Vegetarian

As the new year gets underway our appetites change, from holiday feasting mode, to something a bit more invigorating. We need food to fuel a fresh start, food that will perk us up, not weigh us down. What could serve the purpose better than a salad. But it’s not summer, we hear you cry.

Vegetarianism, as a term, only came into general use after the formation of the Vegetarian Society at Ramsgate in England in 1847, writes food historian Alan Davidson. “However,” he says, “the phenomenon, that is to say the existence of significant numbers of people who as a matter of principle did not eat animal flesh, dates back to classical times or beyond.”

Deborah Madison, cookbook author chef, has been instrumental in shaping attitudes to meat-free eating – somewhat ironically, given that Madison is not in fact a vegetarian. Deborah spoke to ckbk about why The Savory Way – which won the Julia Child/IACP 1990 Best Cookbook of the Year – remains a favorite, and how attitudes and cooking trends have changed in the 30+ years since the book was written.

Chef and restaurateur Denis Cotter opened Café Paradiso in Cork, Ireland, in 1993. It’s been in business for 28 years – a huge achievement in such a fickle industry – and still wins plaudits for doing things differently. The restaurant is closed because of the pandemic, giving Denis time to talk to ckbk about Paradiso’s past, its present – and what the post-pandemic future may hold for restaurants.

January in the food world has become near-synonymous with Veganuary, the annual 31-day meat- and dairy-free challenge. If you’re one of them – or if you would like to know more about what vegan eating is all about – ckbk has a huge range of recipes and resources.

Prue Leith, a presenter of The Great British Bake Off, has partnered with her niece, Peta Leith, a professional pastry chef, to write The Vegetarian Kitchen. Kerstin Rodgers interviewed the pair over Zoom about their collaboration, how they handled lockdown, friendship with food-writing legends Mary Berry and Elizabeth David, and what life is really like in the Bake Off tent.

Food writer Alice Hart brings vegetarian dishes to the modern table with recipes that are full of color, texture and nutrition in Vegetarian.

Meet your Veganuary goals with a curated selection of menus and cookbooks to propel you to the finish line!