Everyday Happy Herbivore: Over 175 Quick-and-Easy Fat-Free and Low-Fat Recipes [ペーパーバック]

I haven't had the opportunity to read Lindsay Nixon's first book, Happy Herbivore Cookbook, so I can't make any comparisons. After reading this one, however, I will most likely treat myself to the first book as well.

Lindsay starts off by explaining why she has chosen to eat a vegan diet...health, impact on the environment, animal compassion, cost, etc. She also discusses the harmful traits of oils. I am in total agreement with all of these great reasons to stay away from animals and fats. Personally I don't think I have the willpower to go totally vegan, but with books like this, I hope to at least incorporate vegan cooking into my diet as often as possible.

Lindsay next goes over her basic shopping list of things you should have in your pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and spice cabinet. With these items, you can make most of her dishes. She also points out that most of these items can be bought at your typical grocery store, with an occasional ingredient necessitating a trip to your local health food/whole foods store. The list is pretty basic with items most of us would already have in our cupboards with the exception of maybe quinoa, chickpea flour, tofu, and vital wheat gluten. That is about as exotic as it gets, so you will find that her recipes are quick and call for simple ingredients.

Lindsay next gives you some very basic suggestions for preparations and some "code" emblems that will identify each recipe as F (fat free), 1 (single serving), G (gluten free), $ (budget), and so forth. A handy tool.

Before each recipe, Lindsay offers a little side note or suggestion. Most, but not all, recipes have colored photos of the finished product. I will list a small sampling of the over 175 recipes here so you have an idea of the book's contents:

Smoothies, Yogurts, & Granola: Mojito Smoothie, Banana Frosty, Granola Bars
Hot Breakfasts & Brunch: Spinach Artichoke Frittata, Carrot Cake Pancakes
Muffins, Biscuits, & Breads: Chocolate Spice Muffins, Glazed Pumpkin Biscuits
Sandwiches Burgers, & More: "Oyster" Po' Boys, Island Portobello Burgers, Bella Tacos Soups, Stews, & Dal: Quick Sweet Potato Soup, Rustic Chili, Sweet Potato Dal
Salads & Dressings: Cherry Quinoa Salad, Strawberry & Spinach Salad, Thai Lettuce Wraps Veggie Dishes, Stir Fries & Curries: Broccoli & Red Pepper Stir Fry, Spicy Mushroom Stir Fry Casseroles & Rice Dishes: Veggie Biscuit Potpie, Mardi Gras Beans & Rice Beans & Faux Meat: Chickpea Tikka Masala, Cajun Black-Eyed Pea Cakes
Pasta & Noodles: Veggie Lo Mein, Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Simple Sides: Garlicky Spinach, Caribbean Sweet Potatoes
Desserts: Apple Fritter Cups, Tortuga Rum Cake, Carrot Cake Rice Pudding
Condiments & Spice Blends: Smoky Cajun Mayo, Caribbean Dressing
Sauces & Gravies: Enchilada Sauce, Sage Gravy, Simple Cheese Sauce
Do-It-Yourself: Instant Applesauce, Vegetable Broth, Brody's Gluten-Free Flour Blend

At the end of the book, Lindsay includes an informative glossary of ingredients in which she gives a short description of the ingredient and makes some suggestions on how it is used, where to buy it, and a few brand recommendations. She offers a substitution chart, metric conversion chart, an index, and even a "Kitchen Prep Lingo" list; basically everything you need to shop for, prepare, and enjoy these delicious, healthy, simple recipes.

I'm not vegan and don't usually like low-fat, healthy food. But thanks to my wife cooking from this cookbook and Lindsay's first cookbook, I've been able to lose some weight while enjoying the food. My cholesterol has also dropped. While I don't know the names of specific recipes, my wife cooks from these two cookbooks every single day, and I always look forward to the meals.

Lindsay Nixon gets it. She gets what it's like to be a working person who doesn't want to spend an hour just to prepare what it will take another hour to cook. She gets that I don't work for "pocket change" and so she makes her recipes economical. She gets that we not only need inexpensive and quick, but nutritious, extremely low or non fat, and easy. She just gets it all. Her adventurous and kind spirit are shown throughout her books. From big names in the culinary and medical world to little names like mine, Lindsay has won the hearts and taste buds of all who she touches. Take a bite and you'll agree.