Let me just start by saying how incredibly excited I am to be doing a cookbook review of Makini Howell's cookbook, Plum: Gratifying Vegan Dishes from Seattle's Plum Bistro. I've mentioned Plum Bistro several times here on the blog (in 2012 and 2010) and they honestly have the most amazing brunch in the entire city.
In case you aren't familiar with Plum Bistro, you should know that they are a fabulous plant-based restaurant located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also have several cafes located around the city as well as a market at Seattle Center. Makini Howell is the Executive Chef and Owner of Plum Bistro and her food is incredible. I love her focus on fresh, seasonal, organic food as well as her sustainable business philosophy. I could probably sing her praises all day, but instead, let's talk about the cookbook...
I've been waiting for this cookbook for awhile and just by chance, I was contacted by the publisher and asked if I would be interested in seeing an advanced copy. (I cannot even begin to tell you how ecstatic I was when I got that email!) I've spent the last few weeks perusing through every recipe and now I finally get to share it with you!
The cookbook is divided into ten sections: fundamentals, beginnings, salads and soups, small plates, tofu/tempeh/seitan, transitional raw, pasta, grains, desserts, and an afterward (including the most adorable puppy treats recipe). All of the recipes are perfect reflections of the food served at Plum Bistro: fresh, seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and enticing combinations.
Of course, the first thing I looked for is Plum's famous "Mac and Yease" recipe, which is a non-dairy version of mac and cheese. I'm happy to report that a recipe for Plum's Smoky Mac is included and I promise that this dish will change the mind of anyone who tells you that good mac and cheese requires dairy. I typically visit Plum Bistro on weekends during their brunch so I was excited to see so many different brunch recipes, including their French Toast Stuffed with Strawberries and Sweet Soy Cream, Tiramisu Pancakes, and Fig Crepes with Ricotta, Arugula, and Agave Balsamic.
The thing that struck me most about the cookbook is the uniqueness of the recipes. For example, one of the tofu recipes called for Pernod, an anise-flavored liqueur, which is something that I had never heard of and would never have thought to combine into a recipe. I was also intrigued by the fresh spinach pasta recipe, the chanterelle cream sauce, and some of the fundamental recipes including basil soy ricotta, savory soy cream, and egg foam (made with egg replacer). There are definitely a lot of gluten-free and soy-free recipes included, but I will say that if you do not eat soy, a good portion of the recipes might require some adjustments.
Overall, I think this cookbook is a must-have for any cookbook collection. I tend to cook pretty basic meals during the week so I loved the beautiful and simple salad combinations, which would be perfect for weekday lunches or light dinners. And I will definitely be visiting the entrees section for inspiration the next time I have guests over or need to spice up a Saturday night dinner. The book is being released today (yipee!) so it is now available through Amazon.
And, great news for you, I asked the publisher if they would be willing to let me share a copy with you and so one lucky reader will win a free copy of the cookbook!
To enter: This contest is open to anyone living in the US or Canada (sorry if this excludes you!). Please use the Rafflecopter below for up to 5 chances to win. The giveaway will close on Tuesday, April 30th and the winner will be chosen randomly. Good luck!
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