Power Plates by Gena Hamshaw

I've been wanting to eat healthier for some time now. Some consideration has been given to vegetarian, vegan, or just cutting out some foods. Then I seen this cookbook on the Blogging for Books site and I thought I would read it to get some insight. Power Plates is my first vegan cookbook and it's a lot to take in. Author Gena Hamshaw did a really good job of explaining the ins and outs.  I'm glad I chose this book because she has some experience in eating healthy.

She is author of the Full Helping blog and two other cookbooks; Choosing Raw and Food52 Vegan. Hamshaw has also written articles in publications like self magazine.

This cookbook has the nicest illustrations, easy to follow recipes, and a excellent introduction. It's one of the most complete vegan cookbooks that I have ever seen. Just the thought of one hundred meals in six categories: breakfast, salads, soups, bowls, bakes, skillet and stove top. Hamshaw discusses how to cook and prepare ingredients in detail. Which is very good for someone like me who doesn't cook or eat vegan, but is interested in learning about this way of cooking.

I would recommend this book to anyone just learning to cook vegan. It would make a perfect gift also. The price 24.99 isn't too bad either.
I received this book free from Waterproof Publishing Group for doing this review. I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are mine.

Healthy Fats, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook: Delicious Recipes To Help Reduce Bad Fats And Lower Your Cholesterol

Healthy Fats, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook is the 5th edition and  a revised and updated version of American Heart Association Low-fat, low-cholesterol cookbook. I was really impressed to learn that contributions  to the American Heart Association help with gathering research for publications like this.

Recently my mother has developed some problems with her heart. Before that I was looking at different ways I could eat a lot more healthier. Now I'm really seeking knowledge and recipes.  In my journey for cookbooks I found Healthy Fats. It consists of 200 recipes, 50 of them are new editions. This is more then a cookbook; it's a manuel on healthy living.  It's loaded with information to aid in reducing your risk for heart disease or stroke. In the appendix you will find ideas for shopping, cooking, dining out, and warning signs for heart disease and stroke. There's even ideas on how to stock your pantry.

About the recipes. I found some really good ideas. I've always wanted a grilled pizza. On page 212 there it is, Grilled Pizza with Grilled Vegetables. Chili on page 200. Meatloaf with Apricot sauce on page 192. These are just a few examples of delicious recipes listed. I wish there were some pictures of the dishes. The only picture is on the cover of the book.

This cookbook is a must for anyone suffering from heart disease. I now look for items with the American Heart Association label, when I go grocery shopping.  It's a red heart with a white checkmark. These foods meet the nutritional requirements for healthy heart eating. No more super-size or all you can eat buffets for me. Portion control is a must in healthy eating.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Publishing Group for doing this review. I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are mine.

Twenty Dinners

Twenty Dinners is a collection of recipes from photographer Ithai Schori and Musician Chris Taylor. This is not your average cookbook, neither is it meant to be. Your average cookbook produces recipes to be followed. The key component to these recipes is to teach the reader how to build a foundation of what they like. These recipes are meant to be reconstructed and added to according to your palette. I really liked the idea of people cooking together, instead of someone slaving over the stove and ignoring their guest. So the party is centered around the cooking. Schori and Taylor aren't into desserts so much so they used guest pastry chef Lillie O'Brien. O'Brien is famous for her jams. Which was the inspiration for her successful business, London Borough of Jam.

In the table of contents, I noticed the recipes were divided into four categories: fall, winter, spring, summer with 5 dinners each complete with tips and what cocktail would be best. I don't drink so I would substitute a flavored sparkling water. These are very unconventional dinner parties that don't start at any particular time and the food may not be spread out like you are use to it being.  In the back there are two glossaries. The first one is techniques, terms, and handy advice. The second one is tools, pantry, and shopping for ingredients. I really like this book. I would buy it just for the tips in the back. 

I received this book free from WaterBrook Publishing Group for doing this review. I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are mine.