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Power Plates: 100 Nutritionally Balanced, One-Dish Vegan Meals [A Cookbook]
Focused on the art of crafting complete, balanced meals that deliver sustained energy and nourishment, this book features 100 compelling and delicious recipes that just happen to be vegan.
These 100 recipes for wholesome and nourishing vegan food from blogger, nutritionist, and Food52 author Gena Hamshaw help you make delicious vegan meals that deliver balanced and sustained energy. Every recipe contains the key macronutrients of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and proteins, which together make for a complete meal--things like Smoky Red Lentil Stew with Chard, and Falafel Bowls with Freekah and Cauliflower. Photographs accompany each recipe, showing how Gena's simple techniques and fresh ingredients yield delicious meals. Additional tips and tricks for taking food on the go, and for cooking ahead on the weekend for quick weekday lunches and dinners, round out the collection.
These 100 recipes for wholesome and nourishing vegan food from blogger, nutritionist, and Food52 author Gena Hamshaw help you make delicious vegan meals that deliver balanced and sustained energy. Every recipe contains the key macronutrients of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and proteins, which together make for a complete meal--things like Smoky Red Lentil Stew with Chard, and Falafel Bowls with Freekah and Cauliflower. Photographs accompany each recipe, showing how Gena's simple techniques and fresh ingredients yield delicious meals. Additional tips and tricks for taking food on the go, and for cooking ahead on the weekend for quick weekday lunches and dinners, round out the collection.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
257 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 25, 2018
What a wonderful surprise this one was. To be honest, I get sooooo many cookbooks from my library that sometimes when they come, I don't recall even ordering them. This one I guess I requested as it is a vegan book. I'm so glad too as this one is a keeper.
The sections are breakfast, salad, soups, bowls, skillets and stovetops, and bakes. So many wonderful easy - no fake ingredient - recipes, which I just love. I naturally gravitated to the bowls section. Sometimes when I'm feeling lazy I just want a grain and a bunch of veggies on top. But my creation is usually quite boring (brown rice, roasted veggies). I need to kick it up a notch and this section helped. Seriously, Thai peanut noodle bowls with spicy tofu and crisp veggies, Korean tempeh bowls with broccoli and brown , sweet potato falafel bowls with freekeh pilaf. But many other sections had wonderful recipes too. Up next for me is the black bean enchiladas with roasted butternut squash.
I also loved that there were gorgeous, mouthwatering photos to accompany each recipe. I guess if anything, I didn't care for the breakfast section. I'm lazy in the am and it's usually peanut butter toast (or cookies from the night before, it's the breakfast of champions I tell myself). And no dessert section. Now I'm just being plain picky. But a truly great cookbook that I plan to use quite often. The recipes are not complicated and just use whole foods, lots of veggies and good for you grains.
The sections are breakfast, salad, soups, bowls, skillets and stovetops, and bakes. So many wonderful easy - no fake ingredient - recipes, which I just love. I naturally gravitated to the bowls section. Sometimes when I'm feeling lazy I just want a grain and a bunch of veggies on top. But my creation is usually quite boring (brown rice, roasted veggies). I need to kick it up a notch and this section helped. Seriously, Thai peanut noodle bowls with spicy tofu and crisp veggies, Korean tempeh bowls with broccoli and brown , sweet potato falafel bowls with freekeh pilaf. But many other sections had wonderful recipes too. Up next for me is the black bean enchiladas with roasted butternut squash.
I also loved that there were gorgeous, mouthwatering photos to accompany each recipe. I guess if anything, I didn't care for the breakfast section. I'm lazy in the am and it's usually peanut butter toast (or cookies from the night before, it's the breakfast of champions I tell myself). And no dessert section. Now I'm just being plain picky. But a truly great cookbook that I plan to use quite often. The recipes are not complicated and just use whole foods, lots of veggies and good for you grains.
January 9, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Though I'm not a full time vegan, I try to eat vegan meals as much as possible and am always on the lookout for great new vegan recipe books. My requirements are that there aren't too many ridiculous ingredients, not too lengthy to cook, and - of course - delicious! This book ticks those boxes.
The recipes themselves vary in difficulty - some are a little too simple for my liking. A lot of the salads fall into this category, unfortunately, as they felt a little too 'basic. However there's still a lot of interesting, varied meals which are a little different and look very tasty. These also seem pretty easy to follow. This is definitely more of an entry level book, as there aren't any hugely elaborate recipes, but that probably suits most people because, apart from sometimes at the weekend perhaps, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen using every utensil imaginable?
