Party Vegan:
Fabulous, Fun Food
For Every Occasion
By Robin Robertson
John Wiley and Sons, 2010
Paperback $17.95
"This book is dedicated to party animals everywhere who don't serve animals at their parties," says Robin Robertson in Party Vegan. Fortunately for Robin, she grew up in a home where celebrations and parties were frequent and fun and party preps involved lots of cooking. She caught the party bug and became a chef and caterer to enjoy helping others celebrate special events.
The book offers a host of suggestions for planning a great party. Included are several theme ideas, fun reasons to create a party, menu planning, and all the details that go into having a successful event.
"We eat first with our eyes," is Robin's way of emphasizing the importance of making the foods look appetizing, whether for a buffet or sit-down meal. The book is heaped with 140 delicious recipes assembled in party theme menus for celebrations throughout the year.
Menus and chapters include each of the standard holidays in addition to unique occasions like Chinese New Year or an Effortless Potluck, a Picnic Lunch, or Just Desserts. The last pages of the book list the recipes by two categories--Make Ahead or Quick and Easy to help the party host plan which dishes can be prepared in advance.
Curry for Company is one example of the many enticing chapters featured in the book. Anyone tempted by Indian cuisine can enjoy preparing Curried Pakora Puffs for a tasty starter. The meal consists of Mixed Vegetable Curry accompanied with Spinach-Flecked Chapati, Mango-Mint Chutney, Coconut Basmati Rice with Cashews. For dessert, the menu concludes with Cardamom Rice Pudding.
Party Vegan is a fun book to include on the kitchen bookshelf for the many occasions throughout the year when special celebrations beg for delicious meals and menus with pizzazz. Newbies to planning gatherings of any variety will have plenty of guidance, tips, and suggestions from an experienced chef. With Robin Robertson's innovative recipes and multitude of party planning hints, everyone can plan a successful party.
Click here for past book reviews