More Peas, Please—Cookbook Review & Giveaway!

Posted on August 21st, 2011 by BroccoliHut

A few weeks ago, the B-Hut was blessed with yet another cookbook to review. But this one was different from all the others—this one was written by a fellow blogger, whose blog I have been reading for years. This one combined delicious meatless fare with witty storytelling. This one has me saying “More peas, please!” for the first time in my entire life.

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My infatuation with Sarah Matheny’s Peas & Thank You began under the most unlikely of circumstances. Rather than blissfully perusing its pages while sitting at my kitchen table, I was stuffed into a crowded airplane, where the closest thing to “cooking” comes wrapped in cellophane and smells faintly of stale coffee. Once I opened up the first page of the book, the stresses of my travel day disappeared—soon forgotten were the never-ending the flight delays (and ensuing sprint through the Atlanta airport). Everything about this book captivated my attention. With its carefully crafted stories, beautiful photography, and, most importantly, mouthwatering food, Peas & Thank You is a treat for the mind, the eyes, and the stomach.

A few of the highlights I found throughout the recipes:

Keep it fresh. As you all know, my mantra when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet of any kind is to “eat by color,” and these recipes certainly make it easy. Each dish features an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are vital for adults and children alike.

Watch that sodium. I’m militant about a few things in life—practicing proper grammar, watching What Not to Wear, and, most pertinent to this discussion, monitoring sodium. Much to my delight, these recipes all keep an eye on sodium levels, using low-sodium broth and lots of spice to keep things both healthy and flavorful.

Know your numbers. Each recipe features complete nutrition information.  As you all are probably well-aware,  I tend to tweak recipes to oblivion when I cook, thereby invalidating accompanying nutrition information, BUT I like to see the stats nonetheless so as to get a general idea of the nutrition provided by a given recipe. Providing nutrition information for each dish is a mark of a high-quality, health-minded cookbook in my mind; it allows individuals to determine whether a recipe can fit within their specific dietary restrictions.

Make it pretty. Call me superficial, but I prefer cookbooks with pretty pictures…and this one has plenty. One for almost every recipe in fact. In color. Having a photographic reference for a dish always helps me in both preparing and presenting it.

In honor of such an outstanding cookbook, I declared last week as Pea Week, wherein I created a recipe from the cookbook on each day of the week. Let’s just say I’ve been eating very well for the past several days…

Day 1: Un-toppable Black Bean Soup

Day 2: Skinny Elvis Sandwich

Day 3: Almond Ginger Dressing

Day 4: Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie

Day 5: Thai Veggie Burgers

For those of you who haven’t yet experienced the culinary delights of Peas & Thank You , now is your chance—one lucky reader will win a copy of the cookbook!

To enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me about your favorite meatless meal. Feel free to include a complete menu, from appetizer to dessert.

2. Tweet about the giveaway, and leave a comment telling me you did.

“Peas & Thank You Cookbook Giveaway—check it out @broccolihut!”

3. You have until Friday, August 26 at 8PM EDT to enter.

Margot and I both wish you the best of luck!

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54 Responses to “More Peas, Please—Cookbook Review & Giveaway!”

  1. tiffany, on August 21st, 2011 at 1:56 pm Said:

    love veggie and tofu stir frys with brown rice. and any type of roasted vegetable!

  2. ktangel1088, on August 21st, 2011 at 2:39 pm Said:

    anytime cookies and snobby joes!

  3. Cari, on August 21st, 2011 at 2:40 pm Said:

    one of my favorite meatless meals is sweet and sour thai tofu– so good! but if i’m feeling the need for some hearty comfort food, butternut chili cheese fries (with butternut squash fries, vegan chili, and daiya shreds) are a delicious way to go, too!

    i would love to win this cookbook and find some new favorites, too!

  4. Kayla @ SproutyBuns, on August 21st, 2011 at 2:42 pm Said:

    appetizer: chips & guacamole
    entree: quinoa with black beans, sweet potato chunks, salsa and nooch
    dessert: vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream topped with peaches and cinnamon

    …. okay, I’m hungry now ;)

  5. Kayla @ SproutyBuns, on August 21st, 2011 at 2:44 pm Said:

    I tweeted!

  6. Sarah Griffis, on August 21st, 2011 at 2:54 pm Said:

    I’ve been on such a veggie burger kick lately! My favorite is from Burger Life- it’s a thick bean burger and I get spring mix, black olives, bell pepper, and pico on it, with a side of sweet potato fries!!

  7. Lauren @ What Lauren Likes, on August 21st, 2011 at 2:59 pm Said:

    I love egg dishes or bean burgers! What a great giveaway :)

  8. Molly B, on August 21st, 2011 at 3:09 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is a toss up between tofu peanut stir-fry over quinoa and chickpea cutlets with sweet potatoes and roasted veggies.