Categories include breakfast, soups, salads, bowls, stovetop, skillets and bakes, and feature a wide range of recipes. I've tried a few - the West African Peanut Stew, Thai Peanut Noodle Bowls, and Yellow Split Pea Chowder - and really liked them. There's plenty more recipes which look amazing, and which I've got lined up to cook, including the Curried Jamaican Stew, Chickpea Deli Bowls with smashed chickpea salad, and Lentil Marinara. Lots of sweet treats to try too!
This is a really nicely designed, aesthetically pleasing book so would be great for a gift for someone else (or for yourself). There are lovely photos which are really inspiring, and there's a handy introduction section with really useful nutritional information.
I'd recommend this for anyone looking to start eating vegan, or who fancies some inspiration for vegan dishes.
Many thanks to Abrams and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
Though I'm not a full time vegan, I try to eat vegan meals as much as possible and am always on the lookout for great new vegan recipe books. My requirements are that there aren't too many ridiculous ingredients, not too lengthy to cook, and - of course - delicious! This book ticks those boxes.
The recipes themselves vary in difficulty - some are a little too simple for my liking. A lot of the salads fall into this category, unfortunately, as they felt a little too 'basic. However there's still a lot of interesting, varied meals which are a little different and look very tasty. These also seem pretty easy to follow. This is definitely more of an entry level book, as there aren't any hugely elaborate recipes, but that probably suits most people because, apart from sometimes at the weekend perhaps, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen using every utensil imaginable?
Categories include breakfast, soups, salads, bowls, stovetop, skillets and bakes, and feature a wide range of recipes. I've tried a few - the West African Peanut Stew, Thai Peanut Noodle Bowls, and Yellow Split Pea Chowder - and really liked them. There's plenty more recipes which look amazing, and which I've got lined up to cook, including the Curried Jamaican Stew, Chickpea Deli Bowls with smashed chickpea salad, and Lentil Marinara. Lots of sweet treats to try too!
This is a really nicely designed, aesthetically pleasing book so would be great for a gift for someone else (or for yourself). There are lovely photos which are really inspiring, and there's a handy introduction section with really useful nutritional information.
I'd recommend this for anyone looking to start eating vegan, or who fancies some inspiration for vegan dishes.
Many thanks to Abrams and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
March 11, 2019
I wouldn't mind trying some of these recipes but I'd rather someone else cook them.
November 17, 2018
The book is broken down into sections. First is Breakfast, then Salads, Soups, Bowls, Skillets, Stovetop then Bakes. There are no desserts and/or appetizers but oh, wow, there are so many delicious looking recipes. I like what the author says about the recipes in this book. She states that since she is talking about macronutrients, she wanted to clarify a few things. “First, ..it’s not a diet book. Nutrition is always on my mind when I create recipes” …Second, “..this book is an offering of vegan recipes that are intended to help you feel nourished, whether you’re a lifelong vegan or a curious omnivore.” She goes on to say…”my personal opinion is… human bodies and tastes differ, as do the cultures and traditions… to this matter we all will do well to listen to our bodies.”
In the beginning she talks about ingredients and how to cook and store them. There is a macronutrient building blocks chart and then she starts off the book with a recipe titled Shortcut Steel-Cut Oats. I loved the fact that every recipe in this book had a beautiful picture beside the recipe. There is also an easy to read index.
I like that the author says if you want to add meat, and/or tofu to the recipe by all means do. I added meat to one of the recipes I tried the other I didn’t. I tried the Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad. This was easy to make had simple instructions, the ingredients I had at home and most of all my family liked it. She also has a list of optional accompaniments you can serve with the dish on most recipes. She includes serving sizes at the top of the ingredients This recipe can be served hot or cold. It was yummy we ate it hot. We also tried the Butternut Squash Salad (with red quinoa and pumpkin seeds) I had to try this because I love butternut squash and all the other ingredients I like but would never think to put them all together. We had this one cold. It was very good. I loved the variety of recipes in this book and the fact that her goal is to give readers power plates. The cover states, “Inside these book there are 100 nutritionally balanced, one-dish vegan meals.” It doesn’t get any better than that.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
In the beginning she talks about ingredients and how to cook and store them. There is a macronutrient building blocks chart and then she starts off the book with a recipe titled Shortcut Steel-Cut Oats. I loved the fact that every recipe in this book had a beautiful picture beside the recipe. There is also an easy to read index.
I like that the author says if you want to add meat, and/or tofu to the recipe by all means do. I added meat to one of the recipes I tried the other I didn’t. I tried the Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad. This was easy to make had simple instructions, the ingredients I had at home and most of all my family liked it. She also has a list of optional accompaniments you can serve with the dish on most recipes. She includes serving sizes at the top of the ingredients This recipe can be served hot or cold. It was yummy we ate it hot. We also tried the Butternut Squash Salad (with red quinoa and pumpkin seeds) I had to try this because I love butternut squash and all the other ingredients I like but would never think to put them all together. We had this one cold. It was very good. I loved the variety of recipes in this book and the fact that her goal is to give readers power plates. The cover states, “Inside these book there are 100 nutritionally balanced, one-dish vegan meals.” It doesn’t get any better than that.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
February 24, 2020
2.5 out of 5
Find this review on my blog, Simply Arden.
