cover image Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen: 150 Pizzas, Pastas, Pestos, and Lots of Creamy Italian Classics

Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen: 150 Pizzas, Pastas, Pestos, and Lots of Creamy Italian Classics

Chloe Coscarelli. Atria, $19.99 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-4767-3607-5

Cheese and creamy sauces are a staple in classical Italian cooking, making it a huge challenge for vegans. Coscarelli (Chloe’s Kitchen and Chloe’s Vegan Desserts) does the near impossible by offering delicious vegan versions of Italian classics with inventive twists that will please and satisfy. She also provides menu ideas and suggestions for gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free substitutions. Many recipes include notes or make-ahead tips that will help busy or new cooks. Butternut bruschetta with caramelized onions, and herbed risotto cakes with arrabbiata dipping sauce are simply scrumptious. Artichoke hash browns, braised kale with pine nuts and cranberries, and pomegranate roasted brussels sprouts offer smart and appealing variations of everyday veggies. Pasta, always a main Italian staple, is equally appetizing in Coscarelli’s hands including artichoke pesto pasta salad and white lasagna with butternut squash and spinach. She also includes appetizing soups and salads. Heirloom tomato toast, simple yet so appealing, and meatball sliders made with brown rice and mushrooms will appeal to any palate, while Chloe’s Rawsagna, a raw lasagna with pine nut ricotta and sun-dried tomato sauce is just stunning. Desserts such as Florentine bar cookies, Nutella cinnamon rolls, and banana coffee cupcakes are also sure to gratify. Filled with old favorites and new dishes sure to become mealtime staples, this collection will delight vegans, vegetarians, and all those looking to eat healthier meals. (Sept.)