Book Review

The PETA Celebrity Cookbook
Edited by Ingrid Newkirk
Review by Cathe Olson

Most vegans are familiar with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and all the wonderful work they do in protecting the rights of animals - especially in factory farms, laboratories, in the fur trade, and in the entertainment industry.

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PETA has published several cookbooks, but an especially fun one is The PETA Celebrity Cookbook. Not only is it encouraging to find out that many celebrities are vegan, the recipes are really good.

In the cookbook, you'll find "benevolent breakfasts" like actress Bea Arthur's Good Morning Mushroom-Tomato Toast and professional wrestler's Jackhammer Soy Slammer Smoothie. "Luscious Lunches" include: musician Belinda Carlisle's Tofu To Go-Go Sandwich, actor Jackie Chan's Eggplant "Steaks," and musician Paul McCartney's All You Need is Avocado Soup.

You'll also enjoy the "animal-friendly appetizers" like entertainer Bob Barker's Savory Italian Bruschetta, actress Cassandra Peterson's (AKA Elivira, Mistress of the Dark) Mushroom Pate en Croute, and actress Alicia Silverstone's Steamy, Creamy Artichoke Dip. There are "sumptuous side dishes" such as executive chef Peter Schaffrath's Potato, Black Bean, and Corn Cakes and actress Amber Benson's Potent Potato Salad.

For dinner, try one of the "enticing entrees" like actor Alec Baldwin's Miami Blues Red Beans with Garlic, actress Candice Bergen's News Breaking Burger, or Fabio's Portobello Passion. There are plenty of "decadent desserts" too. Actress Christina Applegate's Sweetest Truffles will make a luscious Valentine's Day dessert and actress Rue McClanahan's Extreme Cream Cheesecake is absolutely sumptuous.

The book includes full color pictures of the celebrities with quotes about why they are vegan. In addition, there is an animal-friendly shopping list and information about the health benefits of a vegan diet by Dr. Neal Barnard, President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. If you're looking for a fun book with easy recipes and want to support a great organization, I recommend getting this book.

Order The PETA Celebrity Cookbook Now!

Cathe Olson is the author of the new nondairy ice cream cookbook: Lick It! Cream Dreamy Vegan Ice Cream Your Mouth Will Love, as well as Simply Natural Baby FoodSimply Natural Baby Food and The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook. Visit Cathe's Web site at www.simplynaturalbooks.com and her blog at http://catheolson.blogspot.com.

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