The Vegetarian Feast: Revised and Updated

Although I collect cookbooks and own over 200, this is the one that I turn to most often. I recently replaced my first copy after wearing it out! As a long time vegetarian who likes to entertain, this is the book I've come to rely on for inspiration and great party ideas. I also use it routinely for family meals. I highly recommend this book.

THE VEGETARIAN FEAST is a real trooper of a cookbook. Its endurance in print and in my kitchen are testimony to its strengths: 1) Mediterranean inspiration is apparent; 2) the author is conscious of not going overboard on high fats and offers some lightened recipes; 3) the food is attractive and varied; 4) every recipe includes suggestions for inclusion in 3- and 4-course menus; 5) there are some highly workable recipes here you cannot find anywhere else (or at least easily); short cuts, like using canned cooked beans, are suggested where appropriate; 7) most, if not all, ingredients can be easily found, even beyond metropolitan areas. Most of the dishes are from the author's catering repertoire, including her easy signature wheat crackers. This is a great book to ransack for ideas even if you do not ultimately use specific recipes. Vegans beware: eggs, honey and dairy are present.

When can you ever say that about a cookbook? I got online because I need a new copy: my 1986 copy is dog-eared, my dad re-glued it for me and it's finally coming apart again. If you want real recipes with useful instructions and a french flair for flavor, check this one out--it's been my favorite ever since I left home.

This lady sure does know how to cook !! Other "chefs" sound like they get tired of food and can't tell you about their recipes....not Ms Shulman !! She's good. I have a few of her vegetarian recipe books and I never get tired of them.... In fact, if you were to come into my kitchen and see how mutilated her cookbooks are, I would be embarrassed. She gives you a little narrative to each recipe and that really make you want to try them. GOOD ONE !!

Out of hundreds of cookbooks I've read and used, this is one of the top five. Recipes are thoroughly tested; some are creative improvements on classics. Her Cabbage Soup is great. If you have one vegetarian cookbook, this should be it