Quick Review
NOTE: I found that after reviewing the recipes, these are not my preferred ingredients or flavors, and many of the recipes were not gluten free as well. In the end I did find a handful of recipes that I want to try (with variations, I’m a picky eater to be fair).
NOTE: Not in any way a gluten free cookbook, in fact most of the grains mentioned are not gluten-free or celiac friendly.
- Gena discusses macro-nutrient balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, but does not actually lay out any guidelines. She just states that ideally all three should be present in each meal.
- Promotes a spirit of experimentation and customization with the cooking, ingredients, and recipes, which I did appreciate.
- Focuses on pre/advanced preparation to make preparing meals easier and faster the day of and explains how to do this with all of the meal staples such as grains, beans, and legumes.
- The meals do appear to be easy to prepare and most of the ingredients would be easy to acquire, save for a few.
- Uses many traditional and pantry style ingredients that you may already have on hand.
- This cookbook does not have very many pages of actual text (maybe 30) but is instead filled with beautiful photographs and the recipes themselves.
In Depth Review
This is a vegan cookbook that focuses on including healthy carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in each of the 100 recipes. The book is sectioned into six chapters: breakfast, salads, soups, bowls, skillets and stovetop, and bakes. The recipes in this book rely heavily on grains such as quinoa, rice, barley, and millet and also beans, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of vegetables.
I would not consider most of these recipes “traditional” by any means but instead they explore many different cultures including the Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, African, and more. I liked the high flavor level and amount of spices and sauces used in each recipes. While I appreciated all of this, the recipes feature flavors, ingredients, textures or combinations thereof that I know I am not fond of, or have found others that I prefer. I also have an issue with claiming the recipes are macro-balanced but then offering no nutritional values for each. I would have liked to know how each meal was intended to be balanced and what the nutrients were without having to figure it out myself.
If I had to describe this book in two words: nutritious and vegan.
Look
NOTE: I read a hardcover copy of the book that I checked out at my local library.
- What I would consider a standard sized cookbook, a bit shorter and fatter than a piece of standard sized paper.
- The cover is a very sturdy and thick cardboard covered in paper with clean and crisp photography on both the back and front cover.
- The pages are a very nice and sturdy semi-gloss stock that would withstand splashes and spills well.
- The font is a rather small san-serif font that despite it’s size is still fairly easy to read.
- Each chapter is titled with a full-page photograph followed by a single page of text describing the intention of the recipes.
- Each recipe contains a descriptive paragraph, serving size, ingredients, and directions.
- Unlike some other cookbooks, every recipe in this book is accompanied by a full page photograph that beautifully illustrates the end results. There are no process photos.
Favorite Quote
“These recipes are created with health, pleasure, and convenience in mind. My intent is for this book to help bring some simplicity and ease to healthful eating - something that should be intuitive but can often feel overwhelming.”
Musical Suggestions
I enjoyed this book while listening to the playlist “gardens in winter / instrumentals” on Spotify (by Ling Meiying).
View all my reviews
Find this review on my blog, Simply Arden.
Quick Review
NOTE: I found that after reviewing the recipes, these are not my preferred ingredients or flavors, and many of the recipes were not gluten free as well. In the end I did find a handful of recipes that I want to try (with variations, I’m a picky eater to be fair).
NOTE: Not in any way a gluten free cookbook, in fact most of the grains mentioned are not gluten-free or celiac friendly.
- Gena discusses macro-nutrient balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, but does not actually lay out any guidelines. She just states that ideally all three should be present in each meal.
- Promotes a spirit of experimentation and customization with the cooking, ingredients, and recipes, which I did appreciate.
- Focuses on pre/advanced preparation to make preparing meals easier and faster the day of and explains how to do this with all of the meal staples such as grains, beans, and legumes.
- The meals do appear to be easy to prepare and most of the ingredients would be easy to acquire, save for a few.
- Uses many traditional and pantry style ingredients that you may already have on hand.
- This cookbook does not have very many pages of actual text (maybe 30) but is instead filled with beautiful photographs and the recipes themselves.
In Depth Review
This is a vegan cookbook that focuses on including healthy carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in each of the 100 recipes. The book is sectioned into six chapters: breakfast, salads, soups, bowls, skillets and stovetop, and bakes. The recipes in this book rely heavily on grains such as quinoa, rice, barley, and millet and also beans, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of vegetables.
