Straight Up Food: Delicious and Easy Plant-based Cooking without Salt, Oil or Sugar

It is rare that I purchase a cookbook without being able to review it first, especially at this price, but I took a chance on this one and am so glad. This review may be a little premature since the only recipe I have prepared so far is the Falafel, but they were so easy and scrumptious that I decided not to wait. I’m looking forward to trying them with the yummy-looking Tzatziki sauce, but even by themselves the falafels are a winner. I was delighted to find dessert recipes that don’t contain coconut oil and actually look tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare. Learned a new trick to make delicious, creamy, fat-free dressings that I’ve never come across before (and I have a LOT of cookbooks). The spiral binding conveniently allows the book to open flat on the counter, and if the falafel recipe is any indication, the prep times listed are realistic even for a novice cook (experienced cooks would likely require less time). Thrilled that I found this cookbook in time to order more as gifts for the holidays. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in whole-foods, plant-based recipes that are delicious, healthy, quick and easy to prepare, and call for ingredients which are readily available. In addition, this book contains a wealth of information about healthy eating. My only criticism would be that some of the recipes include white potatoes, which IMHO are not the healthiest; however, overall I give it a thumbs up. Mahalo, Cathy Fisher!!! Update: The Tzatziki sauce is delicious and extremely simple to prepare. Also loved the Pumpkin Pie Squares. So far, so good - lots of other recipes that I look forward to trying.

I've been vegan for over four years, but have decided to cut back on the amount of oil I use since my cholesterol numbers haven't been great and I've been worried about using too much coconut oil in my baking and cooking. I had seen the high reviews for this cookbook, but held off for awhile on ordering it since the price seemed high for a cookbook. I finally ordered it about a month ago, and am so glad I did! Everything in this cookbook is oil-free, sugar-free, and salt-free -- and while you may think that that would limit the taste, everything I've made so far has been delicious! The author uses ordinary ingredients for all her recipes (so you won't find things like chia seeds, goji berries, etc. in here), and the idea is to create recipes that replicate favorites. I'm including photos of the blueberry muffins, enchilada casserole, and veggie burgers. I also love the coil binding on this cookbook; while the pages sometimes get stuck, it allows it to remain open for ease of use. Also in the back of the book are several sections that outline strategies for things like how to change to a plant-based diet, how to cook without oil, how to do menu planning, and tips for traveling and eating out. Nutrition data is included for each recipe in the back, too, and the author provides serving sizes, calories, caloric density information, as well as information about fat grams, sodium grams, carbs, protein, sugar, fiber, and calcium. While pricier than other cookbooks, I like supporting authors like Cathy Fisher, who obviously put her heart into creating healthy, delicious recipes. I've been using this cookbook a lot, and know I will for years to come.

I’ve been eating low fat and plant-based for my health for nearly 12 years, and if I had to recommend a cookbook out of all those available in this area, it would be this one. It is a great and complete reference for how and why to follow this way of eating. It derails the common misconception that cooking without oil, salt or sugar or pretty much any processed products is going to be too hard and not taste good. The remarkable thing about the recipes in Straight Up Food is that they don't allow or use some of the go-to ingredients for taste in other plant based programs, yet they taste wonderful! The book is also easy to use (lays flat for reading while preparing your food) and Cathy anticipates in the instructions just about any question someone making one might come up with. Her years of teaching live cooking classes show in the instructions, presentation, and taste of the recipes. I’ve never been disappointed with a recipe from this book. It’s compliant with all major plant-based programs such as Forks Over Knives or McDougall, and I use a lot of the tips and strategies available in the book and the recipes over and over in my own cooking. This is the best cookbook you can invest in if you’re serious about good healthy plant-based food. Bon appetite!

There are many delicious recipes, it's a must-have in every home.

Beautiful book. I haven't tried it yet, but I can tell it's going to be a great experience. All of the recipes look delicious. I will definitely create a schedule to make every single dessert and dish. It is a bit expensive, but my health is worth it. UPDATE: This book is a needed staple for anyone who wants to be an sos vegan. I already have tried the un-tuna and the burrito bowl. Can I tell you I realized that vegetables and spices is what I was enjoying when I ate flesh. These recipes are delicious. Tonight I'm making the Tai vegetableswith pasta shells. I can't wait.

I've tried the apple crumble, the pumpkin pie, and the carrot cake with vanilla frosting. They've all been delicious.

I like the flavours of these recipes. I have a hard time with most popular plant based recipes. They use herbs and spices that I just have a taste for, but these are more along the lines of what a "meat and potatoes" kind of person would go for.

You can’t go wrong. Great recipes.

I bought this book without any one recommending it, but have since heard several people, including Chef AJ praising it. It is a great book, beautifully laid out and fabulous recipes. Ideal for those who would like to eat healthily and or follow a Whole Food Plant Based food regimen. They way it is bound is also great as it sits well on my book holder. I am delighted with it.

I love this book. Easy recipes without an exhaustive list of ingredients. Everything I've tried has worked out well. It's my new favourite cookbook.