Vegan Yum-Yum, Lauren Ulm (Health Communications Inc. 2009)

Vegan Yum-Yum was published in 2009 and  I have been happily cooking recipes from this cookbook since buying it in 2010. What I have enjoyed so much are the excellent sauces with which Lauren surrounds her dishes. Though many of her recipes do not contain mock-meats, my omnivore friends are always delighted to be served any of the dishes from this cookbook.

 

The recipes are creative and the flavors tantalize one’s palate. They are easily prepared and ingredients are easy to find. Some of my favorite dishes include: Chard Florentine on Toast Points (a cheesy-creamy dish that works as either an appetizer or main dish), Italian Rice and Beans (a hearty, tasty dish with deep flavors), Pineapple Baked Tofu with Seared Pineapple Rings and Nutty Greens (a dish with great flavors highlighted by the marriage of pineapple and greens with tasty tofu), Picnic Sandwich (zucchini and red peppers are lightly sautéed and teamed with a pine nut sundried tomato dressing), Sweet Chili Lime Tofu (served over a light quinoa, we double the sauce it is so tasty), Tamarind Tofu Cabbage Bowl (the delectable flavors of tamarind paste make this dish outstanding), Lime Peanut Noodles with Seitan, Kale and Carrots (a crowd pleaser every time), Seven Spice Udon (the distinctive Japanese Seven Spice with fresh Brussels sprouts and carrots make this dish delightful), Red and White Cauliflower Bake (if not already a fan of cauliflower, this dish will change your mind). My copy has over two dozen additional recipes ear-marked for future cooking adventures. 

 

The cookbook is pleasantly designed with many mouth-watering pictures. It is easy to use and does not include many “specialty” items. The recipes are easy to follow and, for the most part, do not require advance preparations or multiple recipe combinations. I also enjoy the fact that many of the recipes call for greens (chard, kale, collards and spinach in particular) which we enjoy.

 

Nutritional information is not included in the recipes. That would be a helpful addition for those of us who appreciate knowing the nutritional make-up of the food that what we eat.

 

The cookbook is available on-line (Amazon) or at some local book stores. I heartily recommend the cookbook, or you can also find recipes at Lauren's blog www.veganyumyum.com, which includes additional recipes not available in the cookbook.

 

Glenn McCarthy

3/1/2014