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Sustainable Kitchen; Recipes and Inspiration for Plant-based, Planet-conscious Meals
Cook more healthfully, eat more sustainably, live more faithfully. We know that daily food choices help or harm our bodies, families, communities, and planet. But its not always easy to find resources that enable us to grow, shop for, prepare, cook, and eat food in ways that connect us to our Creator and creation. Dietitian Heather Wolfe and designer Jaynie McCloskey bring years of experience in holistic nutrition, health coaching, homesteading, and scratch cooking to this practical guide for home cooks. Abundant gifts of flavor, nourishment, and community shine through in this handbook for those seeking to prepare plant-based, planet-conscious meals their families will love. Vibrant photographs and tantalizing recipes empower home cooks Cook using local, seasonally available foods Find flexibility in recipes Prepare nourishing foods from scratch Decrease food waste and conserve energy Limit processed, refined foods Eat a plant-based diet Reflect on food choices that matter Nourishing, tasty recipes Veggie-Studded Frittata Morning Glory Muffins Bow Thai Salad Cilantro Lime Slaw Spring Veggie and Pesto Pasta Three Sisters Succotash Enchiladas Cran-Apple Crisp
- GenresCookbooksNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2020
3 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2020
The goals of this book are to empower the reader to get away from packaged and processed foods, use local produce, reduce waste and expand your food choices. The recipes are vegetarian and some are vegan. There are sections at the beginning and end of the book covering health benefits, environmental benefits, basic ingredients, equipment, menu planning and techniques. Some of these may be useful for someone who is new to cooking. There are a lot of pictures in the book, but not all of the recipes are illustrated. If the authors had skipped the irrelevant photos at the beginning and end of the book (scenery, shovels, etc.) they could have added more pictures of the food.
The recipes seem tasty, but they aren’t particularly unique. There are tacos, pastas, salads, pancakes, frittatas, chili, enchiladas, stews and soups. Some of the more uncommon recipes are edible weeds salad (dandelion leaves and flowers, red clover leaves and flowers, violet leaves etc. ), beet greens, fiddleheads, saag paneer, Singapore street-style noodles, caprese grilled cheese and herb-infused cucumber lemon water.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The recipes seem tasty, but they aren’t particularly unique. There are tacos, pastas, salads, pancakes, frittatas, chili, enchiladas, stews and soups. Some of the more uncommon recipes are edible weeds salad (dandelion leaves and flowers, red clover leaves and flowers, violet leaves etc. ), beet greens, fiddleheads, saag paneer, Singapore street-style noodles, caprese grilled cheese and herb-infused cucumber lemon water.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
September 16, 2020
This faith-based, mostly plant-based cookbook has stunning photos and lots of good information for those who are new to whole foods, from scratch cooking. While it is mostly vegetarian, the authors (or one of them) say they also rely on fish and the occasional "rooster stew." Many recipes are vegan, though animal products like cheese, eggs and honey are often used. Some recipes are naturally gluten free, but wheat is used fairly often (often whole wheat). Sections also teach basics about canning, making foods like tortillas and tahini from scratch, and other sustainable practices. No nutritional information is provided.
The recipes really do seem delicious and healthy, with a focus on ingredients that are easy to grow yourself, easier on the planet to have grown, and occasionally wild ingredients. The recipes for staples like salsa and guacamole are very similar to my own tried and true ones.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
The recipes really do seem delicious and healthy, with a focus on ingredients that are easy to grow yourself, easier on the planet to have grown, and occasionally wild ingredients. The recipes for staples like salsa and guacamole are very similar to my own tried and true ones.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
October 10, 2020
This cookbook focuses on a plant based diet. As with any good cookbook, it's loaded with colorful and appetizing photographs. This is a cookbook I would use again and again. I especially loved the homemade sauces and dressings.
Thank you Herald Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Herald Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2022
I love to cook and love reading cookbooks. This cookbook was a pleasure to review for netgalley.. This book is totally vegetarian, which I am not, but I enjoy learning new ways to prepare vegetables. The recipes were varied and offered seasonal changes for the vegetables and herbs and spices. The photos were beautiful and made the dishes more tempting.
Two pieces of information that I found most interesting was that you do not need to preheat your oven except for very few recipes. I will start doing this to save energy and energy costs. The authors also encourage the reader to eat the skin of most vegetables as an additional source of nutrition and to eliminate food waste.
