The Middle Path Cookbook: A Vegetarian Awakening. . - book review

By Jay Disney

(The Overlook Press, 2002), 262 pages, $28.95.

"The middle path" is a phrase that rings of moderation, temperance, and acceptability, the antithesis of "extreme." It gives a sense of inclusion and appeals to the mainstream. That's what, I believe, Jay Disney is hoping to achieve in his cookbook, The Middle Path, a book written to appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Disney provides a realistic and sophisticated approach to vegetarianism without being aggressive.

Disney discusses the various reasons for eating a vegetarian diet without offending the meat-eating set and without getting on the cruelty-free soapbox. The only soapbox he stands upon is the one dedicated to "moderation." While he does make mention of the far-reaching benefits of a vegetarian diet, he does it in a matter-of-fact way that speaks to why people do it as opposed to why all people should do it.

In The Middle Path Cookbook, Disney supplies a book frill of information on techniques and ingredients. Each chapter includes an educational introduction giving descriptions of the focus ingredients and cooking tips. For many cooks this may be old news. However, those less experienced cooks will find that this information and instruction takes away the intimidation factor in most of the more sophisticated recipes.

Disney's recipes range from basic to sophisticated, healthy to decadent, with everything in between. Although Disney uses eggs and dairy in several of the recipes, he does offer up some advice on substitutions. Still, there are a number of recipes using heavy cream, butter, and sour cream without mentioning whether or not non-dairy substitutes would work in those instances. Many of his recipes are "transitional" in nature, but he still manages to include recipes utilizing tempeh and seitan for the more experienced vegetarian.

Overall, this is a terrific book, even if you don't agree with his philosophy of "moderation." The recipes are creative and tasty, especially the vegan ones.

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