By Debra Daniels-Zeller, Timber Press, Inc, $19.95, 272 pages
The movement to buy and eat locally is gaining in popularity. More people are choosing to have a direct connection with their food supply. One such person is author Debra Daniels-Zeller. She presents enticing, satisfying recipes in The Northwest Vegetarian Cookbook. During her research, the author visited farmers’ markets, co-ops, and restaurants. The recipes are clear, concise, and easy to follow. There are very few pictures, and those included are black and white. Many cooking connoisseurs often buy a new cookbook just as much for the lavish color photographs of the food than for the recipes themselves. Despite the one drawback, foodies will be exposed to 200 new regional vegetarian meals celebrating the flavors of Washington and Oregon.
In each of the six sections (The Well-Grounded Breakfast, Salads Year-Round, Seasonal Soups and Homemade Breads, Starters and Side Dishes, Savory Vegetarian Entrees, and Fresh Fruit Desserts), Daniels-Zeller profiles the farmers and farms responsible for the ingredients. She includes “A Guide to Northwest Produce” – find out what pawpaws and yuzus are! The recipes are great and the descriptive paragraph before each one, adds charm and warmth. Even non-vegetarians will find favorite dishes to enjoy. Have fun buying and cooking locally.
Reviewed by Kathryn Franklin