A few years ago, I found this book at the library. I took it home and found quite a few recipes that were delicious. When I saw it again the other week, I took it home again. I went through it all over again and discovered other things I would like to make from it.
So you are thinking, “We are not vegan. We homeschool. We don’t need a lunch box cookbook.” Well, do you sometimes think about implementing a meatless day in your week, in order to encourage the kids to eat more fruits and vegetables? You know, like Meatless Monday? This would be just the cookbook to get you started.
Do you sometimes have a picnic to pack for? A day camp you take the kids to and you need to bring your own lunch along? These ideas would help make it a nutritious picnic.
The first half of the book shares several menus. The second part contains the recipes. There is a small chapter on pantry essentials for the vegan chef. Also, the author shares some ideas on why veganism is a humane and healthy alternative to today’s meat-laden meals.
My absolute favorite recipe in this book is the coconut rice pudding. I grew up on rice pudding and so I am attached to this dish emotionally. By using coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, you eliminate cholesterol intake, in addition to having that wonderful tropical taste. They also add shredded carrots and raisins. They act not only as sweeteners, but also nutrition and fiber. What’s not to like?
Most recipes are easy and fast to make and there are also two other sections of foods that need to be made ahead of time. Somewhere in between these two extremes sits a third category of dishes that can be make in the early hours of the morning, if you are an early bird.
As an early riser myself, I have discovered that if I get to fix breakfast and lunch for my children before they wake up, then my homeschool morning is not as stressful. I know I can focus on school without wondering, “What am I making for lunch? Are they getting too hungry for me to fix this or that by now? It’s already 11:30!!!”
This cookbook has given me permission to use my insomnia (I can’t sleep between 3am-5am) for cooking. So while the whole family is asleep, I do my thing in the kitchen instead of counting sheep and getting into the four digits. I come back to bed and get a couple more hours of sleep, knowing our homeschool cafeteria is ready for another day in paradise.
