Friendly.  That’s that first word that comes to my mind when I think of describing Mayim’s Vegan Table: More Than 100 Great-Tasting and Healthy Recipes from My Family to Yours, the new cookbook by Mayim Bialik (with Dr. Jay Gordon).  I read this book from cover to cover, as I always do with cookbooks, and I really felt like I was sitting at a table with a friend, just chatting about plant-based eating, raising kids and making good food.

Mayim Bialik is an actress with a PhD in neuroscience.  She’s also a mother.  A hands-on realistic mother who knows that you can’t control every aspect of your children’s lives, but you can do a lot to help them make good choices.  In fact, there’s an entire chapter in the book devoted to easy meal tips, such as keeping things simple and fun, being prepared, and getting the family involved in meal preparation.

The cookbook, which includes over 100 recipes, is not ideal for hard-core health enthusiasts who shun fat and meat substitutes.  The three-bean salad has a cup of oil and a cup of sugar.  Would I eat it every day?  No, but it’s pretty much the same recipe my mother made for our family growing up, so I know it’s good.  These are real recipes that should appeal to anyone.  And most of them are easy.  From Spanish Rice (another childhood favorite of mine) to a four-ingredient Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, even a struggling cook could turn out a good meal without much fuss.

And how about this?  Kugel, Matzoh Ball Soup and Mandel Brodt!  You’ll find these recipes, along with breads, snacks, sides and entrees.  There’s also the obligatory chili recipe, but it’s packed with veggies and three kinds of beans. 

As the only vegan in my house, I am open to any suggestions on how to get my family to “come over to my side.”  The dishes in Mayim’s Vegan Table will certainly help me show that plant-based eating isn’t scary or different.  In fact, it’s pretty awesome.

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