I would not consider most of these recipes “traditional” by any means but instead they explore many different cultures including the Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, African, and more. I liked the high flavor level and amount of spices and sauces used in each recipes. While I appreciated all of this, the recipes feature flavors, ingredients, textures or combinations thereof that I know I am not fond of, or have found others that I prefer. I also have an issue with claiming the recipes are macro-balanced but then offering no nutritional values for each. I would have liked to know how each meal was intended to be balanced and what the nutrients were without having to figure it out myself.
If I had to describe this book in two words: nutritious and vegan.
Look
NOTE: I read a hardcover copy of the book that I checked out at my local library.
- What I would consider a standard sized cookbook, a bit shorter and fatter than a piece of standard sized paper.
- The cover is a very sturdy and thick cardboard covered in paper with clean and crisp photography on both the back and front cover.
- The pages are a very nice and sturdy semi-gloss stock that would withstand splashes and spills well.
- The font is a rather small san-serif font that despite it’s size is still fairly easy to read.
- Each chapter is titled with a full-page photograph followed by a single page of text describing the intention of the recipes.
- Each recipe contains a descriptive paragraph, serving size, ingredients, and directions.
- Unlike some other cookbooks, every recipe in this book is accompanied by a full page photograph that beautifully illustrates the end results. There are no process photos.
Favorite Quote
“These recipes are created with health, pleasure, and convenience in mind. My intent is for this book to help bring some simplicity and ease to healthful eating - something that should be intuitive but can often feel overwhelming.”
Musical Suggestions
I enjoyed this book while listening to the playlist “gardens in winter / instrumentals” on Spotify (by Ling Meiying).
View all my reviews
February 13, 2018
I had not previously heard of this author or her popular blog. My cousin is vegan and she had piqued my interest into this lifestyle. I liked that the author had a number of categories including breakfast (my favorite), salads, bowls, and bakes. I am probably the only person that did not know what tempeh is and it is used in a number of the recipes. There are a good variety of recipes with many optional add-on's contributed as well. Each plateful of food is well balanced and thoughtful. The dishes are not only visually appealing with the gorgeous rainbow of colors in each one, but also nutritionally balanced with protein, carbs, etc.
I can not say enough about the beautifully detailed photographs. Each recipe has its own picture and is very vibrant. They are so well done, you feel like you can lick the page to test the dish out or at least scratch and sniff them. ;)
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I can not say enough about the beautifully detailed photographs. Each recipe has its own picture and is very vibrant. They are so well done, you feel like you can lick the page to test the dish out or at least scratch and sniff them. ;)
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
April 23, 2020
If you’ve been toying with the idea of trying out plant-based recipes, I cannot recommend this book enough.
I checked this out of the library right before quarantine and to my surprise I have been cooking my way through it just about every night (with some savory breakfast items thrown in). Almost no repeats yet - which has been a shock to me since I usually can only find a few recipes in any book that I like.
The recipes are easy to follow. I expected to buy a lot of intimidating ingredients, but I’ve been able to get what I need from my regular grocery store chain, no problem. The dishes are full of flavor and very filling. 😁
****Also important****
Pictures with just about every recipe!!! This is a must have requirement for me.
I checked this out of the library right before quarantine and to my surprise I have been cooking my way through it just about every night (with some savory breakfast items thrown in). Almost no repeats yet - which has been a shock to me since I usually can only find a few recipes in any book that I like.
The recipes are easy to follow. I expected to buy a lot of intimidating ingredients, but I’ve been able to get what I need from my regular grocery store chain, no problem. The dishes are full of flavor and very filling. 😁
****Also important****
Pictures with just about every recipe!!! This is a must have requirement for me.
August 25, 2020
Absolutely love this book, such a winner. The first time I tried to go vegetarian I was so hungry! This time we are going more vegan as my son has allergies to milk and this book has been amazing as the salads, soups and bowls don’t leave me hungry or craving for sweets. It’s a great book - I sure hope the author keeps writing as this definitely exceeded my expectations
October 7, 2017
*Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
Beautiful cookbook with inspirations for all cooking levels and Vegan food eaters.
No matter if you are full on Vegan or if you eat what ever mood you are in this book will give you recipes ideas.
What i personally love about it -beside the MAGNIFICENTLY EXQUISITE pictures- are how you can decide what kind of cooking you want to do.
Are you are preparer? Like to cook a few things ahead of time, prepare them, freeze them and have them ready to heat up? Fantastic. You will find an entire book full of recipes with helpful tips and tricks and ideas how to do exactly that.
If you are a make and eat cook? Wonderful. This book will work perfectly for you as well!