The anecdotal information about religion and the biographies of the authors was not really of interest to me, but I found the environmental data and kitchen basics worthwhile information. Thank you #netgalley for letting me review this cookbook !
Two pieces of information that I found most interesting was that you do not need to preheat your oven except for very few recipes. I will start doing this to save energy and energy costs. The authors also encourage the reader to eat the skin of most vegetables as an additional source of nutrition and to eliminate food waste.
The anecdotal information about religion and the biographies of the authors was not really of interest to me, but I found the environmental data and kitchen basics worthwhile information. Thank you #netgalley for letting me review this cookbook !
August 25, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Sustainable Kitchen is a well written philosophical guide to plant-based Earth-conscious food and lifestyle by Jaynie McCloskey and Heather Wolfe. Due out 22nd Sept 2020 from Herald Press, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Every day we're bombarded with news of the dire state of our environment and the strains of overpopulation, pollution, plastics and fossil fuel pollution, diminishing resources, and general man-made global climate impact on our planet. It's very easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. This book allows readers to take some responsibility for those things we can control.
The introduction covers our interconnectedness with our environment, the connection between health and nutrition, and the basics of stocking and maintaining a resource conscious kitchen. The recipes are arranged thematically: breakfasts, salads, soups & stews, sandwiches & wraps, main dishes, sides & supports, snacks & sweets, drinks, and sauces dips & dressings. Recipes have ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Recipe measurements are given in American standard measures only, with a conversion chart for metric measurements provided in the appendices. Serving sizes and suggestions follow in the step by step instructions.
The recipes are varied and appealing but for me the biggest value of the book is in the extra information scattered throughout as well as the appendices. The authors have included lots of suggestions and tips for meal planning, processing and preserving foods, selecting and maintaining cooking utensils (such as cast iron) for longevity, and more. It really is a lifestyle book with useful recipes. During the current time of uncertainty with a pandemic and economic crises looming, it's a very good time to make basic sensible changes for sustainability, and physical and mental health. This is a really good book.
The photography is abundant and the photographs which are included are clear and well done. The serving suggestions are stylish and appropriate.
Five stars. I found a lot of useful information here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Sustainable Kitchen is a well written philosophical guide to plant-based Earth-conscious food and lifestyle by Jaynie McCloskey and Heather Wolfe. Due out 22nd Sept 2020 from Herald Press, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Every day we're bombarded with news of the dire state of our environment and the strains of overpopulation, pollution, plastics and fossil fuel pollution, diminishing resources, and general man-made global climate impact on our planet. It's very easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. This book allows readers to take some responsibility for those things we can control.
The introduction covers our interconnectedness with our environment, the connection between health and nutrition, and the basics of stocking and maintaining a resource conscious kitchen. The recipes are arranged thematically: breakfasts, salads, soups & stews, sandwiches & wraps, main dishes, sides & supports, snacks & sweets, drinks, and sauces dips & dressings. Recipes have ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Recipe measurements are given in American standard measures only, with a conversion chart for metric measurements provided in the appendices. Serving sizes and suggestions follow in the step by step instructions.
The recipes are varied and appealing but for me the biggest value of the book is in the extra information scattered throughout as well as the appendices. The authors have included lots of suggestions and tips for meal planning, processing and preserving foods, selecting and maintaining cooking utensils (such as cast iron) for longevity, and more. It really is a lifestyle book with useful recipes. During the current time of uncertainty with a pandemic and economic crises looming, it's a very good time to make basic sensible changes for sustainability, and physical and mental health. This is a really good book.
The photography is abundant and the photographs which are included are clear and well done. The serving suggestions are stylish and appropriate.
