilla V. Saulsbury- Cookbook review

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has received a lot of attention in the last few years. People that want to add more healthy grains to their diet, or just have a different sort of flavor definitely want to try quinoa. It is known as one of nature's superfood powerhouses! I first discovered it on the shelf at my local Sprouts. By far the coolest thing about quinoa is it's versatility. You can use it for nearly anything from a replacement for rice to a gluten free flour for baked goods. It's flavor is a bit on the nutty side and it comes in several different forms- seeds, flakes or flour. Quinoa is a fantastic grain for vegans, vegetarian, flexitarians and anyone affected by a gluten intolerance.

Quinoa is popular for it's massive amounts of protein- it includes all of the essential amino acids humans need. It is also naturally gluten free, which makes it a great option for people with Celiac Disease or gluten or wheat sensitivities. Something that I find really interesting about quinoa is that it is being hailed as a food of the future- because of it's hardiness and high yield, it is being considered a possible relief crop for battling famine and malnutrition. This coupled along with the fact that it can be grown in almost any condition makes me think that it definitely might be a future key player in fighting hunger.

I have been using quinoa pretty regularly for the past year or so, but was getting kind of bored with my stand by recipes, so I was super excited to come across Camilla V Saulsbury's 500 Best Quinoa Recipes. There are recipes in every category imaginable and it is a great cookbook for quinoa lovers or novices alike. The beginning of the book is devoted to teaching about the different forms of quinoa and different things you can do with it. I love that this book came with some instruction because although quinoa has been a staple in my house for a while, I am always looking for new things to do in the kitchen, so the more I learn about quinoa's versatility the better for my family and the more variety that is in our menu.

We have tried several recipes out of this book over the past few weeks and have enjoyed most everything we have had! Here are some of our families favorites:

Andean Hash
Quinoa Cashew Power Balls
Quinoa Pilaf
Black Bean Quinoa Chipotle Chili
Cinnamon Raisin Cookies
Quinoa Almond Butter Blondies (although I used peanut butter...they were still delicious!)


Here are a few recipes from the book:

Black Bean Quinoa Chipotle Chili (page 184)

No one will ask, “Where’s the beef?” when sampling this incredibly delicious vegetarian dish. Simmering hearty black beans and quinoa with onions, garlic, herbs and spices creates a wonderfully complex chili that’s finished with fresh lime and topped off with tangy yogurt and an assortment of fresh flourishes.

Tip
If using the larger 19-oz (540 mL) cans of beans, you may want to add up to 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) vegetable broth or water to thin the chili.

Storage Tip
Store the cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in the microwave using the Defrost function. Warm chili in a medium saucepan over medium/low heat.

2 tsp vegetable oil 10 mL
2 cups chopped onions 500 mL
4 cloves garlic, minced 4
3 tbsp chili powder 45 mL
11⁄2 tbsp ground cumin 22 mL
2 tsp dried oregano 10 mL
11⁄2 tsp chipotle chile powder 7 mL
3 cans (each 14 to 19 oz/398 to 540 mL) 3
black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup quinoa, rinsed 250 mL
1 can (28 oz/796 mL) crushed tomatoes 1
3 cups ready-to-use reduced-sodium vegetable 750 mL
or chicken broth (GF, if needed)
1 tbsp finely grated lime zest 15 mL
1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 60 mL
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup plain Greek yogurt 250 mL
Suggested Accompaniments:
Fresh cilantro leaves
Chopped green onions
Chopped radishes
Crumbled queso fresco

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano and chipotle chile powder; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
2. In a small bowl, coarsely mash one-third of the beans with a potato masher or fork. Stir mashed beans, whole beans, quinoa, tomatoes and broth into the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in lime zest and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve topped with yogurt and any of the suggested accompaniments, as desired.

Makes 8 servings

Excerpted from 500 Best Quinoa Recipes by Camilla V. Saulsbury © 2012 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Photos by Colin Erricson. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

My twin 3 year old boys were asking for second helpings of the chili. It was a big hit at our house. It was also very filling, like the description above says, you won't even miss the meat!

