Simplicity from a Monastery Kitchen: A Complete Menu Cookbook for All Occasions

It seems ridiculous to try to describe a cookbook as "peaceful" but this cookbook really is. Just reading it almost always fills me with the feeling I get when I am working on a familiar, much-loved recipe for people I care about on a special occasion, which unfortunately is rare. I think that is the magic of this author and this book; the author really seems to approach every meal as a celebration--but a celebration of simple things, as the title says. This book is mostly vegetarian except for a short but notable chapter on fish. It seems to draw effortlessly from a variety of ethnic sources but all the dishes share the same basic qualities. They really are simple and easy to prepare; there isn't a single one I would describe as fussy. I suppose when you are cooking for an entire monastery you wind up with recipes that also are easy to prepare for 4 or 6!The directions are simple and clear and the book itself is beautiful. There are interesting illustrations, seemingly woodcarvings not of the food but of mideaval life. There are also quotes on the subject of simplicty, joy, prayer in the margins which are as inspirational as the recipes. This book will make you hungry for a hundred different kinds of vegetables, a peaceful weekend in the kitchen and a lot else. I recommend it to anyone who takes real joy in cooking.

The delightful recipes comprising Brother Victor-Antoine's Simplicity From A Monastery Kitchen brings a unique and tranquil culinary spirit to today's hectic life style. From Eggs in Potato Croustades, Gnocchi with Arugula and Watercress, and Deauville Shrimp Bisque, to Jerusalem Artichoke Salad, St. Anthony's Bread, and Natas (a Portuguese dessert from an old nunnery), Simplicity From A Monastery Kitchen recipes combine natural ingredients for satisfying, nourishing, elegantly flavored cuisine that would grace any table.