Punk Cookery, The Punk Rocker’s Cafe Cookbook, Vegetarian Specialties by Ian Finn

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I certainly haven’t tried every recipe in this book, but I have tried enough to know that it is spot on for what it is offering, which is a variety of grubbing, basic vegetarian recipes that provide some quantity. You won’t feed hundreds with these recipes, but you will feed 10.

I don’t use cookbooks very often. When I do, I am looking for inspiration for something new to try or I am looking for a basis on which to apply my own creative process upon. Even when I do use a cookbook, I rarely prepare the recipe exactly as directed.

There are a number of things that are especially cool about Punk Cookery.

First is Ian’s commentary. Although we are from different ends of the country, we are from the same scene. Like Ian, these recipes have history, which he shares with the user.

Second is that these recipes are good for a beginner or an experienced cook. I admit that a lot of times I pull out Betty Crocker when I am baking and modify these old school recipes to be vegan. But how do you do that for Lentil Loaf or Chocolate Tofu Pie? Well, you don’t…but this book has these recipes that can be followed to the T by a beginner or modified by an experienced cook.

Finally, there are simply some really cool and unusual recipes in here. My favorite section is the salads, which includes recipes for Sweet Pea Guacamole, Wild Rice & Artichoke, Greek Potatoes and more. I think there are probably recipes from about 8 different cultures. I also have Ian’s Ethiopian-Inspired Cooking, which I have been wanting to try.

ooh…I gotta go wisk my herbed polenta before it burns…


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