In this book you have really all the choices without loosing anything!
On top of that there is a great mixture of different types of recipes, from "easy and fast" over "ready in minutes" to the "takes a while but so worth it" types of recipes. So what ever mood you are in? You will find that what you are looking for here!
I also love how the book is made up, how the sections are.
It has basically both kind of options of having the sections of soups and salads... but there is also the sections of "out of the oven" or "stovetop" which i LOVE if cookbooks do that.
I am one of those people that sometimes has no idea what to cook BUT i know i want to do it in the oven (or not the stove) and so having those sections in a cookbook? Thats wonderful. And sadly done rarely and i think its done BEAUTIFULLY in this book.
All in all?
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Its not only a beautifully designed and artfully done book but it also has wonderful recipes and a great mixture of everything that makes me want to become a full time vegan simply to have the reason to cook EVERYTHING in this book!
Beautiful cookbook with inspirations for all cooking levels and Vegan food eaters.
No matter if you are full on Vegan or if you eat what ever mood you are in this book will give you recipes ideas.
What i personally love about it -beside the MAGNIFICENTLY EXQUISITE pictures- are how you can decide what kind of cooking you want to do.
Are you are preparer? Like to cook a few things ahead of time, prepare them, freeze them and have them ready to heat up? Fantastic. You will find an entire book full of recipes with helpful tips and tricks and ideas how to do exactly that.
If you are a make and eat cook? Wonderful. This book will work perfectly for you as well!
In this book you have really all the choices without loosing anything!
On top of that there is a great mixture of different types of recipes, from "easy and fast" over "ready in minutes" to the "takes a while but so worth it" types of recipes. So what ever mood you are in? You will find that what you are looking for here!
I also love how the book is made up, how the sections are.
It has basically both kind of options of having the sections of soups and salads... but there is also the sections of "out of the oven" or "stovetop" which i LOVE if cookbooks do that.
I am one of those people that sometimes has no idea what to cook BUT i know i want to do it in the oven (or not the stove) and so having those sections in a cookbook? Thats wonderful. And sadly done rarely and i think its done BEAUTIFULLY in this book.
All in all?
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Its not only a beautifully designed and artfully done book but it also has wonderful recipes and a great mixture of everything that makes me want to become a full time vegan simply to have the reason to cook EVERYTHING in this book!
February 12, 2018
I'm not a vegan but I do like eating a lot of plant-based foods. I figured Power Plates would be the cookbook to give me more ideas so I'm not eating the same thing all the time. There are a variety of different recipes but at the same time, a lot of them feel the same. Most of them are super easy, in a bad way. There are a lot of salads and bowl-type meals and I wish overall that the recipes were more exciting.
November 5, 2021
Lots of good and unique recipes. This was a library book. Liked it enough for me to go purchase the book to have them on hand.
March 9, 2018
I love this cookbook! My husband and I are not vegan, but we do prefer one-bowl meals, hence my attraction to this book. I am delighted with the easy, quick, healthful and filling meals we are creating with these amazing recipes! We are loving the new (to us) flavors like smoked paprika, coconut oil, and lime. This book takes easy-to-find ingredients, most of which were already in our fridge or pantry, and puts them together in wonderful, incredibly tasty and satisfying ways.
February 22, 2021
This book is beautiful. Wonderful pictures and an easy to read recipe format. I was worried I wouldn't find much in this because I don't use oil (I'm whole food plant based) and usually a vegan book is swimming in oil. However, it's only used in small amounts and usually to saute veggies (I dry saute or saute in broth or water) so it's easy to leave out of the recipes. My favorite meals are one dish and this book delivers.
February 27, 2018
Power Plates is bound in a hard covered, quality book. It begs to be picked up and the pages flipped while spellbound by the recipes and photos on each page. There are so many recipes that I wasn't sure about, but once I looked across the page at the accompanying photo it made me change my mind. If anything, even if you aren't a cook or a vegan, this is a perfect companion book for your cookbook collection of a side table.
What I really liked about each recipe was the prolong to each recipe. Whether it was the author's personal reflective moment regarding it, or the benefits of ingredients found within the recipe.
The meal plans in the back of the book is a helpful for those times where I do need assistance in creating a meal plan. One thing I've learned, meal planning can be a long tedious process, and not one you want to create after a long day of work.
I'm also impressed with how the book is laid out and the recipes contents at the beginning.
The only downside I could find was the amount of ingredients that each recipe calls for to make. For those times where I'm tired and just wanting to eat, it can get overwhelming. However, when I'm on top of my game, the list of ingredients is merely a reminder that it is to make the dish flavorful and the best it can be.
My personal favorite? Spicy Cabbage Soup. Excellent for those cold winter nights.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Blogging for Books. All opinions are my own.