  9. Karina, on August 21st, 2011 at 3:45 pm Said:

    plates of roasted veggies never fail!

  10. Faith, on August 21st, 2011 at 3:53 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meals always involve hummus:)

  11. Michelle, on August 21st, 2011 at 4:13 pm Said:

    Mama Pea’s noodles with Mmmm Sauce. I can’t get enough!

  12. Kerry, on August 21st, 2011 at 5:50 pm Said:

    Hi,
    I’ve been reading for a while now (first time commenter!), sooo excited to find your blog as I’m a new(ish) vegetarian currently looking into Masters/Post-Grad Nutrition/Dietetics courses (final yr undergrad right now), LOVING all your recipe ideas and practical advice! ;-)
    Oooo fav meatless meal sooo difficult but my “every single ingredient that i love thrown into a salad bowl which the size of a family serving bowl” meal 2nite was heaven to me! Ingreds:
    Mountain of spinach
    Tenderstem Broccoli
    Half an insanely good avocado
    Some stir fried tofu
    Sprinkle of Pumpkin Seeds
    Avocado oil (crack!) and balsamic dressing
    DIPPING ESSENTIALS:
    Dollop of hummus at one side of the bowl
    Scoop of almond butter at other side of bowl
    Dessert may have involved peaches soy yogurt and a few (ahem!) dark choc chips all mixed together into a beautiful mess! :-)

  13. jc, on August 21st, 2011 at 6:06 pm Said:

    i absolutely love veg juices, otameals, kabocha squash roasted, and lotsa salads with seaweeds!

  14. Veronica, on August 21st, 2011 at 6:15 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is every meal! I love not only being a vegetarian but also feeling all the health benefits of a plant-based diet! Everyday starts out with a spoonful of chia seeds – whether in my oatmeal, homemade granola, or plain ole’ cereal! Gotta love omega-3s, fiber, and essential amino acids in the teeny tiny adorable chia seed! :)

  15. Veronica, on August 21st, 2011 at 6:16 pm Said:

    Also, just tweeted about the giveaway! @Happy_by_Nature

  16. Kayleigh, on August 21st, 2011 at 6:57 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is homemade veggie burgers of any kind! I have really been wanting to try mama pea’s Thai ones in the cookbook.

  17. Kie, on August 21st, 2011 at 7:49 pm Said:

    I love wheat gluten with bamboo shoots and baby corn!

  18. Kie, on August 21st, 2011 at 7:50 pm Said:

    I love veggie stir fries with baby corn and tofu!

  19. Abbey, on August 21st, 2011 at 8:08 pm Said:

    My favorites are either hummus or my veggie chili!

  20. Amna, on August 21st, 2011 at 8:14 pm Said:

    I love a falafel with veggies!

  21. sarah, on August 21st, 2011 at 8:23 pm Said:

    My fave meatless meal is anything with hummous- I like to make giant salads with roasted root veggies, taboulleh, falafel and hummuos. Lentil soup and baked beans and veggie burgers are all favourites too- I just basically love all vegetarian food!
    I NEED this cookbook in my life
    Xxx

  22. Cecilia, on August 21st, 2011 at 8:51 pm Said:

    I love a good falafel, hummus and tabbouleh wrap. Oh my gosh, so so good! And naturally meatless too! :)

  23. Cupcake Kat, on August 21st, 2011 at 9:02 pm Said:

    Tofu with quinoa and sweet potato then a vegan chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert

  24. Lily, on August 21st, 2011 at 10:09 pm Said:

    I love noodles with peanut or sesame sauce! Lately I’ve been using shirataki Japanese noodles and making a sauce from sunbutter, peanut and sesame oils, and chili garlic sauce. Spicy!

    Also, I tweeted:)

  25. Bebe, on August 21st, 2011 at 11:18 pm Said:

    Guacamole, black bean soup, spring rolls

  26. tiffany, on August 22nd, 2011 at 12:56 am Said:

    i’ve just discovered my rekindled love for lentils. boiled with some garlic and curry powder…delicious!

  27. Mama Pea, on August 22nd, 2011 at 12:57 am Said:

    Thank you for the wonderful review, Caroline. I am honored.

    BroccoliHut Reply:
    August 22nd, 2011 at 9:29 am

    The book was a delight both to read and to review!

  28. Stephanie, on August 22nd, 2011 at 8:39 am Said:

    oh man, it depends on the time of year but right now I’ve really gotten into “fried” quinoa. it’s like fried rice except not fried and with quinoa, tons of veggies, maybe some tofu and eggs!

  29. Shelby, on August 22nd, 2011 at 10:28 am Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is pretty easy – quinoa bowl with lots of veggies, black beans or chickpeas, goddess dressing, and sunflower seeds or nuts! Great giveaway!

