Book Review: Moosewood Cookbooks

For a little diversion from the exercise world and more into the wellness world as a whole, I wanted to highlight a great series of cookbooks for healthy living. Moosewood, Inc. has published 11 cookbooks. What began as a small restaurant has grown into one of the thirteen most influential restaurants of the 20^th century according to Bon Appetit magazine. For more about Moosewood, Inc, check out its website: www.moosewoodrestaurant.com.

For these vegetarian cookbooks, forget the image of rubbery soy burgers freezer wrapped in plastic. Instead you get flavorful and healthy options for better living.

I am the first to say I am not a vegetarian, but I appreciate vegetarian food. Here are some benefits to saying “yes” to vegetables instead of meat a little more often:

1. Less saturated fat helps avoid heart disease (not to mention bulging waistlines)
2. Mother Earth will love you for it! The extra meat and calories in our American diet put almost as much greenhouse gases in the air as driving a small car for a year¹.

Here is one of my favorite Moosewood recipes. If you have been to a party with me in the last year, you have probably tasted it!

One Step Bean Guacamole from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites

1 avocado, preferably Hass (if they are small I use two)
15 oz can cooked kidney beans, drained
½ cup prepared Mexican style red salsa
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and ground black pepper to taste (optional)

Halve the avocado lengthwise and gently twist the halves to separate from the pit. Make lengthwise and crosswise cuts about ½ inch apart in the flesh of each half. Scoop the avocado cubes out of the skins and into a serving bowl. Stir in the kidney beans, salsa, and cilantro. Add salt and pepper, if desired.

¹University of Chicago (2006, April 14). Study: Vegan Diets Healthier For Planet, People Than Meat Diets. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060414012755.htm