Vegetarian Epicure (ISBN 0394717848)

Vegetarian Epicure:
It is great to have this book again. I lost it two or three decades ago. It is fun remembering some of the old recepies. I'm no longer a vegatarian but still enjoy what this book has to offer. The condition of the book is great also. What a value.

My Best Veggie Cookbook:
I have owned this book for 30 years now. It is stained and has literally fallen apart. That's why I am buying a new copy. Favorite recipes - German Apple Pancake (my adult children even asked me for that recipe when they left home - it was a fav weekend tradition), Zucchini Quiche (to die for), Stuffed Mushrooms and Russian Vegetable Pie (who knew cabbage could be so elegant). The recipes are a bit time consuming, but just a few tricks and they are adaptable. Use ready made pie crusts, veggie bouillion etc. Or take the time and savor the process... I have convinced many carnivores (my hubby included) that veggies can be fun and tasty with the recipes in this book. Some even thought that veggies meant overboiled broccoli with your steak was the best that could be expected from veggies.

I am buying my third copy in 36 years.:
I don't cook from this book all of the time, but I am happy when I do. It's like hearing an old Mamas and Papas tune. My son grew up eating from this book. I have memories of kitchens, big and little dinners and good times associated with Anna Thomas's The Vegetarian Epicure. But, I have to admit, I was always a little embarrassed by the illustrations. I was more Boho, I thought. Predominantly vegetarian, Anna Thomas was initially an antidote to the smug, earnest and nearly inedible vegetarian cuisine that predominated in the 1970's at places like Greens and The Source. Her recipes had style even if they were labor-intensive. Over the years, there are recipes from that book that I return to again and again. The nutmeat pate in brioche is incredible and a lot easier with a vita-mix culinary institute blender. For buffets or potlucks where you really want to do something special, this is a good choice. The Russian vegetable pie is a delicious standard. It ranks up there with Julia Child's tomato and anchovy quiche. One of my favorite special breakfasts still is the sweet chestnut souffle with apple butter and cornbread. The potatoes in white wine is an all-purpose classic. Her take on macaroni and cheese, lasagna and spanakopita are the reason the book has sold millions. It's not low-fat and it's not easy, but you're not going to eat it 24/7. Anna's recipes are hat-tricks for dinner parties. Blog appetit!

Epicurious Vegetarian:
"Vegetarian Epicure" is one of the earliest vegetarian cookbooks. It was published when Deborah Madison was just starting out and Mollie Katzen's Moosewood Restaurant might not have even existed at the time. With its hippie-ish artwork,it's whimsical in its approach. The recipes are easy. Anna Thomas draws on cuisines from around the world. The Indian cucumber raita is excellent-a perfect blend of sweet (yogurt) and spicy (red pepper flakes). Her Welsh Rarebit is delicious with its cheese sauce and simplicity. Anna Thomas has a mac and cheese with four cheeses,along with a variety of Indian curries. Unlike many latter-day vegetarians and vegans,Thomas isn't preachy or heavy-handed. She doesn't bash people who prefer steaks,she's simply offering a healthier option. "Vegetarian Epicure" is perfect for ANY epicure!

A Classic!:
I've had this cookbook since the 70's when vegetarian cooking was new to me and vegetarian cookbooks were not so easy to find....and those that were were rather bland and boring. Anna Thomas introduced me to a number of new (to me)cuisines and her recipes were creative and satisfying. There are many that my family has enjoyed over and over again. This is a classic in the field of vegetarian cooking.