The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook

I am an adult with two elementary-aged children. We are not vegetarian but are making a strong effort to reduce the amount of meat that we eat. I like that this book has difficulty ratings of beginner, intermediate, and advanced. It also tells you approximately how long each dish will take to prepare. In addition to listing the ingredients, the book also tells you what tools and implements you will need to prepare the dish. This information is particularly helpful when working with children. They can work from the list and assemble supplies. I have made about six of the recipes, almost all of which have become regular offerings for my family. I recommend this book for cooks of any age!

We first borrowed this book from the library and just had to get our own copy. My son (9) cooks from this almost every weekend and is becoming quite an independent cook. All recipes are delicious (we've tried at least 20 recipes from the book and all have been very tasty) and can be made by young children. We love the granola, tea biscuits, guacamole, baked tofu, and many other dishes. Many of the recipes can easily be adapted for a vegan diet also.

Technically this is a children's cookbook, but that's the kind of cookbook I like to use the best. Just because you're all grown up, doesn't mean you have to eat that way. This cookbook is definitely good for beginners though. It's got a great little guide in the front with all the "official" cooking terms in it so you can understand it all. Like a picture of a spaghetti strainer and next to it, it says "colander," so you know what they mean when the instructions say you need a colander. It also tells you exactly what they mean when they ask you to stir, beat, dice julienne, etc. It also breaks down carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, and tells why you need them. This is definitely a book that you should pick up if you're just starting your vegetarian diet. Although the recipes are mostly vegetarian, there are a few vegan ones in there also. Each recipe is in metric (European) and Imperial (American) measurements. And most recipes give you little alternatives and variations that you can try. In the beginning of each chapter they have about three meal plans that you can try out like a movie night at home, southern meal or a good winter lunch. All of these recipes are fun, easy and taste great. There's everything from full meals to basic vegetables to snacks, shakes and desserts. This is an all around great book for any age.--Reviewed by Danica for vegetarianteen.com

The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook by Judi Gillies and Jennifer Glossop is an appetizing selection of fun, mouth-watering, easy to prepare, meatless cuisine for budding young chefs of all ages and skill levels. From Cheese Omelet; Cuban Black Bean Soup; and Vegetarian Tacos; to Applesauce Muffins; Stuffed Pepper Boats; and Peach-Banana Sorbet, The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook makes a wonderful gift and a very useful reference to preparing delicious meals for the entire family!