I received the book Raw Energy with interest, as I am always looking for healthy snacks. Especially now that I am pregnant, I constantly need something to munch, and I can literally feel my body craving nutrients. Sometimes it is difficult to find something quick and easy that is not a cracker or packaged granola bar. I really liked that this book focuses exclusively on snacks; I don't think I have any other cookbooks that do.
Raw Energy is subtitled, "Raw food recipes for energy bars, smoothies, and other snacks to supercharge your body." That about sums up the content! It retails for $16.95 from the publisher, although right now it is priced at $11.53 on Amazon.
This books has a very appealing format. It is small but thick, and it has glossy full color pictures and a clear style. However, it also does not skimp on content. In addition to 125 recipes, there are extensive introductions on the benefits of eating raw foods and tutorials on methods and ingredients.
For me, a disadvantage to the book was that many recipes include more "exotic" and expensive ingredients that I would not normally keep on hand, such as coconut oil and agave nectar. While I might be willing to purchase and try some of them on occasion, it does limit the practicality of the book for me. However, I also could easily see myself substituting more "conventional" ingredients in some recipes, such as peanut butter for almond butter or regular milk for nut milk.
Nevertheless, the majority of the recipes in the book sound appealing, and not like eating birdseed or something! I am interested in trying some of the vegetable dips and spreads with our garden produce this summer, such as "Texas Tango Salsa" and "Hot and Spicy Zucchini-Scallion Dip." I also liked the recipes for trail mixes, granola bars, and muesli.
Overall, Raw Energy seems like an excellent book, especially if you are particularly interested in this type of eating. While some of the recipes are a little extreme for our eating habits, I am glad I have it as a source of inspiration and ideas.
This is a Mama Buzz Review. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. The opinions are my own.
Did you make any recipes from the book? That would be the test of whether it was worth buying for me. Cookbook reviews without trying out the recipes seem a little silly.
ReplyDeleteAnon., I agree with you that the review would be better with feedback on the recipes. However, I received this book late from the publisher and was trying to get the review up in a timely fashion. Thanks for understanding.
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