vs.
Quick Vegetarian Pleasures is another book by Jeanne Lemlin. I picked up a copy of this book after working my way through Vegetarian Classics. I really enjoyed Vegetarian Classics and just assumed that I would love this book as much. It did receive a James Beard Award, but sadly I did not enjoy this book as much. The recipes in this book are indeed quick, but it seems to me the flavors were lacking as a result. A perfect example is the stuffed potato recipes in the two books. In Vegetarian Classics, Jeanne has recipe for an absolutely delicious Spinach and Feta Cheese Stuffed Baked Potato. This dish is a wonderful balance of flavors. The spinach and feta are a classic mix, think Spanikopita (or Spanakopita). In Quick Vegetarian Pleasures the stuffed potato recipe is a Cheesy Stuffed Potato with muenster and cheddar. The ingredients and flavors are far less interesting than the Spinach and Feta Stuffed Baked Potato.
There is one category where Jeanne always gets it right and that is desserts! For a person who cooks mostly healthy food, she definitely knows how to make a decadent dessert. I highly recommend any of the dessert recipes in either of these books. Jeanne is also usually pretty good with breakfast items, although I prefer the breakfasts in Vegetarian Classics. I guess, there is a reason why some things are classics. If I were to suggest picking up one of these two cookbooks, it would be Vegetarian Classics. The recipes may take more time, but the flavor pay off is definitely worth it.