Five stars. I found a lot of useful information here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 6, 2020
A Little Preachy, But Beautiful-Looking, Tasty-Sounding Recipes
As you might imagine from the title of this book, the first part discusses what a sustainable kitchen is and how you can go about making yours so incrementally, including cooking and gardening approaches as well as pantry staples. Of course, sustainable food goes beyond the kitchen, and the authors do as well. I particularly liked the page where they show how to gradually increase a sustainable approach to food, starting with simple things like choosing seasonal foods and buying organic and local before moving on to perhaps purchasing a CSA share or joining a food co-op. They list even further steps you can consider, like eating an exclusively plant-based diet, gardening organically, and making your own staples. Some sustainability ideas are found in the recipes as well. Recipes requiring oven baking only use preheating for baked goods; otherwise, you place the dish in a cold oven, turn it on, and time from there. Many recipes have component recipes, so you can opt to make the guacamole or sauce, say, required in the main recipe. The book does come off as a little preachy at times, but the recipes look very good. Most appear relatively simple—some with only a few ingredients—yet the flavor combinations sound good and the included photographs look tasty and inviting. The authors range all over the globe in their spice choices and recipes. This is a vibrantly colorful cookbook, as a plant-based one should be. I will admit, at this stage in my life, to not being a fan of spending my days shopping and cooking, and some of these recipes do look like they would take time and attention, especially if you make every component of a complex recipe yourself. All in all, though, I thought this was a beautifully done book with excellent recipes.
I received a free electronic edition of this cookbook, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
As you might imagine from the title of this book, the first part discusses what a sustainable kitchen is and how you can go about making yours so incrementally, including cooking and gardening approaches as well as pantry staples. Of course, sustainable food goes beyond the kitchen, and the authors do as well. I particularly liked the page where they show how to gradually increase a sustainable approach to food, starting with simple things like choosing seasonal foods and buying organic and local before moving on to perhaps purchasing a CSA share or joining a food co-op. They list even further steps you can consider, like eating an exclusively plant-based diet, gardening organically, and making your own staples. Some sustainability ideas are found in the recipes as well. Recipes requiring oven baking only use preheating for baked goods; otherwise, you place the dish in a cold oven, turn it on, and time from there. Many recipes have component recipes, so you can opt to make the guacamole or sauce, say, required in the main recipe. The book does come off as a little preachy at times, but the recipes look very good. Most appear relatively simple—some with only a few ingredients—yet the flavor combinations sound good and the included photographs look tasty and inviting. The authors range all over the globe in their spice choices and recipes. This is a vibrantly colorful cookbook, as a plant-based one should be. I will admit, at this stage in my life, to not being a fan of spending my days shopping and cooking, and some of these recipes do look like they would take time and attention, especially if you make every component of a complex recipe yourself. All in all, though, I thought this was a beautifully done book with excellent recipes.
I received a free electronic edition of this cookbook, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 8, 2020
I am giving Sustainable Kitchen four stars! I really enjoy the sustainability aspect of this book and it gives a lot of easy-to-accomplish tips on working toward sustainability in the kitchen. I also like how there are suggestions on how to do your own canning and making your own base ingredients (although I'm not confident I could fit that much preparation into my schedule!). There is a religious vein to the cookbook, which I personally understand the attempt to connect spirit and body, but that may not be appealing to everyone.
Now for the recipes.... None of them are particularly inventive or exciting. I personally think they're all a little basic. They sound delicious and sound like they would be enjoyable, BUT I've tried or found other recipes that are the same or similar for probably 80% of the recipes. The salad section was the most creative in my opinion!
If you don't know where to start with a sustainable lifestyle or with vegetarian/vegan eating, this would DEFINITELY be a cookbook for you!!! The recipes are easy to make and have fairly attainable ingredients. I truly think this is a great collection of recipes for someone who is new to a vegetarian diet or who wants to have a great collection of recipes available at their fingertips. I am landing on four stars despite these critiques, because I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on food and have many different sources for recipes, so I am probably exposed to more food than others.
I was offered an eARC of Sustainable Kitchen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now for the recipes.... None of them are particularly inventive or exciting. I personally think they're all a little basic. They sound delicious and sound like they would be enjoyable, BUT I've tried or found other recipes that are the same or similar for probably 80% of the recipes. The salad section was the most creative in my opinion!
If you don't know where to start with a sustainable lifestyle or with vegetarian/vegan eating, this would DEFINITELY be a cookbook for you!!! The recipes are easy to make and have fairly attainable ingredients. I truly think this is a great collection of recipes for someone who is new to a vegetarian diet or who wants to have a great collection of recipes available at their fingertips. I am landing on four stars despite these critiques, because I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on food and have many different sources for recipes, so I am probably exposed to more food than others.
