More and more people around the world are turning to a vegetarian diet. Whether it’s because of their health, ethical or religious requirements, it doesn’t really matter. More and more of us are finding that the vegetarian diet or at least an increase in vegetarian dishes in our diet is important. The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook from The Canadian Living Test Kitchen offers hundreds of recipes, either vegetarian or vegan, which they have “Tested Till Perfect”.
Canadian Living: Complete Vegetarian By Canadian Living Test kitchen (Paperback - Oct 10, 2017)$19.45$24.95
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Are you concerned that you won’t get enough protein in a vegetarian diet? The short introduction describes the various protein benefits of many of the ingredients in the recipes to follow. Each of the main protein contributors is mentioned, complete with the amount of protein it will contribute to your diet. The introduction also includes Special Occasion menu suggestions for things like a Summer Barbecue, a Vegan Birthday Party, Fine Dining, and Sunday Brunch.

If you’re new to the vegetarian lifestyle and aren’t really sure what kind of vegetarian you are, there is also a brief introduction of the various levels of vegetarianism. If you’re trying to maintain a vegan diet you will also want to ensure you are getting other key nutrients included as well. The benefits and sources of the most important nutrients are also mentioned in this section.

Concerned about hosting Vegetarian or Vegan guests for holiday dinner? There are a few tips in the introduction that will help. Everything is covered from choosing ingredients to browsing food aisles. Not sure how to pair a good wine with a meatless meal? Picking a good wine is here too.

The first set of recipes is “Complete Breakfast”. Each of the recipes is complete with Cooking Time, Number Of Servings, concise instructions and Nutritional Information. Many of the recipes also include a Quick Tip from the Test Kitchen. One of the tips, for the Poached Eggs And Asparagus With Herb Mustard recipe, is that fresher eggs are better for poaching and that it is best to check the best before date on the carton to make sure you have newer eggs. That kind of tip really can make or break a recipe and always is so helpful when you’re unfamiliar with the dish.

Although not all of the recipes have a picture, many of them do have a lovely full-page display. After the Breakfast’s Chapter comes “Complete Breads”. Many of these bread recipes are vegan. Throughout the book you will notice many recipes have the vegan symbol at the top.

“Complete Basics” is the next chapter. It includes many go to recipes for things like Stock, Stews, Soups, Spreads, Condiments etc. Even if you aren’t planning on a complete vegetarian diet, it is always a good idea to avoid processed food when possible. These basic recipes will be invaluable help when moving away from processed and canned foods. Chili Sauce, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Marinara Sauce, Vegetable Stock and so many more recipes. I loved that there were four different kinds of Ketchup, Tomato Pear, Zesty Tomato, Honey, and Sweet-And-Sour. Step aside Heinz.

With the next chapter, “Complete Appetizers & Snacks”, there are many quick snackables. Several dip recipes are included, along with Guacamole, and Homemade Ricotta. The “Complete Soups” category covers everything soup, from Creamy Tomato Soup, through to a vegan “Beet Borscht”. “Complete Salads” offers a lovely variety of salads and dressings, some leafy, others noodle, and even grains.

Something For Everyone To Love

“Complete Mains” covers the vegetarian main dishes. Get hardy, everyday comfort food like Lasagna or Chili, and elegant dinner party dishes like Risotto and Homemade Pasta. The “Grilled Asparagus Pizza” is like nothing I’ve ever seen but it certainly does look delicious. There are so many recipes in the mains section, you are sure to find something that everybody will love.

The “Complete Sides” chapter offers side dishes, with everything from Rice to Dal. Enjoy standards like “Roasted Potatoes and Carrots”, “Brussels Sprouts and Eggplant”. “Complete Desserts” offers you the satisfaction your sweet tooth desires. There’s even a “Rose Snow Cone” recipe and the “Dark & Delicious Vegan Chocolate Cake” looked so moist that I can almost taste it just looking at the picture.

In all this is it an exceptionally good recipe book. The clarity of the recipes, the simple ingredients, the lovely pictures, everything, especially the tips, all came together. This book shows exactly how easy and good a Vegan or Vegetarian diet can be.

Because of its gorgeous look, my love of asparagus, and passion for pizza, I’ve included the Grilled Asparagus Pizza recipe in the with the full review on RecipesNow! The Reviews And Recipes Magazine.

This review is in response to a hard copy of the book sent to me by the publishers in hopes of an honest review. ( )