2.5
October 19, 2012

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook {Review}. ~ Melody Lima

*Note: the author received this book for free, in return for a guarantee that we would review said offering. That said, she says what she wants—good or bad, happy or sad.

This vegan cookbook has beautiful photos and delicious recipes.

Vegan is one of those terms describing food that scares many people away from exploring alternative recipes.

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook changes that fear into curiosity, wonder and ultimately into discovering many plant based recipes for a healthier you.

The introduction puts all fears to rest by reminding us to keep it simple. The best advice this book offers is that planning and practice are key factors in keeping your wholesome eating goals on track. Remember, not eating perfectly does not equal failure.

Author Melissa Costello, founder of KarmaChow.com, brings her love of food, nutritional background and healthy living to recipes with no meat, cheese, dairy or animal products.

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook offers recipes like the kid friendly Banana Chocolate Chip Minis for breakfast, to Indian-Spiced Coconut Yam Soup perfect on a cool autumn day. Main dishes like Quinoa and Currant Stuffed Bell Peppers to a chapter entitled “Ooey Gooey and Delightfully Decadent” make your mouth water. Recipes like Coconut Anise Almond Cookies and Cardamom-Scented Chocolate Chippers will satisfy any dessert lover.

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook shares beautiful photos of dishes with easy to follow recipes. Plus lots of tid-bits like the Chef’s Tip: How To Make Flaxseed Eggs or Deglazing. “Kitchen and Pantry Essentials and Baking Substitutes 101” answer any cook’s basic questions. I love the list of spices and the baking flour tips too.

I tried the Wild Rice Salad with Balsamic Maple Dressing. As a side, it is sweet with a nutty crunch and a slight tang from the fruit. Served warm or at room temperature, I look forward to serving this yummy salad during the holidays.

Wild Rice Salad:

1 cup of wild rice, rinsed

½ cup of spelt berries

½ tsp of sea salt

½ cup finely diced red onion

4 scallions, green parts removed, thinly sliced

¼ cup chopped pecans

½ cup dried cherries

1 cup red grapes, halved

Cook the wild rice and spelt berries as per package directions. Place both in a large bowl when cooked. Stir in the sea salt, onion, scallions, pecans, dried cherries and grapes. Add the Balsamic Maple Dressing. (recipe below)

To make this dish gluten-free, replace the spelt berries with regular short-grain brown rice.

Balsamic Maple Dressing

1 garlic clove, crushed

½ tsp sea salt

3 Tbs balsamic vinegar

1 Tbs stone-ground mustard

1 Tbs maple syrup

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp fresh ground pepper

In small bowl whisk all ingredients together. Stir dressing into the grains and let stand to marry flavors.

If you are looking for a healthy dish to add to your table, The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook is a great addition to anyone’s kitchen. Vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will find a recipe or tip that is delicious and wholesomely good.

I recommend this stunning book as a great gift for all cooks and mindful eaters.

 

Melody Lima, I am a yoga teacher, and a mom who enjoys sharing my observations on and off the yoga mat through writing. I love peaceful debate and good scotch. Visit me here. As always, thank you for reading my words.

 

 

~

Editor: Thaddeus Haas

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