I was offered an eARC of Sustainable Kitchen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2020
Sustainable Kitchen is a recipe book for those trying to cook more recipes that are plant-based using sustainiable ingredients. The book has beautiful photos with recipes that look to die for. The recipes are not overly complicated and usually involve 5-10 ingredients which I appreciate since some require a long-list when eating plant-based or vegan. I have made the Simple Granola which was delicious! I am looking forward to making the Honey-Oat Breakfast Bread to eat with some butter or preserves. I also really enjoyed the Comforting Cauliflower and Potato Soup, and so did my partner who typically eats meat for every meal! This is a nice recipe book for those interested in reducing their meat consumption and those who are vegetarian. While there are a number of vegan recipes, not all recipes are vegan-friendly. One critique is there are several religious references that may not be enjoyable to readers who are not overtly religious.
I received an advanced reader copy from Herald Press and the authors Jaynie McCloskey and Heather Wolfe, through NetGalley. All opinions in my reviews are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy from Herald Press and the authors Jaynie McCloskey and Heather Wolfe, through NetGalley. All opinions in my reviews are my own.
September 20, 2020
This cookbook is beautiful, and I think many vegetarian or vegetarian-curious people would love to receive this book as a gift. Even though I already own a few amazing vegetarian books, and some of the recipes are fairly common, there are a few recipes in here that make it intriguing and that I would try, such as the sweet potato and black bean enchiladas, the succotash enchiladas, Root Vegetable potpie with dumplings, and Lentil Shepherd's pie. If you don't have an Indian recipe book, there is also saag paneer and gobi masala.
The sustainability aspect of the book was disappointing for me. I wish the authors had done more to connect the aspects of sustainability to each recipe. That would have been very valuable. Instead, there are nice sections in the front matter that describe aspects of purchasing, food labels, and nutrition, but it's hard to connect to the recipes themselves.
Also, I wish the book included more coverage of food labels and claims. For example, USDA organic vs "natural" or other labeling, rain forest alliance certified, sustainable palm oil vs other oils.
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I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The sustainability aspect of the book was disappointing for me. I wish the authors had done more to connect the aspects of sustainability to each recipe. That would have been very valuable. Instead, there are nice sections in the front matter that describe aspects of purchasing, food labels, and nutrition, but it's hard to connect to the recipes themselves.
Also, I wish the book included more coverage of food labels and claims. For example, USDA organic vs "natural" or other labeling, rain forest alliance certified, sustainable palm oil vs other oils.
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I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
July 17, 2020
Love the heart and passion that goes into these books. Sustainable kitchen is a heartfelt plea for people to be more responsible for the planet and for the food they willingly eat. A righteous plea since we are all responsible for the planet and the ridiculous waste of food.
What did I like? Some really gorgeous recipes... like mouthwatering gorgeous. I believe everyone shares a part not only in their health but the planets health as well. Authors give you some beautiful recipes and vegan/vegetarian simple. I’m not a vegan but I try to eat very little meat. However if you enjoy meatless Monday’s or vegan dishes this is a beautiful book.
Would I recommend or buy? I’d buy it, most definitely. Quite a few of the dishes were eye catching, not to mention the hummus recipes or condiment or dressing section. It can be hard to find a good vegan recipe but from the looks of these pages, they look amazing. Only a few had tofu so the majority were vegetables derived.
I received a copy to read and this was my opinion. Beautiful book! Five stars.
What did I like? Some really gorgeous recipes... like mouthwatering gorgeous. I believe everyone shares a part not only in their health but the planets health as well. Authors give you some beautiful recipes and vegan/vegetarian simple. I’m not a vegan but I try to eat very little meat. However if you enjoy meatless Monday’s or vegan dishes this is a beautiful book.
Would I recommend or buy? I’d buy it, most definitely. Quite a few of the dishes were eye catching, not to mention the hummus recipes or condiment or dressing section. It can be hard to find a good vegan recipe but from the looks of these pages, they look amazing. Only a few had tofu so the majority were vegetables derived.
I received a copy to read and this was my opinion. Beautiful book! Five stars.
August 3, 2020
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was around 3.5 stars for me.
There's a lot of religious connections and stories in this book along with a lot of talk of using food as medicine. While I understand the role of gardening and eating organic, it ignores that organic gardening or purchasing organic food just isn't feasible for a lot of people. There's a lot of things that are great if you have access, but not a lot about alternatives if you don't.
