So, I feel like I really need to review this book in conjunction with the author's other book The Organic Cooks Bible because I bought them both together, and they are so much alike. The Bible is that...its over 500 pages and has tons of detail and most every fruit, veggie and herb has at least one if not multiple recipes to accompany it. The Shoppers guide, which has a 2 year newer copyright is really a regurgitation/contracted version of the bible, but I will try not to hold that against it since they do compliment each other so well. The shoppers guide has less listings, skipping over fruits, veggies, and spices that I was surprised to see left out. Additionally, there are only 3 recipes in the shopper that are not already in the bible, none of which are crucial. The advantage of the shoppers guide however is its small (6x8 inches) which means it will fit nicely in most purses and can therefore be taken to the store with you. They are both organized in a similar fashion with veggies grouped, fruits grouped, etc. and then alphabetized by category.
I was specifically shopping for cookbooks with more vegetable ideas overall when I chose these. They were even more than what I thought I wanted since not only are there recipes but the volumes of information to help choose was exactly what I was looking for. I grew up in a meat and potato family and married the same. I did get more into veggies, organics and juicing in college but really have veered back to the mainstream diet due to hubbies likes. Honestly I did alot of juicing because I was convinced most of what went in would taste bad if I had to actually taste it. I have been desperately searching for ways to diversify the family diet so that I can incorporate more nutritious foods that taste good.
The bible is a perfect kitchen companion. There are full color pages with pictures of the produce for those of us that don't always know what their food should look like and are trying to learn. The focus is on organically produced ingredients all the way around. There are details about how the produce should look, when it is in season, different varieties available and how to choose. Again, this info is in the shoppers guide as well, but in less depth (and none of the photos). There are easily 4x more recipes in the bible.
Personally I subscribe to the reduce-reuse-recycle plan as often as posssible so buying used was the way to go. As such they were affordable enough that I was not displeased with how much was exactly the same. I am very confident that they will get a ton of use. The expertise of the author inspires confidence that the information is accurate. I am really looking forward to working my way through the recipes.
In addition to these I got the earthbound farms cookbook and Colorado Fit Kitchen (which i really love and would also recommend).
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About the author
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2011
- Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2008
- Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2009
Top reviews from other countries
- Love Real BooksReviewed in Canada on October 8, 2016
Wonderful book to use for Ingredients - good sections with details on each ingredient
- GeraldineReviewed in Canada on October 23, 2015
References to Veal Unexpected and a REAL Turn-Off!!!
- RedwallReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2014
Great background to organic food as an introduction
