ExtraVeganZa!
Original Recipes from Phoenix Organic Farm
Hungry anyone? You will be, after a scan of field biologist and organic farmer Laura Matthias’ book project, ExtraVeganZa: Original Recipes from Phoenix Organic Farm. As the title suggests, something spectacular lies between the covers of this glossy and substantial vegan anthem.
That something, however, may be more than just the ambrosial recipes. Matthias opens with an introduction that reveals her dedication to ecological food systems. Her family left the Vancouver area to pursue a sustainable lifestyle operating an organic farm and running a bed & breakfast on Vancouver Island.
Beginning a cookbook with reverence for the act of growing and sharing food makes so much sense. As you read Matthias’ first-hand experiences with rejuvenating an organic farm, you can’t help but feel hope for our food system. The book closes with a commentary on natural food dyes and a glossary of edible flowers, further testament to the author’s understanding that food is a dynamic experience.
The pages between these two intelligent commentaries contain 250+ vegan recipes that will have you composing grocery lists with abandon. Covering both sweet and savory, and with a palate for the extraordinary, Matthias succeeds in creating fresh combinations. The virtue of a wholesome tree fruit is dabbed with a spicy perfume in the Pear Cardamom Muffins, which make a great snack to pack in your pannier. Potatoes and leeks are painted with lively yam in the Potato Yam Leek Soup. The author was right when she wrote, “the yam is a delightful departure...” Now I can’t decide which dessert to make next – the Butternut Spice or Almond Amasake Bread Pudding?
If I may indulge two nutrition side notes: (i) where Matthias calls for canola oil, be cautious that you’re purchasing an unrefined, non-genetically modified version; and (ii) be conscious of the quality of the soy milk you’re using, or consider substitutions like homemade brown rice or almond milks. Commercial soy products can be difficult to digest because the enzyme inhibitors in soy are not adequately neutralized in commercial production. Also look for soy products that are non-genetically modified.
If you are vegan, ExtraVeganZa will enliven your repertoire. If you aren’t vegan, this may just be the book that converts you. Matthias cultivates great ideas and great recipes that include simple, locally sourced ingredients and easy-to-follow directions. All you need to do is decide what’s for dinner.
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