Julie and Julia's (Oops, I mean Ruthie and Bill's) Cook Off coming to a close

It has been and exciting year trying to cook all the recipes in "Dining with Bill Irwin". Bill wrote this cookbook because of all the requests from friends, family and the audiences he speaks to around the country. Most of them are in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle and Bill is a living testimony of what a healthful diet can do for you.

Most of you know that he has had many health challenges including the loss of his eyesight. I think what everyone loves about Bill is that he is indefatiguable!
The loss of eyesight did not stop him from through-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail with only his seeing eye dog. I hope you have read his account of this adventure in his book, Blind Courage.

Bill approaches every challenge with the same zest and persistence that he had on the trail. I have to admit, that I have had to draw on some of his enthusiasm to get through this year of cooking every one of his recipes. I have no idea how Julie ever did make it through cooking the recipes in "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". My hat goes off to her. While I have no problem throwing a "Lobstah" in a pot of boiling water, I would have been greatly challenged dealing with livers, brains, kidneys and calf legs!


I will continue to give several reviews a day until all are reported. Here are several that all rated V++ which means I loved it and would make it for company.

1. Cold Cucumber Soup, pg 25, rated a V++. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this cold soup in the middle of February. It has a wonderful texture, color and taste.

2. Andalusian Gazpacho pg 12, rated V++. This is a great recipe. Gazpacho is full of vitamins because it is served raw. This is so thick that leftovers can be served on chips like Salsa.

3. Apple Carrot Salad pg 12, rated V++. This was very tasty, and very easy to prepare
I recommend using a little lemon to keep the apples from browning and also a few raisin to add a little extra sweetness.

4. Oat Bran Muffins, pg 180, rated V++. These muffins were the best Vegan muffins I've ever tasted. They were light and sweet even though no eggs or sugar were added.

5. Swedish Sweet Mustard, pg 201 rated V++. This recipe reminded me of my sweet Swedish daughter-in-law, Maja, who is also a great cook. Everyone loved this spicy sauce. Some used it full strength (super hot) on their soy dogs last night and others had to water it down a bit by using more Veganaise....love that Veganaise!!