So here it is, my final Blog post about the "Cookshelf Vegetarian". My sweet friend Darlene gave me this book 6 years ago, and I am happy to say I've actually cooked my way through this cookbook. I have mixed emotions about it. I want so desperately to think it was amazing, but as I flip through the pages, I think there are less and less recipes I would make again. I admit it could be because of my lack of proper training, but so many recipes were a disappointment. And the ones that I did like, I think I could improve.
Nonetheless, the experience has been amazing, and I am bound and determined to continue my cookbook adventures. I've already got "Cook from Scratch: Vegetarian Main Dishes" by Food & Wine Magazine Queued up and ready to start, it is a hand-me-down from my Mother-in-law, Elaine. I am also hoping to pick up a Vegan cookbook by Real Food Daily and try that one with my newly-Vegan-and-loving-it cousin Jacki!
My husband just walked in and I told him I was finishing up this book blog. I said "can you believe I made all that food?" he showed me his "gut" ( he's tall and thin, hence, the quotes) and said " you mean all of THIS food?!?!"Haha, yes, all that food.
Here are my final "Cookshelf Vegetarian" recipes. Thanks to any and everyone who's followed along! I hope I have inspired you to try something new, and EAT YOUR VEGGIES!!
Roasted Bell Pepper Tart: Tarts have been a surprise hit with my family, and this one continued the trend. I do wish they were a healthier way to eat veggies, but they are delicious. I especially enjoyed the saltiness of the olive crust.
Here are two recipes, the Mushroom and Spinach puffs are the triangles in the front, and the the back one is a Vegetable Strudel. Everyone liked the spinach and mushroom puff, especially my husband, which is always a nice surprise! No go on the Strudel, though. It just didn't have as much flavor as the spinach one.
Next, Vegetable hot pot. The potato crust was delicious. The veggies and broth, just eh. I really feel like this whole book just needed more spice!
Veggie Toad in a Hole? sounds strange. Those crazy English names. I don't think this came out quite the way it was supposed to, but it was delicious. The veggies were yummy and cooked well, and the crust was tasty too!
I used to work for a catering company and restaurant. One of the chefs who was sympathetic to my Vegetarianism ( the other chefs used to chase me through the kitchen with GIANT dead fish, or sneak meat into my salads!) made me an amazing Mac and Cheese with Blue cheese. It was so delicious. When I saw this recipe for Pear and Walnut Spaghetti, I knew my family wouldn't be eating it, but I had to try it. The kids called it stinky pasta. It was sadly not NEARLY as good as that Mac and Cheese from so long ago.
Cabbage Stirfry. Surprisingly delicious! No one else would try it. Apparently Cabbage and Cauliflower are just NOT on the list. But I liked it. Kind of reminded me of a warm, fresh sauerkraut.
This pear and Cabbage Salad was nice. Just nice, nothing fancy. I liked the dressing. It was much less sour than all the other dressings they've had it in this cookbook.
Leek souffle : a sad disappointment after the yumminess that was the mushroom soufflé!
Gado Gado, or "Mix-Mix" ( thanks, Wikipedia) was a lovely tray of Blanched Veggies and peanut sauce. I switched the cauliflower to Broccoli, and it was a hit!! I have had better peanut same though ( Toi on Sunset....you are just the BEST) My family could live without the cabbage and bean sprouts, but I could leave the broccoli, carrots and green beans out, and the kids would've snacked all day.
And that is THAT!!!
