Synopsis: Walk with Anya Kassoff through farmers' markets, local food shops, and her garden and you too will start to see fresh fruit and vegetables as the raw materials for artistic expression. Rose petal and honey sundaes, lemongrass and raspberry tiramisu with cardamom cream, amaranth pumpkin porridge: with these recipes in hand, you will never run out of ways to enjoy fresh, whole foods at home.
Anya's family-focused food blog, Golubka (Russian for "dove"), has a well-earned reputation for unique recipes that please the palate and senses. Her recipes are healthy by most standards--always vegetarian, mostly vegan, gluten-free, and often raw--and every dessert can serve as an energizing breakfast. Her food is fresh, seasonal, homemade, handcrafted, and 100% delightful.
Over 100 recipes include lighter interpretations of familiar classics and embody a fresh, bright sensibility that will inspire you well beyond the table. From breakfasts through sweet indulgences, every recipe tells a story of a balanced and nourished lifestyle, centered around the family table and a bustling kitchen.
Anya's kitchen is part workshop and part art classroom, so many recipes double as food projects that can be done for or with kids. Anya's love for fresh and seasonal ingredients prepared with love is clear.
Quick Take: Have you taken the time to flip the pages of a cookbook recently? If you read the introduction and the pages between each recipe, you can really get to know the author. Cookbooks today are part memoir. The author of The Vibrant Table shares a glimpse into her life growing up in Russia, during the 'iron curtain' days. She mentioned her mother spent half her life waiting in lines and learned to use every last bit of food to feed their family.
Food blogger, turned author, this book is extremely useful. The author explains how to use the book, teaching the reader/user about ingredients and everyday items to keep in the kitchen. She explains oils, nuts, flours, sweet options, etc...
The photography is stunning, the page layout is lovely, and the recipes are creative.
Ingredients for each recipe are listed in a column to the side, making it easy to glance at and confirm you have everything need before getting started. I have made several recipes from the book and can't wait to buy a copy to add to my cookbook collection.
note: I read this book in January (pub date Jun 10), on a cold, snowy weekend. Looking at the photography and reading each recipe warmed me as I sat on the sofa, with a fire roaring, and the football playoffs being consumed by my family. Sharing recipes and ideas with them, we all enjoyed it!
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Netgalley (review copy)