Review: `Savour the flavor': an Expert speaks!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 11, 2014
Author/chef Zara Murray states `I have the Hari Krishnas to thank for converting me to vegetarianism. That was over 30 years ago and I can honestly say that I am extremely healthy and I have plenty of energy. I can't remember when I visited the doctor last. I'm not fanatical about not eating meat; I do eat chicken or fish when out, for convenience. I am not going to take a hard line here and tell people they should not eat meat - that is a personal decision. However, I do think that it is encumbent on us humans (as the intelligent species on the planet) to treat animals humanely and with respect and dignity. However, vegetarianism is not just about deleting meat - it is a great way to allow your taste buds to really come alive. There are so many recipes available to us now, from so many different cultures, that including some vegetarian recipes into your schedule will give you a sense of adventure if nothing else.'Zara opens her book with some information abut the Mediterranean countries that are the source of her recipes: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Herzegovina, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, State of Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey. So it is not just the France/Italy/Greece trio - she expands our horizons geographically as well as gastronomically. She also take the time to address the `cheese dilemma' - whether or not cheeses (and which ones are at the top of her list) are vegetarian.The rest of this delightful book focuses on recipes - breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes from France (e.g. Apple Brie Omelet, Herbed Tomato Tart, Vegetarian Cassoulet, Lemon Almond Soufflés are examples), from Italy (eg. Focaccia with Lemon and Basil Eggs, Pasta Primavera, Pasta Putanesca, Terrone Semifreddo are examples), and Greece (e.g. Roasted Figs Stuffed with Feta Cheese, Jackfruit Gyros, Greek Rice Stuffed Peppers, Baklava are examples). Each recipe is accompanied by the utensils needed, definitions of the ingredients, method of preparation, and how to assemble for presentation. The information is clearly placed before us and the process is as simple as anyone could make it. This is a top-notch book of healthy delicious recipes. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 14