Where can I find some good books? How about Book Publishing Company!

Last month I was sent a complimentary review copy of The Nut Gourmet from Book Publishing Company.  Book Publishing Company "is a community owned, independent press dedicated to publishing books that promote a healthful and sustainable lifestyle."  They "are located on The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee and have been in business since 1974."

In addition, their "vegetarian/vegan cookbooks include ethnic favorites and cover a number of dietary concerns (food sensitivities, diabetes, weight management, etc.)."  Their "Healthy Living imprint offers titles that help people reach optimal health through better nutrition, nontoxic personal and home care, and natural therapies for illnesses."  Their "Native Voices imprint features books on Native American history, spirituality, and culture."

AND Book Publishing Company is a member of The Green Press Initiative... so they are committed to print a growing number of their titles on paper that is postconsumer recycled and processed chlorine free!!!

Sounds like a nice company, doesn't it?!  Well, I must say I am very satisfied with The Nut Gourmet.  I can't get enough of nuts, and this book provides so many different recipes in which I can use nuts of all kinds :-).  I especially love how this book includes so much more than just recipes!  It has nutritional facts for many kinds of nuts and also teaches how to crack, roast, and even sprout nuts.  I've learned so much!  Therefore, I give this book a 10 of 10!  (If I were to make a complaint, I'd ask for more pictures, but that's a minor complaint)
 
Oh, and I should probably give you a little background about the author, Zel Allen, too.  She is presently spreading the message of a healthy vegan lifestyle by teaching vegetarian cooking classes at libraries, churches, etc.  You can learn more about Zel and her husband on their website here!
 

Now for the book! Doesn't it look delightful?!

 

Here's the recipe I'm highlighting for you:

Bean butter?  Yes, bean butter!  No, it doesn't quite taste like nut butter, but I think it's a great low-fat, high-fiber, and somewhat high-protein alternative :-). 

Now, I did make just a few adjustments to the recipe based on the ingredients I had on hand, so here is a link to my own version.  I love how a recipe like this is so versatile!

Now for pics of the process, which was SUPER easy!

So far I've tried it plain and with a banana, but there are so many ways to enjoy this bean butter... such as on a sandwhich, with chips, or even on sweet potatoes (I just thought of that one, but I think it'd be great!).  The butter is slightly sweet and nutty with a hint of the bean flavor.  As long as you're not expecting a rich nut butter taste, you won't be disappointed.  Oh, and I suppose it may help if you are a fan of beans, though the bean flavor certainly isn't overpowering.  In fact, you can't really notice it when you pair it with a banana, since bananas can overpower just about anything :-).

More reviews to come... though my blogging may be a bit sporadic as I am packing and getting reading to move to Illinois early in August since I'll be attending grad school at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign!  I can't wait, but then again this also means my summer's almost over :-(.

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend everyone!

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