by Robin Robertson
Andrews McMeel Publishing, $16.99, 212 pages
When a cookbook author claims 30 minutes or less, healthy and delicious, I remain skeptical. This time Robin Robertson convinced me that this is possible. Quick-Fix Vegan is a truly good cookbook having 150 recipes from starters through desserts; most you can prepare within 30 minutes, not including cooking and baking time. This is assuming you have a very well stocked pantry and willing to open some cans and pouches of prepared ingredients. The recipes are good, different and many appear to be Robertson’s own creations.
This book is a medium-format trade paperback, very well designed and having a few full-page two-tone (green and white) not particularly attractive illustrations. The book production was inexpensive and emphasis was to give a practical, no-frill cookbook for vegan cooks, and the author and publisher achieved this admirably. The recipes are easy; any novice vegan cook can follow most and prepare the dish with minimal effort. Whenever baking is involved Robertson gives total baking time below the recipe title. The brief head notes are good and informative. An eight-page introduction outlines everything a vegan cook and kitchen needs. Recipes are conveniently placed on single pages and the index is excellent.