Quinoa Almond Butter Blondies (page 482)

The brownie has legions of loyal fans, but the blondie has equally steadfast enthusiasts. The reasons are clearer than ever with this quinoa interpretation: a chewy, nutty butterscotch bar, enriched with cashew butter and highly transportable to boot.

Tip
Other natural nut or seed butters, such as peanut, almond or sunflower, or tahini, may be used in place of the cashew butter.

Storage Tip
Store the cooled blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
• 8-inch (20 cm) square metal baking pan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray

11⁄4 cups quinoa flour 300 mL
1 tsp baking powder (GF, if needed) 5 mL
1⁄2 tsp fine sea salt 2 mL
1⁄2 cup unsweetened natural almond butter 125 mL
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened 60 mL
1 cup natural cane sugar or packed light brown 250 mL
sugar
1⁄2 cup brown rice syrup or pure maple syrup 125 mL
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract (GF, if needed) 5 mL

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, baking powder and salt.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat almond butter and butter until fluffy. Beat in sugar and brown rice syrup until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla until smooth. Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just blended.
3. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares.

Makes 16 blondies

Excerpted from 500 Best Quinoa Recipes by Camilla V. Saulsbury © 2012 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Photos by Colin Erricson. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. These were so delicious. I love the fact that I can have dessert that isn't too terrible for me and it still tastes really good!!

About the Author: Camilla Saulsbury is a food writer, recipe developer, cooking instructor and fitness trainer! She has been featured on the Food Network, in the New York Times, and on Today and QVC and is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She also holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Indian University with a specialization in food studies.
Purchase your own copy of 500 Best Quinoa Recipes!

*Disclaimer- I received a complimentary copy of this book via Robert Rose Publishing. I was not required to render a positive review. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Getting Healthy in June!

Back in January, I set a resolution to continue to exercise and eat as healthy as possible, to feel better about myself, to set a good example for my kids and to just feel healthy overall.

I did really well for a while, I lost all of the weight I wanted to and was doing well and then I let life get in the way. My husband works long hours and overnights, which often leaves me feeling alone with everything else, including our 3 very small children. He tries his best to help, but he is usually just too tired. Add to that the fact that we bought a house and the stresses of moving...well, all of my hard work eventually was depleted! So sad for me! I know it's my own fault for all of the excuses and I am determined to make being a healthy a lifelong habit so...

I decided for June that I would jump start things by going Vegetarian. Yesterday was day one and I think I overate, but it will take some getting used to since it is such a big adjustment! I am lucky there are great tools out there like MyFitnessPal to help me meet my goals!

I also restarted Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. It is the only workout that has ever helped me actually lose weight and not just maintain where I am at! I won't lie though, it KICKS MY BUTT!

Anyway, I plan to write an entry each day or every few days, so that I will be held accountable to keep up with these changes this month!

My goal is to lose 15 pounds (total, not in the month of June) and then maintain that healthy weight by avoiding fast foods and not eating too much sugar...my weakness!

If you are on MyFitnessPal, please feel free to add me as a friend! I am always looking for more people to network with in the health and fitness world!

Also, if you have any Vegetarian or Vegan recipes, please feel free to post them or a link to them below!
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Day 1.

I thought overall, I did a pretty good job of not eating meat. I forgot that the chia cookies I made had egg in them, so I did slip up there, but it reminded me that I need to buy an egg replacer when I get groceries in the next few days. I had a crazy craving for a baked potato and didn't have any at home. I ended up getting mashed potatoes from Chili's which was probably a bad idea, but I didn't want to start off this thing depriving myself something I felt I wanted so strongly. I had a banana and yogurt for breakfast and organic ramen noodles for lunch. I was surprised to find that they had 1000 mg of sodium! I probably won't be eating those again. I am not much for eating packaged foods, but I really need to get to the grocery store. For Day 2 I plan to make some spaghetti with spaghetti squash.

As far as the workout goes, I was proud of myself for pushing through. It is a hard workout, especially the first few days and I was sweating like crazy and out of breath quite often. I know it will get easier after I get this first week behind me, but it definitely wasn't as difficult as the first time I did the Shred and my body was thankful for that!