Moosewood Cookbook

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Moosewood Restaurant at DeWitt Mall, Ithaca

Moosewood Cookbook is a highly influential cookbook written by Mollie Katzen in 1977. It is named after the Moosewood Restaurant in Ithaca, New York, which Katzen co-founded in 1973. The cookbook is notable for its emphasis on vegetarian cuisine and introduced many people to vegetarian cooking at a time when vegetarianism was not as widespread or accepted as it is today.

Overview

The Moosewood Cookbook has been credited with making vegetarian food more accessible and appealing to a broad audience. It features a collection of recipes that are both health-conscious and flavorful, drawing on a variety of culinary traditions. The recipes are characterized by their use of whole, natural ingredients and include dishes such as soups, salads, casseroles, and desserts.

One of the distinguishing features of the Moosewood Cookbook is its hand-written and illustrated pages, which give the book a personal and inviting feel. This aesthetic, combined with the recipes' emphasis on simplicity and wholesomeness, has contributed to the cookbook's enduring popularity.

Impact

Since its publication, the Moosewood Cookbook has sold millions of copies and has been revised and updated in several editions. It has been influential in promoting vegetarianism and has inspired countless individuals to explore vegetarian cooking. The book's success also helped to establish the Moosewood Restaurant as a landmark in the vegetarian culinary world.

The Moosewood Cookbook has received numerous accolades over the years, including being inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Cookbook Hall of Fame. It is often cited as one of the best and most important cookbooks of the twentieth century.

Criticism

Despite its popularity, the Moosewood Cookbook has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics have pointed out that some of the recipes are high in fat and calories, which may not align with modern nutritional guidelines. However, supporters argue that the cookbook emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and that many of the recipes can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs.

Legacy

The legacy of the Moosewood Cookbook extends beyond its recipes. It played a significant role in the cultural shift towards vegetarianism and the broader acceptance of vegetarian cuisine in the United States. The cookbook has also inspired a generation of chefs and cookbook authors to explore and promote vegetarian cooking.

The Moosewood Cookbook remains a beloved and influential work in the world of vegetarian cuisine. Its emphasis on simplicity, flavor, and health continues to resonate with readers and cooks around the world.

External links

• Wikibooks article on Moosewood Cookbook
• Wikipedia's article on Moosewood Cookbook