Jazzy Vegetarian: Lively Vegan Cuisine That's Easy and Delicious

I am not a vegan, or a vegetarian, and have no plans to convert to either. However, I do wish to improve my eating habits by incorporating more plant-based meals. I have seen the Jazzy Vegetarian on public tv, and was intrigued by some of the recipes. The author/host's personality is a little over-zealously jazzy for my taste, but I do appreciate her less judgmental/less holier-than-thou approach to veganism. (As compared to that red-head woman vegan cooking show host on public tv who makes me want to go eat a rib-eye out of spite). The cons for me with the Jazzy Veg recipes in the book are way too many dried herbs (why on earth use dried cilantro?) and dried herb-blends (especially Italian seasoning). I also find the idea of vegan cheese appalling, and would either skip the recipes with that ingredient entirely, or more likely use the best regular cheese and call it a vegetarian meal. Same with the some of the meat analogs. One reason I want more plant-based meals is to reduce chemicals and other weirdy additives. Vegan cheese and pretend meat usually doesn't fit that expectation. But I can always use fresh herbs instead of dried, and find other work-arounds for some of the other less appealing (to me) quirks in the recipes. (I do love to re-invent recipes). I would give this book 3 1/2 stars, and I will probably order her new book which is to be released in Sept 2013, I think.

Wonderful book filled with great and easy recipes for healthy living! I purchased this book after watching the Jazzy Vegetarian on TV. She was making a pasta dish with sun dried tomatoes and broccoli. I've been making an effort to eat healthier and incorporate more veggies into my diet. I was initially worried about sacrificing flavor, but this book is filled with delicious recipes that are easy to make (trust me- I'm not a good cook) and don't involve any odd ingredients (because I hate searching for that one unique ingredient only to find that I won't use it for another 3 months). I highly recommend this recipe book!

Love this cookbookCan't wait to try recipesAll recipes are on her TV SHOWHer show is on PBS CREATE on TVVery good show on TVCalled JAZZY VEGETARIAN

I would recommend this book as well as all of Laura's books for any vegan or vegetarian. The recipes are simple and very delicious.

I chose this rating because of the way I viewed how ordinary vegetables, in the past, were secondary to whatever meat, poultry or fish selections were going to be highlighted as the main event in a receipe. Laura does an excellent job both between the pages of her book and her PBS program. Not really being a vegetarian, I was introduced to her style of simplicity in preparing and serving vegetables as either a main course or much improved side dish(es) for the chosen entree' being prepared. Both family and friends have now enjoyed and see vegetables in a whole new light. Don't just take my word for it, try before you buy, visit her show and sample a receipe or two, and I think you will be sold as I was on adding her book to your kitchen collection

One of THE BEST cookbooks for anyone, any level of expertise, full of especially delicious recipes made easy, recipes that will please any taste and that thrill those of us who enjoy cooking a good meal at home, and even who enjoy cooking a special meal for entertaining friends. You will cherish this book. I'm on my second copy because I loaned our the first one, and my friend refused to give it back - ha!

I must state my disclaimer first, I am not a vegan or vegetarin, and I don't plan on becoming one. I saw the Jazzy Chef TV's Create. I was rather in pressed with the way she prepared her meals, so I order the book. It isn't very thick, but the layout to ME is beautiful and colorful. I usually read a receip first before I try to make it, it doesn't really matter because these receips aren't complex by a long shot. While getting ready for work this morning, I made the Quinoa with raisin, cranberries and cinnamon. I took a cup full to work... luv it. I look forward to making some additional receips at which time I will revise this review.

Although I'm not a vegan or the like, I saw Laura on a PBS show and liked what I saw. The recipes seem interesting and offer a good way to minimize meat in a diet while still getting proteins. The shopping tips in the front are helpful as I've not heard of a lot of the ingredients. The only thing missing is nutritional information which would be helpful in planning. Haven't made any of the items yet, but hope to now that I've found a local source for most of the vegan based items.

I listen to this lady's podcast and on the strength of that decided to get the book. I have made many of the recipes already and have liked them all. It's a good place to start if you are wanting to include some (or more) vegan recipes in your repertoire.