Book Review

The Uncheese Cookbook
by Joanne Stepaniak
Review by Bonnie Barker

I was really excited to find this book; simulated cheese is an appealing idea for a vegan wanna-be. The book is loaded with unique concoctions that simulate the taste and texture of real dairy cheeses, but are completely vegan. The author includes a helpful nutritional comparison of dairy cheeses vs. 'uncheezes,' a glossary of special ingredients, and nutritional analyses which are included with each recipe.

Recipes call for common, easy-to-find ingredients. I have to admit though, the combinations of those ingredients seemed strange at first. To my surprise, I found that dumping a bunch of seemingly unrelated and non-cheesy items into a blender can yield an amazingly cheesy result. Bravo Stepaniak!

My family's favorite is the 'Potato, Tomato & Cheeze Chowder.' The stock is smooth and cheddar-like. I also really enjoyed the 'Baked Macaroni & Cheeze,' but my 3-year-old was not crazy about the smell of the nutritional yeast flakes in it. It is not a bad or unappetizing smell, just not exactly reminiscent of cheese. It tended to overpower the smells of the other ingredients in some dishes.

Many of the recipes rely on nutritional yeast flakes for that 'cheesy' taste. But if you don't happen to care for the flavor or the smell, there are plenty of dishes that don't require it. Just try the 'Tofu Cottage Cheeze,' 'Noodle Kugel,' or 'Easy Cheeze Danish'. Mmmm!

It has been fun experimenting with the simulated "cheezes" in this book. It will be a well-used resource along my journey toward veganism.

Order Uncheese Cookbook Now!

Bonnie is a stay-at-home-mom, who also consults part-time as an environmental engineer. She enjoys experimenting with new vegan recipes and organic gardening. She lives in scenic St. Clair, Michigan with daughters, Abigail and Grace, and husband, Earl.

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