Peas and Thank You

August 1, 2011
Former attorney turned mommy blogger Matheny's collection of over 85 meatless recipes manages to inform and irritate in equal measure, proving that what works in a blog doesn't always translate to the page. However, offering vegan-friendly dishes for all tastes and mealtimes gives the collection breadth and depth, particularly when dietary and ingredient restrictions are taken into account. While Matheny includes the expected recipes for smoothies, guacamole, African peanut stew, and tempeh chili, she also offers vegan-esque takes on French toast, Reuben sandwiches, lentil-based meatballs, homemade tortillas, Thai veggie burgers, and mango cupcakes with coconut cream icing. Even carnivores will want to try her flavorful Thai crunch salad, cashew carrot ginger soup, and Indian shepherd's pie. To get to these recipes though, readers must wade through a few too many shots of her daughters in dance costumes, long-winded stories only tangentially related to the dish, and references to Matheny's husband as "Pea Daddy." If readers can get past the cutesiness, they'll find practical, tasty vegan fare along with helpful nutritional information and clear directions.

July 1, 2011

A former divorce lawyer and popular food blogger shells out veggies and sweets in abundance.

Meet the happy Pea Family. Matheny—Pea Mama—dishes up a premiere vegan cookbook with more than 85 recipes and gorgeous full-color photographs, in which she provides a pantry stock list and cute stories about hubby (Pea Daddy) and two adorable little pea girls. There's even a pea kitty in the family. Yes, it's corny, but it won't take long to realize that Matheny's Thai Veggie Burgers will coax even the most zealous carnivores into eating and actually enjoying healthy food. Matheny is obviously a concerned mother trying to inspire her kids to eat well—and her solution is to make it fun for all involved. She breaks it down by meal, beginning with mouthwatering breakfast recipes that include a variety of to-die-for fruit smoothies and Life's Not Fair Blueberry Scones. Flavorful and meatless lunches range from Spicy African Peanut Slow Cooker Soup to Skinny Elvis Sandwiches (almond butter and strawberries replace The King's beloved peanut butter and banana pairing), while Seitan Lettuce Wraps are appetizing sources of dinner protein with the flavor and texture of meat. Also found here are plenty of sides, sauces, snacks and desserts—e.g., German Chocolate Cake and soft "mall" pretzels. Ingredients can be easily sourced at the local market.

Matheny's easy-to-follow directions, garnished with lively anecdotes, will have more readers adding the author's meatless recipes to their repertoire.

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