Sunday, September 7, 2008

new cookbook - get it ripe!

Wowee, I actually splurged and got myself a new repository of recipeeeez, hurray. I decided on Jae Steele's book, Get It Ripe, mostly because of how healthy and easy it all looked, and it seemed perfect now that school's started to keep my time in the kitchen to a relaxed minimum.
(also, she's a local gal who runs between montreal and toronto a lot, and also - Aux Vivres restaurant recipes, like the Millet & Mushroom Tortiere? Yes, please!)

First up, and so far my fave - Baked Barbecue Tofu with mushrooms and green peppers. SO more-ish (spicy, tomato-y, nutty!), and it takes all of 3 minutes to throw together. And excellent cold the next day.

The lentil dhal was also a winner! It should be with red lentils, for the record - I only had brown. But still very very delicious. (I added a bit of EB, for that ghee kinda taste, and slathered it on rice cakes for the next few days - amazing!)

I had slightly less luck with the baked goods... the gingerbread had a wonderful flavour, but was so delicate, I had to handle it with surgeon's care to get every pillow-soft crumb into my mouth!

And the infamous flax-maple cookies were less like shortbread and more like biscuits, but once I wrapped my head around their less-sweet character, I realized they really were a lovely after-school teatime snack. And SO simple to throw together, I probably stood in front of a bowl for a minute and half, threw the pretty coins in the oven for another few minutes and cookie-baking time was over. So really, perfect for september! And also - very healthy! Win-win.

There's also a million awesome pages of baking tips, health information, cooking charts and personable advice, so there's that going for it, too. Oh, and beautiful pictures. It's a really cute book! And I definitely know where I'll be going for dinner ideas when I'm in a rush. :)

16 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Oooh, sounds like a winning cookbook!! Lovin' that dahl dish, especially.

tofufreak said...

This cookbook looks awesome!!! i like the gingerbread and dahl especially :)

Vaala ◪ said...

That is a very beautiful gingerbread. Wonder why it came out so delicate? But I guess it doesn't matter too much if it tastes delicious!

Always glad to find another Princess Bride fan :)

T said...

I've heard you can use coconut oil for a ghee-ish taste as well, but then, I'm not sure I would recognize the taste of ghee as it is. That dhal looks great- I totally daydream about carrots with lentils- its just so right!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, that cookbook has definitely been added to my Want list!

jAe said...

thanks for this, liz! i sure do appreciate the kind words.

if you're already getting into it cold, the bbq tofu is great with salad greens in a wrap.

your gingerbread comment has inspired me to make it again - i'll see if i have any helpful advise so that it's not so delicate... i first made them as mini loaves in the aux vivres kitchen (we sold them by the cash).

if you get on my fbook group (assuming you're on fbook... http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=24832296892#/group.php?gid=7950023398), you'll be sure to get the word when i'm next in montreal (or ottawa).
xo jae

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

This cookbook has been on my wish list for a while now. What you've made looks wonderful! I can't wait to see what else you cook up next. :)

Steffi said...

oooh, do tell me more about the cookbook, I've been eyeing with it lately but wasn't sure if there's anything really "new" in it, you know, cookbook addiction and stuff.

Amy said...

Mmmm it all looks amazing! Especially the gingerbread (too bad it was so crumbly but I bet the crumbs were delicious!).

You're really making me want that book!

Anonymous said...

this book is definitely hanging out on my wishlist. it's awesome to hear your feedback on it!

Jes said...

I've been eyeing that cookbook for ages (we have it at the bookstore I work at). Given my discount, it looks like it's worth a buy! Although I feel like I've been living off of BBQ tofu for the past three months. :)

Anonymous said...

wow, the lentil dal looks killer. i'd love to try out that cookbook.

Sarah P said...

ohhh the flax maple cookies look lovely - and are fairly healthy for cookies, so I can allow myself to make them. NOW! ^_^

VeganCowGirl said...

The tofu recipe looks fab! Thanks for the tip - I am going to see if Amazon.fr has it.

Nice to read a Liz post!

sarchan said...

Ah! I swore off buying new cookbooks; maybe I'll have to put Get It Ripe on my to ask for X-Mas list.... The tofu and the cookies look very delicious.

aTxVegn said...

I've heard nothing but raves about this cookbook. Thanks for the review. Your dishes look delish!