What I really liked about each recipe was the prolong to each recipe. Whether it was the author's personal reflective moment regarding it, or the benefits of ingredients found within the recipe.
The meal plans in the back of the book is a helpful for those times where I do need assistance in creating a meal plan. One thing I've learned, meal planning can be a long tedious process, and not one you want to create after a long day of work.
I'm also impressed with how the book is laid out and the recipes contents at the beginning.
The only downside I could find was the amount of ingredients that each recipe calls for to make. For those times where I'm tired and just wanting to eat, it can get overwhelming. However, when I'm on top of my game, the list of ingredients is merely a reminder that it is to make the dish flavorful and the best it can be.
My personal favorite? Spicy Cabbage Soup. Excellent for those cold winter nights.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Blogging for Books. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2017
I’ve only started looking for the perfect (for me) cookbook. As someone who only just gave up meat, but who is also not much of a cook, I am finding this quite the challenge. The biggest problem I am encountering is that the "so simple anyone can make it" types of recipes are dumbed down to the point of being nearly insulting while the recipes that you really want to try are too complicated for someone like me. There’s little for those of us in between those two levels of skill. This book is a prime example of that problem.
One of the sweet potato recipes is basically bake the sweet potato. Seriously, why didn’t I think of that? On the other hand the more complicated recipes go straight into pages and pages of ingredients, multi-layered cooking processes, etc.
As I said, it seems like those of us in the middle get left out. If you like to cook and prefer more advanced meals? Great book full of yummy recipes. Not really a cook? Find someone to make them for you. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fine recipes. They’re just a bit more time and labor intensive than I was looking for.
One of the sweet potato recipes is basically bake the sweet potato. Seriously, why didn’t I think of that? On the other hand the more complicated recipes go straight into pages and pages of ingredients, multi-layered cooking processes, etc.
As I said, it seems like those of us in the middle get left out. If you like to cook and prefer more advanced meals? Great book full of yummy recipes. Not really a cook? Find someone to make them for you. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fine recipes. They’re just a bit more time and labor intensive than I was looking for.
August 1, 2022
The concept of this book is great- vegan meals that include the trifecta of fats, proteins and carbs so you feel full after eating. The intro section has tips on using some of the more specialty ingredients and grains that the average cook might not already use (farro, spelt, etc) but she assumes you already know how to cook and have most staple ingredients on hand. So many cookbook authors have an annoying habit of listing all the equipment you might need (like a blender, come on!) and what they consider pantry staples, assuming you have never stepped foot in a kitchen before. Thankfully Gena does not talk down to you.
All the meals have gorgeous full color photos and recipes are easy to follow. There are ingredients that one might not already have in the pantry if newly vegan or just vegan-curious, but nothing that can’t be found at a major grocery chain.
I’ve only made one of the recipes so far (sweet potato nacho fries- they were good) but I’ve put her concepts into use a bunch and it’s helped me as a cook. I have a bunch of the other recipes on my to-make list.
The one downside is that there are not overall cook times. You could read through the recipe and figure it out but it’s nice when you are short on time to know if something is closer to half hour or longer.
There is also no dessert or snack section which is fine by me since this is about meals.
All the meals have gorgeous full color photos and recipes are easy to follow. There are ingredients that one might not already have in the pantry if newly vegan or just vegan-curious, but nothing that can’t be found at a major grocery chain.
I’ve only made one of the recipes so far (sweet potato nacho fries- they were good) but I’ve put her concepts into use a bunch and it’s helped me as a cook. I have a bunch of the other recipes on my to-make list.
The one downside is that there are not overall cook times. You could read through the recipe and figure it out but it’s nice when you are short on time to know if something is closer to half hour or longer.
There is also no dessert or snack section which is fine by me since this is about meals.
November 20, 2017
This book is a helpful cookbook for anyone interested in learning how to balance macronutrients in their vegan meals. Things I liked: the author doesn't shy away from flavor and uses a variety of herbs and spices to enhance each dish, each recipe had a picture of the finished dish, the meal planning ideas at the end of the book, and I love that dishes revolve around micronutrient-rich vegetables. The recipes I'm adding to my repertoire include the Cauliflower Scramble, Chai-spiced Millet Porridge, Guacamole Quinoa Salad, Butternut Squash Salad, Smoky Red Lentil Stew, Macro Bowls, and Herbed Cauliflower Steaks.
Things I didn't like: This is not an allergy-friendly cookbook and no suggestions for substitutions were given, the liberal use of soy products, and the limited healthy fats in many dishes which would have further balanced the macronutrient ratio.
I recommend this book to anyone new to the vegetarian lifestyle because understanding how to balance macronutrients can initially be challenging.
