Totally Dairy-Free Cooking

I have had this cookbook for awhile. Unlike most cookbooks - these recipes have been tested very carefully. There isn't a bad recipe in the book. You will be amazed at how excellent everyting tastes. I am a recent dairy-free convert. And I can honestly say this book has made the transition for me very easy because the food tastes so great. You will not miss dairy after you try these recipes.

I bought this book almost 2 years ago, and I cannot get enough of Louis' recipes!!! It is so obvious, to me, that each one took a lot of time and tasting in development!! Every time I want to knock someone's socks off with a dairy free recipe, I make something from this cookbook. Louis Lanza is truly a genius!!!Last week I tried the Pumpkin seed, Basil, and Miso Pesto for the first time...UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I began living the Total Health Makover way just over a year ago. This is a plan for healthy eating and living based on book written by Marilu Henner. Because of this I already have a kitchen stocked with many of the ingredients needed for this cookbook. Examples are, mirin, soy margarines, milks, and cheeses, balsamic vinegar, and lots of spices. So, when I read through the recipies in this book I have almost all the ingredients on hand. That makes it easy for me but if someone is eating what I would call the "unhealthy - dairy - red meat" way you will have to do some pantry upgrades. The book is not vegitarian. There are great recipies for seafood and poultry. That said, I love this book. The recipies are for the most part simple, wonderful, and very flavorful. Mostly made with lots of spices and soy products but not really exotic ingredients that would be hard to find. I just sit and read through the book and I want to cook everything at once. I used to hate to cook but now I love preparing fresh whole food meals for my family. My boys like it because they are still eating "normal" food like macaroni and "cheese", quesadillas, and chicken. The book also calls for natural sweetners instead of sugar. So may vegitarian cookbooks will call for weird ingredients and to much sugar. If you want to prepare hearty, flavorful food that any down to earth family will love GET THIS BOOK.

I became interested in Louis Lanza after reading Marilu Henner's "Total Health Makover" book. I tried his restaurant, Josie's, on my next trip to NYC, and have made it a stop on every trip since. I expected a high-priced, exclusive establishment, but, instead, found it to be a very moderate, reasonable, and friendly place with just plain good, healthy food. This recipe book is great for home use -- the recipes are tasty but not too gourmet, and the instructions are easy to follow. I follow a non-dairy, meatless diet (fish is okay), so there are some meat recipes I do not use, but there are still plenty of recipes for me. The desserts are yummy, and I have made his healthy cookies for many tofu-phobes who were amazed at the taste. I have done the same with, and also particularly love, the pasta with vodka "cream" sauce -- wonderful for non-dairy types like me, who may feel frustrated when you crave those cream sauces on regular restaurant menus. You'll find plenty to enjoy with this book...even if you're not into dairyless eating, give yourself a chance with these flavorful, healthier recipes.

I am a loyal fan of Josie's Restaurant & Juice Bar in NYC. I was very excited to buy the owner/chef's new cookbook. I gave the book out as my holiday gift this year & everyone loved it.The book is filled with terrific recipes that are easy to follow. Some of my favorites are the steamed yukon potato & broccoli dumplings with roasted tomato truffle coulis (the coulis is amazing & you will want to serve it with everything). I served the chicken, brown rice & black bean burritos last night for company and it was a huge hit. Not to mention, the dairy free sundae I made with soy caramel sauce.I was not an avid dairy-free eater, but after reading Lanza's book, I have decided to cut out most of the cheese and milk that I eat. Instead, I have found that vanilla soy milk and soy cheese are really good and much better for you.I think that anyone who buys this book will be very happy and will want to share the recipes with all of their friends & family.