  30. Brigid of Vegging out in T-Town, on August 22nd, 2011 at 11:09 am Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is falafel with tahini sauce, sauteed veggies, rice, and baba ghanoush (which I will now have to procure for lunch). Yum!

  31. Evan Thomas, on August 22nd, 2011 at 11:23 am Said:

    I love my recipe for vegan, gluten-free lentil loaf, which reminds me I haven’t made it in a good year.

  32. Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies), on August 22nd, 2011 at 12:40 pm Said:

    my fav meatless meal is a GIANT salad with tomato, carrot, romaine pickles with beans and hummus! simple but amazeeeeeballs~!

  33. Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies), on August 22nd, 2011 at 12:41 pm Said:

    tweeted!

  34. Katie @ Nutrition in a peanut shell, on August 22nd, 2011 at 1:00 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is peanut butter and jelly. Bahahahahaha can you see I’m a meat eater?

    Or Panera’s strawberry spinach salad….sans chicken of course ;)

  35. Melissa, on August 22nd, 2011 at 1:26 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is a hearty tofu scramble with lots of veggies and some whole wheat toast!

  36. Melissa, on August 22nd, 2011 at 1:26 pm Said:

    Tweeted about the giveaway- @missymusings

  37. Lisa, on August 22nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm Said:

    Veggie and tofu curry made with coconut milk and served over rice noodles. I could eat it every day!

  38. Donna C, on August 22nd, 2011 at 3:42 pm Said:

    I love love love black bean burgers!

  39. Donna C, on August 22nd, 2011 at 3:43 pm Said:

    I tweeted about the giveaway

    http://twitter.com/#!/donna_cairns/status/105726842970972160

    donna_cairns

  40. Emily, on August 22nd, 2011 at 5:03 pm Said:

    I love anything with beans. Rice, chickpeas, tomatoe sause, veggies x 100. Perfection!

  41. Nikki, on August 22nd, 2011 at 5:20 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is a veggie burger on whole wheat bread, cheese, and all the veggies you can possibly top it with. I had one just a few hours ago! Magical!

  42. Erin, on August 22nd, 2011 at 5:57 pm Said:

    Breakfast: oatmeal, homemade pumpkin spice mix, chopped apples and banana, flax seed, and peanut butter

    Lunch: Huge salad with every veggie possible and maybe some grilled tofu

    Dinner: Sauteed veggies, tofu “cream” sauce, quinoa and black beans

  43. Colleen, on August 22nd, 2011 at 8:00 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is a black bean quesadilla with guacamole–yum!

  44. julie, on August 22nd, 2011 at 8:46 pm Said:

    my fav meatless meal is definitely a huge omelet with goat cheese!!

  45. julie, on August 22nd, 2011 at 8:46 pm Said:

    and i tweeted!!

  46. Lenna, on August 23rd, 2011 at 10:25 am Said:

    All my meals are actually meatless, but a menu with my faves would be something like this:
    hummus dip with veggies, raw cauliflower+carrot soup, veggie salad with falafels and banana soft-serve

  47. Erin, on August 23rd, 2011 at 2:23 pm Said:

    I like pretty much everything I ever eat, so choosing is hard, but right now lasagna sounds fantastic. I’d love to make those Thai veggie burgers too.

  48. Nicole G, on August 23rd, 2011 at 3:23 pm Said:

    Favorite meatless meal is easy PEAsy since I no longer eat meat (3 years strong!). I love having plain baked tofu and Trader Joe’s original hummus with spinach and tomato on Arnold 100% whole wheat bread with some carrots on the side and a juicy peach to finish off the meal. Simple but DELISH =)

  49. Rachel, on August 24th, 2011 at 3:38 pm Said:

    fave meatless meal is sweet potato with peanut butter, weird but it works…or cereal. ;)

  50. domestic diva, on August 24th, 2011 at 4:16 pm Said:

    Our favorite breakfast is a fruit and nut milk smoothie. or apples with peanut butter. Yum!

  51. Lacey, on August 24th, 2011 at 5:27 pm Said:

    Mama Pea was a huge influence in me going meatless!!

    I love anything with tofu, hummus, tempeh, spinach, kale, seasoned with some soy sauce, sriracha and a touch of honey. :-D

    Also, Mama Pea’s Meatless Meatloaf Muffins got a big thumbs up from my meat-eating friends.

    BroccoliHut Reply:
    August 24th, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    I tried the meatless meatloaf muffins too, and Seth (my omnivorous boyfriend) gobbled them up! No leftovers to be found (sadly).
    I love the sound of your kale recipe–must try that!

  52. Irina, on August 24th, 2011 at 11:11 pm Said:

    My favorite meatless meal is oatmeal! The number of ways to “spice up” a bland bowl of oats is endless! I look forward to breakfast each night :) I love adding chia seeds, pumkin seeds, or toasted almonds.

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