I received an e-copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Things I didn't like: This is not an allergy-friendly cookbook and no suggestions for substitutions were given, the liberal use of soy products, and the limited healthy fats in many dishes which would have further balanced the macronutrient ratio.
I recommend this book to anyone new to the vegetarian lifestyle because understanding how to balance macronutrients can initially be challenging.
I received an e-copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2018
I have been following a plant-based lifestyle for two years now so I am always eager to get my hands on the newest plant-based cookbooks.
Pros: The recipes don't call for any strange or hard-to-find ingredients and almost every one has a color photo so you know what your meal should look like. I'm looking forward to trying the Apple Ginger Muesli, French Toast, Mushroom Miso Barley Soup, Golden Rice Bowls, Golden Beet Risotto and Stuffed Collard Leaves.
Cons: I think the Salad chapter of this book was way too long, and most of them were similar, just with different dressings. Almost everyone who doesn't eat plant-based assumes all we eat is salad and grass so I would have loved to see more creative salads or exclude that chapter all together. Also, some of the recipes are very complex and have multiple pages of instructions which is a drawback.
*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. However, all opinions are my own.*
Pros: The recipes don't call for any strange or hard-to-find ingredients and almost every one has a color photo so you know what your meal should look like. I'm looking forward to trying the Apple Ginger Muesli, French Toast, Mushroom Miso Barley Soup, Golden Rice Bowls, Golden Beet Risotto and Stuffed Collard Leaves.
Cons: I think the Salad chapter of this book was way too long, and most of them were similar, just with different dressings. Almost everyone who doesn't eat plant-based assumes all we eat is salad and grass so I would have loved to see more creative salads or exclude that chapter all together. Also, some of the recipes are very complex and have multiple pages of instructions which is a drawback.
*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. However, all opinions are my own.*
February 15, 2018
A great philosophy for healthy eating.
Gena Hamshaw has crafted a book of everyday recipes for the practical vegan. I will be keeping this book close, even as a "meat eater," because it is Gena's ideas on balance in meals that are so useful. Not only are the recipes in this book delicious, but they give you the protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats needed to get through the day. As she explains, too much imbalance towards one of the three micronutrients, and our bodies will respond in a way we don't want it to. Outside of the philosophy, many of the meals are yummy, but many have extensive ingredient lists. This for me is a downside, especially when some of the ingredients are only used for a single recipe.
Overall, I would recommend this book to vegans and those looking to change their eating philosophy.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
Gena Hamshaw has crafted a book of everyday recipes for the practical vegan. I will be keeping this book close, even as a "meat eater," because it is Gena's ideas on balance in meals that are so useful. Not only are the recipes in this book delicious, but they give you the protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats needed to get through the day. As she explains, too much imbalance towards one of the three micronutrients, and our bodies will respond in a way we don't want it to. Outside of the philosophy, many of the meals are yummy, but many have extensive ingredient lists. This for me is a downside, especially when some of the ingredients are only used for a single recipe.
Overall, I would recommend this book to vegans and those looking to change their eating philosophy.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
December 14, 2017
I received a free copy from Netgalley in return for my honest review.
Nutritionist Gena Hamshaw has crafted a delightful cookbook full of one-dish Vegan options that are usual and satisfying. This is not a diet book and it is not a full of boring basic vegan recipes. I am not a vegan but I do try to do meatless meals weekly and this has been a very helpful cookbook. Recipes are broken out into six categories: Breakfast, Salads, Soups, Bowls, Skillets and Stovetop, and Bakes offering a nice range of options. The meals incorporate a balance between protein, fat and carbohydrates. The recipes are easy to follow and incorporate both metric and imperial measurements. This book is a great addition for the full vegan or the curious omnivore.
Nutritionist Gena Hamshaw has crafted a delightful cookbook full of one-dish Vegan options that are usual and satisfying. This is not a diet book and it is not a full of boring basic vegan recipes. I am not a vegan but I do try to do meatless meals weekly and this has been a very helpful cookbook. Recipes are broken out into six categories: Breakfast, Salads, Soups, Bowls, Skillets and Stovetop, and Bakes offering a nice range of options. The meals incorporate a balance between protein, fat and carbohydrates. The recipes are easy to follow and incorporate both metric and imperial measurements. This book is a great addition for the full vegan or the curious omnivore.
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January 20, 2020Many plant based meals seem to focus first on removing animal products, flavor if you’re lucky, and balance not at all. I look at beautifully photographed plates and wonder how anyone could eat those meals and feel satiated at the end, much less have the energy to live a life that includes any physical or mental activity.
I had high hopes for this book and from a first read through it has some promise with caveats. Yea each recipe has protein, fat and carbs. But the balance appears to be heavier toward the carbs than I think I would normally want. That is, if the photographs show the meals accurately. Still it points me in a good direction and I can adjust the ratios as I go. Lots of intriguing meals here.
I had high hopes for this book and from a first read through it has some promise with caveats. Yea each recipe has protein, fat and carbs. But the balance appears to be heavier toward the carbs than I think I would normally want. That is, if the photographs show the meals accurately. Still it points me in a good direction and I can adjust the ratios as I go. Lots of intriguing meals here.
February 8, 2018
The book has five main chapters; Breakfast, Salads, Bowls, Skillets and stove-top and Bakes. From the book: "Years ago most vegan cookbooks contained a long glossary of ingredients. Grains like quinoa and ingredients like nutritional yeast had not yet become household staples. In the last few years, Americans' appetite for plant-based cooking has increased dramatically, and it's not at all unusual to see buckwheat, tempeh, and even nut-based cheeses on restaurant menus, in cookbooks, and at many grocery stores. most of the ingredients in this book will be familiar to you if you 've been exploring a plant-based diet for a while."
November 21, 2018
I love the idea of this book, and I love the way it's broken up into different sections. And everything in it looks really good, and the pictures are nice. But I think it just feels...a little overwhelming to me. The vast majority of the recipes have about 15-20 ingredients in them, even the salads, and that just seems like a lot. I'm definitely more into simplicity with my cooking these days, and this feels like too much, even though most of the instructions don't look too crazy. I guess I'm just not excited about anything to really look much further than the ingredient lists though.
Sorry, I'm lazy!
Sorry, I'm lazy!
September 9, 2018
Excellent vegan cookbook!!!! I have many vegan cookbooks that I like very much, but but favorite has been the first one that I bought back in 2008 (Sarah Kramer - La Dolce Vegan). However, Power Plates by Gena Hamshaw has quickly moved to be my second favorite, and as I try more of the recipes, I think that it will soon move to the number one position. The recipes are so delicious, very satisfying, and gives such a nice variety to our meals. These are not the same old recipes that you find everywhere. Well done Gena!
October 12, 2018
I was a little skeptical when I checked this one out of the library. It's a vegan cookbook, and even though I'm a vegetarian, I'm pretty attached to cheese and other dairy. There are a few recipes here that I am going to try this week, a few more that I'm already pretty much already making on my own, and the rest I would definitely try if someone put it in front of me but they just don't appeal to me enough to put forth the effort of making it. If I love the recipes I try this week, I'll come back and bump my review up a star.
March 12, 2021
My first attempt at a vegan cookbook, and I loved it. The recipes are easy to follow, with no hard to get ingredients (if you're living in the US) and can be cooked in reasonable times (it takes us, two people, ~45 minutes to prepare a meal). I've been positively impressed by the combinations of flavors and ingredients and I feel like I'm having a more balanced diet (every dish has some combination of greens, grains and beans, without getting repetitive). I would recommend it for anyone interested in starting a vegan/vegetarian diet.
February 9, 2018
Vegan food is great for my family - the two lactose intolerant carnivores and me and my vegetarian-leaning son. I make the fancy vegan dish and the men cook a meat side and -- yay! meal everyone enjoys!
I found a lot of interesting recipes in here, not that I read a bunch of cook books, but I've been keeping up with food trends for the past decade or so. I've yet to make any so more details to come.
I found a lot of interesting recipes in here, not that I read a bunch of cook books, but I've been keeping up with food trends for the past decade or so. I've yet to make any so more details to come.
April 16, 2018
I found this book very interesting and delightful to look at. Much of what was in here I would eat myself, maybe not making it all, but it is well work the stop and looksee. Some of the recipes just have a few ingredients with just a few steps of instructions, where others have a list of ingredients and a full page of instructions. From the looks of it these recipes are well worth the effort of going through the trouble.
November 8, 2017
Another beautiful cookbook. Everything looks fantastic and healthy with some intriguing new twists on favorites like "Kimchi fried rice". Basically, if you love a healthy bowl of veggies, grains, and vegan proteins, you will love this cookbook. If you are married to a meat and potatoes man like I am, he will turn up his nose at the list of ingredients or consider everything a side dish.
January 22, 2018
***Thanks to NetGalley & the publish for an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
This cookbook contains mouth-watering beautiful pictures. Food porn at the best. I like that the author added a sample meal plan for each season at the end, but there was too much variety for the average working person that probably won't have time to cook all three meals daily.
This cookbook contains mouth-watering beautiful pictures. Food porn at the best. I like that the author added a sample meal plan for each season at the end, but there was too much variety for the average working person that probably won't have time to cook all three meals daily.
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