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By The Benton Sisters
Reviewed by Jessica Alleva, age 18
The way in which we eat determines how healthy we will be, and how safe we will be
from disease, now and in the future. Indeed, the fork is the most powerful
tool to guard against aging and illness. This message is firmly stressed in
the three volumes written by the Benton Sisters: What's Cooking in the Benton Sisters' Kitchen?; Totally
Vegetarian, No Refined Fats or Sugars; and 'Teen'-Tested Recipes. The three
sisters, Audrey, Trishonna and Emberly, have produced an incredible set of
cookbooks that combine both healthful, and delicious recipes. What's more,
these recipes are appealing to both adults and teenagers alike, as the
"Teen-Tested" guarantee confirms.
These are no ordinary cookbooks. It's easy to flip through the conveniently-sized, spiral-bound
pages, and each volume is jam-packed with meal plans and nutrition and baking tips. There are seasoning
suggestions for various veggies, definitions of several ingredients and
inspiring quotes throughout the many pages. What is most unique about these
volumes is their adorable doodles on each page, which gives the books a fun and
whimsical feel. The sisters write, "At the beginning of each section of
this book, we have sketched a picture of an incident that actually happened
to one of us, which we hope won't happen to you." The books
each begin with a handy-dandy list you can fill out, too, entitled "Favorite
Recipes From My Cookbook."
At the heart of these books are the recipes. It is tempting to make each and every recipe because they are creative and enticing. There's no fuss with these recipes, either; they're easy and fairly fast to make, perfect for those on the go. Breakfasts range from "Granola Parfaits" to
"Pineapple Banana Cream Casserole." Main dishes shine; the "Lentil Nut
Loaf" is truly bursting with flavor and nutrition, and the "Potato Boats"
are just as great. Desserts include irresistible "Oatmeal Raisin Nut
Cookies" and "Rocky Snow Mountain Pie." There are also many great salads,
side dishes and breads, not to mention fabulous spreads, such as
the "Love Your Heart Butter," which your taste buds will love, too. Finally,
if you're a vegan and soon to be wed, the third volume of the Benton
Sisters' books have a section dedicated to wedding cakes, with pages of
information and preparation tips.
Truly, the Benton Sisters have created a gem for any cookbook collection.
They are unlike any other and offer variety and creativity for
any lifestyle that will make it hard to resist cooking up a storm! Without
a doubt, the three volumes make an essential addition to any cookbook collection
and will bring not only good health to the reader, but a satisfied palate
as well.
The only side note that must be made is that some of the recipes for desserts and breakfasts call for honey. However, have no fear. Any vegan sweetener, such as maple or barley malt syrup,
can easily replace the honey in these recipes.
Buy these books now!
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