There are beautiful pictures of the recipes! That's something I love in cook books. Some of the recipes also seem time intensive along with requiring access to specific vegetables.
Overall I think it's a good book if you want to eat less meat and can get these things, but it's not for everyone.
This book was around 3.5 stars for me.
There's a lot of religious connections and stories in this book along with a lot of talk of using food as medicine. While I understand the role of gardening and eating organic, it ignores that organic gardening or purchasing organic food just isn't feasible for a lot of people. There's a lot of things that are great if you have access, but not a lot about alternatives if you don't.
There are beautiful pictures of the recipes! That's something I love in cook books. Some of the recipes also seem time intensive along with requiring access to specific vegetables.
Overall I think it's a good book if you want to eat less meat and can get these things, but it's not for everyone.
September 8, 2020
**I received and voluntarily read an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I love a good cookbook, so I always look forward to the opportunity to read and review them.
That being said there are a lot of good recipes to be found here, with most of them being heavily plant based (of course). Nice layout and photographs, easy to follow and easy on the eyes.
There's nothing really new here about sustainability that I haven't heard before, but it's a decent starting guide for those just getting into it. No new recipes that would make me have to have it, but it's a nice book.
I love a good cookbook, so I always look forward to the opportunity to read and review them.
That being said there are a lot of good recipes to be found here, with most of them being heavily plant based (of course). Nice layout and photographs, easy to follow and easy on the eyes.
There's nothing really new here about sustainability that I haven't heard before, but it's a decent starting guide for those just getting into it. No new recipes that would make me have to have it, but it's a nice book.
October 7, 2020
This book is full of delicious recipes that are health and environment conscious. The authors don't just give you a book full of delicious recipes, they also give you helpful tips and tricks to achieve a sustainable kitchen. From pickling to butter making they describe methods which will change your life; not only your habits but how you feel too. And it's not like they are spouting all sorts of things because they think they might help. No, they have actually tried these things and have seen firsthand the difference they can make.
While this book does feature a plant-based diet, it would be easy to add in a little meat here and there for those who prefer that.
While this book does feature a plant-based diet, it would be easy to add in a little meat here and there for those who prefer that.
July 12, 2020
This book has a lot of information about the plant based diet and how to eat more sustainably. If you are new to the plant based diet, this will be good for you. On top of that the recipes in this book are full of fresh ingredients and east to understand procedures. There are some amazing recipes such as Honey Oat Breakfast bread (I am a bread baker!) as well as some canning techniques as well.
I cannot wait to try the Restorative Herbal Tea, Broccoli Chedder Crustless Quiche, and Bow Thai Salad.
I cannot wait to try the Restorative Herbal Tea, Broccoli Chedder Crustless Quiche, and Bow Thai Salad.
September 10, 2020
Some good advice and tips, but nothing I have not heard already. Love the cover. You can use as much or as little of these tips to have an eco-friendly kitchen. A little on the preachy side, but still a worthy read to be more conscious of waste.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jaynie McCloskey and Herald Press for ab ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/22/20
Thanks to Netgalley, Jaynie McCloskey and Herald Press for ab ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/22/20
September 11, 2020
I especially like the simplicity and plant focus of the recipes, while still including a broad range of flavors. Plus the photographs and the overall layout are just lovely.
Full review here.
Full review here.
November 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Such a valuable book for anyone interested in more plant-based cooking in their diet. Practical and full of information, this book presents many choices to enhance your health, participate in the health of our planet, all with delicious seasonal cooking.
Such a valuable book for anyone interested in more plant-based cooking in their diet. Practical and full of information, this book presents many choices to enhance your health, participate in the health of our planet, all with delicious seasonal cooking.
July 24, 2020
This book is gorgeous, clear and well organized. The recipes sound so good and I love that they use fresh and organic ingredients. The recipes are plant based so it's a great book for vegetarians / vegans. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
July 28, 2020
Some great plant based version of classic comfort foods. Lovely example photos. Simple and easy to follow recipes.
February 12, 2021
So excited to have this in my pantry. Such a wonderful combination of my many ideals- local and organic plant-based food produced and prepared in a sustainable way. So many great new recipies.
April 4, 2023
Lots of great fresh recipes, but for those who read a lot of cookbooks, nothing new, but I would still enjoy many of these recipes.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews