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Linda McCartney's Family Kitchen: Over 90 Plant-Based Recipes to Save the Planet and Nourish the Soul
Join the McCartney family for a feast of nearly 100 sustainable, plant-based recipes to save the planet and nourish the soul, in this deeply personal cookbook from Paul, Mary, and Stella honoring their late wife and mother, Linda McCartney
“I have a passion for peace and believe it starts with compassion to animals." —Linda McCartney
Linda McCartney was a trailblazer of meat-free cooking, and she shared with her family the pleasure that eating compassionately could bring. Now Paul, Mary and Stella have reimagined Linda’s best-loved recipes, in a modern collection that fits perfectly with how we want to eat now.
Family favorites such as French Toast, Chili non Carne, Sausage Rolls, Shepherd’s Pie, Pulled Jackfruit Burgers and Crunchy Pecan Cookies are just some of the many simple, nourishing and sustainable vegan recipes included in this stylish book.
Complete with personal stories and intimate family photos spanning three decades, Linda McCartney’s Family Kitchen is not only good for you, but for the planet too.
“I have a passion for peace and believe it starts with compassion to animals." —Linda McCartney
Linda McCartney was a trailblazer of meat-free cooking, and she shared with her family the pleasure that eating compassionately could bring. Now Paul, Mary and Stella have reimagined Linda’s best-loved recipes, in a modern collection that fits perfectly with how we want to eat now.
Family favorites such as French Toast, Chili non Carne, Sausage Rolls, Shepherd’s Pie, Pulled Jackfruit Burgers and Crunchy Pecan Cookies are just some of the many simple, nourishing and sustainable vegan recipes included in this stylish book.
Complete with personal stories and intimate family photos spanning three decades, Linda McCartney’s Family Kitchen is not only good for you, but for the planet too.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published June 24, 2021
About the author
Linda McCartney
82 books48 followersLinda Louise, Lady McCartney (née Eastman, previously See) was an American photographer, musician, and animal rights activist. She married Paul McCartney of The Beatles on 12 March 1969, and was a member of Wings. The McCartneys had four children together: Heather Louise (from her previous marriage, whom McCartney adopted in 1969), Mary Anna, Stella Nina, and James Louis McCartney. Linda became Lady McCartney when her husband was knighted in 1997.
The McCartneys shared an Oscar nomination for the song "Live and Let Die", which they co-wrote, and she authored several vegetarian cookbooks, became a business entrepreneur (starting the Linda McCartney Foods company) and was a professional photographer, publishing Linda McCartney's Sixties: Portrait of an Era.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, and died at the age of 56 on 17 April 1998, at the McCartney family ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She left her entire estate to McCartney through a Qualified Domestic Trust Fund.
The McCartneys shared an Oscar nomination for the song "Live and Let Die", which they co-wrote, and she authored several vegetarian cookbooks, became a business entrepreneur (starting the Linda McCartney Foods company) and was a professional photographer, publishing Linda McCartney's Sixties: Portrait of an Era.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, and died at the age of 56 on 17 April 1998, at the McCartney family ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She left her entire estate to McCartney through a Qualified Domestic Trust Fund.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 7, 2022
This is a lovely recipe book, nicely illustrated with plenty of photos of the finished dish and some lovely photos of Linda and her children. I didn't try any recipes, these are all quite basic and things I make regularly anyway, houmous, stir frys, baked beans, mushroom risotto... This could be a useful book for someone just leaving home, someone who hasn't cooked before or someone who is new to not eating meat. I used to enjoy vegan cookbooks like this but now if I want to cook something Chinese I would look in a Chinese recipe book, same if I wanted to cook a curry. These general cookery books are a great starting point but it's more beneficial to look in a book dedicated to what you specifically want to cook.
January 6, 2022
Here’s a very pretty cookbook/memory scrapbook starring what may be the world’s most famous vegetarian family. The photos of food were delightful—photographer Linda would be proud—but there are also plenty of touching snapshots of Linda, Paul, and their kids, often surrounded by animal friends on their farm.
Some of the ingredients may be a wee bit British for a U.S. audience—do many Americans know what digestive biscuits are? However, I am happy to note that the cookbook doesn’t shy away from calling for premade, easily-purchased ingredients like vegan meat and dairy products—making things much easier on busy cooks. There are unique recipes too--yum, key lime pie--that you don't often see in the plethora of plant-based cookbooks and websites we see today.
The perennial interest in all things Beatles will give this book an inevitable boost, and that’s fantastic. Many people who may not otherwise be inclined to pick up a plant-based cookbook will look through this one, and perhaps realize that maybe there’s something worthwhile here. It’s encouraging to see that this seems to be the case at least in the reviews.
Some of the ingredients may be a wee bit British for a U.S. audience—do many Americans know what digestive biscuits are? However, I am happy to note that the cookbook doesn’t shy away from calling for premade, easily-purchased ingredients like vegan meat and dairy products—making things much easier on busy cooks. There are unique recipes too--yum, key lime pie--that you don't often see in the plethora of plant-based cookbooks and websites we see today.
The perennial interest in all things Beatles will give this book an inevitable boost, and that’s fantastic. Many people who may not otherwise be inclined to pick up a plant-based cookbook will look through this one, and perhaps realize that maybe there’s something worthwhile here. It’s encouraging to see that this seems to be the case at least in the reviews.
August 8, 2021
What a beautiful cookbook! I especially love the personal touches throughout, photos of the family and quotes from the family explaining their choices to live a plant based life.
I especially love the simplicity of these recipes, not too over the top, and I have most plant based ingredients already in my pantry (flaxseed etc) as I already use these in my daily cooking/baking.
My partner and son are currently incorporating more plant based meals into their lives and really appreciated the opportunity to have a cookbook that is easy to read and follow, beautifully designed and with recipes that aren't too farfetched or scary for them to try!
Love it!
Thanks to Hachette for a review copy of this book.
I especially love the simplicity of these recipes, not too over the top, and I have most plant based ingredients already in my pantry (flaxseed etc) as I already use these in my daily cooking/baking.
My partner and son are currently incorporating more plant based meals into their lives and really appreciated the opportunity to have a cookbook that is easy to read and follow, beautifully designed and with recipes that aren't too farfetched or scary for them to try!
Love it!
Thanks to Hachette for a review copy of this book.
March 14, 2022
These are the late Linda McCatney’s recipes, collected and updated by her husband and children. With a foreword by Paul and lots of family photos and anecdotes, it has a very personal feel. So much so, that I found myself reading the recipes in a weird Liverpudlian accent!
There are lots of homely and straightforward recipes in here that I intend to try. I guess that many of them bear little resemblence to the recipes that Linda published in the 80s and 90s. Nut milks, aquafaba and the term ‘plant-based’ were virtually unheard of back then. So, though Linda McCartney is given top billing on the cover, I suspect that she’s the inspiration rather than the author.
There are lots of homely and straightforward recipes in here that I intend to try. I guess that many of them bear little resemblence to the recipes that Linda published in the 80s and 90s. Nut milks, aquafaba and the term ‘plant-based’ were virtually unheard of back then. So, though Linda McCartney is given top billing on the cover, I suspect that she’s the inspiration rather than the author.
March 9, 2022
Possibly my favorite cookbook ever! Linda’s family so lovingly recounts her commitment to veganism, and the importance of our families relationship with food. As I paged through this beautiful Christmas gift I realized I wanted to make every recipe, so I am! I’m about 20 recipes into the nearly 100 in the book. “Family Kitchen” is excellent in the technical sense as well; I’m learning how to create more complex flavors in meat free cooking. The skill level is easy to medium. Thank you, McCartney family for this treasure of good health and good hearts.
October 10, 2021
I originally requested this book from our local library branch. The main idea was to check it out to give as a gift for my sister's birthday. My sister is a vegan so I thought this would be great. As I was
paging through the book and checking the recipes I actually saw dishes and desserts that I would like. So I think even a non-vegan would like this book. There a family pictures sprinkled though out! So needless to say I did buy this book for my sister's birthday!
paging through the book and checking the recipes I actually saw dishes and desserts that I would like. So I think even a non-vegan would like this book. There a family pictures sprinkled though out! So needless to say I did buy this book for my sister's birthday!
July 6, 2021
So many wonderful, easy recipes in Linda McCartney's Family Kitchen: Over 90 Plant-Based Recipes to Save the Planet and Nourish the Soul. I honestly see making many of these....especially with the explosion of tomatoes I am soon to harvest from my garden.
Lots of fun, insightful comments and reflections from Linda's family members including Paul and her daughters Mary and Stella. I loved the way Paul and Linda sat their children down one day and told them about their switch to plant-based meals. Truly, they were looking out for the planet and were kind to animals.
A joy to read....truly.
Lots of fun, insightful comments and reflections from Linda's family members including Paul and her daughters Mary and Stella. I loved the way Paul and Linda sat their children down one day and told them about their switch to plant-based meals. Truly, they were looking out for the planet and were kind to animals.
A joy to read....truly.
July 6, 2021
I love reading cookbooks and then using them. I really enjoyed reading this. Everything, literally everything sounds so good. I would eat everything listed in this book and I'm looking forward to putting it into use. I've already tagged two recipes for this year's Thanksgiving so I know I have something to eat with my carnivorous family. Linda McCartney is inspirational for me. I cannot overstate the influence her first cookbook had on li'l 20something me; and now-approaching-60 me is delighted to have this new collection honoring her monumental memory
September 16, 2021
I was so surprised by this cookbook. First, my sweet sister sent it to me out of the blue, surprise number one. Most vegan cookbooks repeat endlessly minor tweaks on the same basic recipes, rarely much new. Not only was this a fun read, but it is jam packed with NEW and interesting recipes. Easy to adapt for ingredients I don’t use, I can’t wait to dig in. I already served up two new recipes today for dinner, including the yummiest and easiest tomato soup I have ever made.
September 23, 2021
Disclaimer: I haven't yet made any of the recipes in this cookbook, so my review is based solely on presentation.
The Good:
"Linda McCartney's Family Kitchen" is an attractive book. Each recipe includes a color photograph of the dish, along with a few sentences introducing the recipe, whether it be a McCartney memory, info about the ingredients, or just a teaser saying how delicious it is. There are also tasteful sketches scattered throughout the book, and quotes from Linda about food, cooking, and her love for animals and nature.
For the Beatle fans, there's an introduction from Paul, and comments throughout from Mary, Stella, and Linda's sister. There are also family snapshots, mostly featuring Linda with the kids - just a couple of Paul.
The recipes in the edition I have give American measurements. I would categorize this book as being best for people who are vegan (or the new marketing term, "plant-based") for humane and environmental reasons. Which brings me to the...
Not as good:
This is not a whole foods cookbook. The recipes almost all use oil, fake meat, fake butter, fake cheese, all-purpose flour, etc. For those trying to lose weight, there's also an abundance of sugar, coconut products, etc. Some of the ingredients were not familiar to me (e.g. "Harissa"), and I've been a vegetarian for decades. I don't know if I've just missed them in my store, if they're specialty items I'd have to go to a co-op for (sadly, I have no Whole Foods or Trader Joe's close by), or if they're more of an English thing. I'm sure they can be found online, so not a big deal, but be aware that you may not be able to get a few of the ingredients from your local grocer.
I'm sure some modifications could be made, e.g. one could sauté in water or veggie broth rather than using olive oil. But there are enough WFPB cookbooks and websites out there, that I'd rather just use recipes that are already compliant than have to figure out how to make changes.
The Good:
"Linda McCartney's Family Kitchen" is an attractive book. Each recipe includes a color photograph of the dish, along with a few sentences introducing the recipe, whether it be a McCartney memory, info about the ingredients, or just a teaser saying how delicious it is. There are also tasteful sketches scattered throughout the book, and quotes from Linda about food, cooking, and her love for animals and nature.
For the Beatle fans, there's an introduction from Paul, and comments throughout from Mary, Stella, and Linda's sister. There are also family snapshots, mostly featuring Linda with the kids - just a couple of Paul.
The recipes in the edition I have give American measurements. I would categorize this book as being best for people who are vegan (or the new marketing term, "plant-based") for humane and environmental reasons. Which brings me to the...
Not as good:
This is not a whole foods cookbook. The recipes almost all use oil, fake meat, fake butter, fake cheese, all-purpose flour, etc. For those trying to lose weight, there's also an abundance of sugar, coconut products, etc. Some of the ingredients were not familiar to me (e.g. "Harissa"), and I've been a vegetarian for decades. I don't know if I've just missed them in my store, if they're specialty items I'd have to go to a co-op for (sadly, I have no Whole Foods or Trader Joe's close by), or if they're more of an English thing. I'm sure they can be found online, so not a big deal, but be aware that you may not be able to get a few of the ingredients from your local grocer.
I'm sure some modifications could be made, e.g. one could sauté in water or veggie broth rather than using olive oil. But there are enough WFPB cookbooks and websites out there, that I'd rather just use recipes that are already compliant than have to figure out how to make changes.
Read
November 15, 2021This new cookbook packs a punch with delicious recipes along with knowledge on the ethical, environmental, and health reasons behind why a plant-based diet is vitally important now more than ever. It was also a love letter and dedication from the family to the memory of Linda McCartney, which really struck me throughout the cookbook. I appreciated that this also had information on key nutrients and other important factors to keep in mind when transitioning to this lifestyle, and the recipes included did not disappoint! From breakfast classics like French toast, pancakes, baked beans, and hash browns, to Pad Thai, to the British classic Shepard's Pie, this had a ton of recipes I'm excited to dig into. I'm personally quite excited to dig into the lasagna recipe and one of my favorite desserts from overseas: sticky toffee pudding. Highly recommend!
Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
August 5, 2021
This new cookbook packs a punch with delicious recipes along with knowledge on the ethical, environmental, and health reasons behind why a plant based diet is vitally important now more than ever. It was also a love letter and dedication from the family to the memory of Linda McCartney, which really struck me throughout the cookbook. I appreciated that this also had information on key nutrients and other important factors to keep in mind when transitioning to this lifestyle, and the recipes included did not disappoint! From breakfast classics like French toast, pancakes, baked beans, and hash browns, to Pad Thai, to the British classic Shepard's Pie, this had a ton of recipes I'm excited to dig into. I'm personally quite excited to dig into the lasagna recipe and one of my favorite desserts from overseas: sticky toffee pudding. Highly recommend!
September 23, 2022
Received for Christmas last year, thank you to her family for keeping her memory and recipies alive. Switching over to vegetarian in the last ten years always unsure what to make during holidays or famous Sunday dinners etc. Well this book brought me back and made me feel like I was one of the family. Came away with a new love for Vegetarian cooking and things I could make for my family. Have recommended the book to family and friends to try at least get them to do meatless Mondays. Everyone has enjoyed the book that I have recommended it to. Heard Mary McCartney and Paul McCartney promoting it. Without reading more into the book I asked for it for Christmas. The family has done so much for the vegetarian/ Vegan communities. Thank you so much for all of the info that you have given us to help feed our families.
July 12, 2022
I have a few of Linda McCartney’s vegetarian recipes and they are very good, but these are all vegan. If you are interested in cooking vegan style she has some nice hints, but still uses tofu based meat substitutes. The book was (re?)-published in 2020 but Linda died in 1998 so I think this was something her kids arranged. Borrowed from the library. No interest in purchasing.
July 28, 2021
Inspiring! As a long-time vegetarian due to my love of animals, the environment, and my health, this book and it’s gorgeous photos spoke to me. I cannot wait to try many of the recipes within. And unlike other cookbooks, my cupboards already contain most, if not all, of the ingredients!
September 18, 2021
Great cookbook filled with recipes that don’t need weird ingredients. Only maybe a handful of recipes with many steps. Most very easy and simple.
Nice pictures and notes throughout from the family too.
Nice pictures and notes throughout from the family too.
May 25, 2022
I was looking for some interesting vegan recipes but was put off by the unappetizing the pictures of the food. Food looked burnt and just plain unappealing. The food may be tasty buy sure didn’t look like it to me.
August 3, 2021
3.5*. Nice tribute to Linda, but only a few recipes I’d use.
October 10, 2021
Colorful, creative, fresh meal ideas.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
October 20, 2021
Great information, terrific forward by Paul and jammed full of easy and great tasting recipes.
Perfect.
Perfect.
December 29, 2021
This is a fabulous cookbook!!
April 22, 2022
Meh. Lots of ingredients and not one thing I’ll make. A bit pretentious and a real disappointment.
Don’t recommend
Don’t recommend
June 19, 2022
Nice cookbook, good variety of recipes
December 20, 2022
I loved this book. The updates added since it was first written are great. I would like to have this in my collection.
September 8, 2024
So many great recipes, I’ve checked this out multiple times from the library!
Fave recipes are chili non carne & shepherd’s pie:)
Fave recipes are chili non carne & shepherd’s pie:)
Read
April 18, 2026I enjoyed the family photos more than the recipes.
Read
July 27, 2021Read the non-recipes parts and skimmed the rest. Some of the dishes look like they would be worth a try.
February 6, 2022
Really good recipes combined with family photos. Excellent tribute to Linda.
January 19, 2023
A great Vegetarian (not Vegan) cookbook put together from the late Linda McCartney's recipes.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews