Naturally Gourmet

At my young women's Bible study group that I host in my home, Michelle recently brought in a cookbook with her to show to one of the other women. It caught my eye. Naturally Gourmet offers up vegan recipes, and is one of the most beautiful cookbooks I've ever seen in terms of colorful photography and simple layout.

One thing led to another, and someone suggested we share a supper where each woman brought a different dish made from Naturally Gourmet. Michelle assigned out the recipes, and we were off!  Our special meal together took place a couple of evenings ago.

Pita wraps by Kimmie and Laura

The hummus in these wraps (for which they used flatbread instead of pita bread) was delicious!

Cabbage and cilantro salad with pine nuts by Anna

I had made this one earlier, and my family couldn't quit eating it!  I think it's the combination of lime juice and cilantro and toasted pine nuts--yes, I know pine nuts are as expensive as gold--that made it so tasty.

Spanikopita by Donna

This recipe uses tofu instead of feta cheese, and I thought it was very good.  I'm going to have a shot at making this myself at some point.

Tomato Florentine soup by me

Ah, tomato Florentine soup, made with cashew milk!  This has some really nice textures, with the onions, diced tomatoes and spinach, and was full of flavor.

Curried lentils and rice by Katie

We make rice and curry with lentils, why not mix it all together?  I like curry in so many venues, including this one!

Pear pie by Kristin

Kristin pointed out that the pie turned out a bit soupy, and as we ate, we discussed ways of addressing this. I'm not sure that we came up with a good solution. Since I'm not the most talented of cooks, I'd leave it up to you to solve the situation. It was tasty, though!

Date bars by Michelle

This one tasted just plain healthy! Dates always remind me of getting date shakes at the roadside fruit market on the way to Palm Springs, California, and of eating a date when my family visited Jericho during the summer I was eighteen. I had just a tiny bite, since I've been off sugar for a year. I am always amused that health nut people will avoid refined sugar but eat dates and honey. It seems to me that sugar is sugar, even if it's healthier sugar. But I'll save those musings for another time...