Vive Le Vegan!

Vive Le Vegan!
Dreena Burton
Reviewed by Evan McGraw
Reprinted with Permission from Earthsave Canada

Dreena Burton, author of the much beloved The Everyday Vegan has outdone herself. Her newest book Vive Le Vegan! is definitely a step up for her. Though the recipes may have alarming names such as Broccoli-Mushroom-Walnut Phyllo Pie and Hazelnut Cardamom “Chloe” Cookies, don’t be fooled, the recipes are simple (without being boring), highly nutritious, and most importantly delectable. The recipes start at breakfast. Burton offers new twists on old favourites, such as the authentic yet wholesome Banana Bliss Pancakes with the exciting and deeply rich and smooth topping of Blueberry Maple Syrup. The “snacks” chapter offers one of my personal favourites (with one of Dreena’s new favourite ingredients – hemp seeds) in the Apple-Hemp Muffins. They’re moist, light, surprisingly whole grain, and contain the added nutritional boost from hemp seeds. Moving through the book to the entrées, you’ll encounter Dreena’s creative side with the likes of Vicki’s Hummus Quinoa Casserole. Made using her recipe for Canneli Bean Yam Hummus, quinoa, and the unusual fennel, this dish is smoky, textural, and highly inventive. As well as offering sections on appetizers, soups, and toppings, the desserts really shine through. When I made the Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Pan Cake, I was blown away and couldn’t believe how delicious it was. It is luscious, creamy and to die for. Simpler, yet equally delicious dessert samplings like the Fudgey Brownies are nice for something a bit less decadent. Vive Le Vegan! is an marvellous recipe book, but also serves as a guide for healthy vegan living. With further chapters on feeding vegan babies, how to cook grains and beans, helpful hints, and the interesting hemp foods, this book is more than just a cookbook. Vive Le Vegan! is chock full of delicious, nutritious, comforting, and inventive foods – a must for all serious vegan chefs and new veggies alike.