Tassajara Cookbook, by Karla Oliveira, Gibbs Smith Publishers, 224 pages, $28.99.
There is something special about purposefully focusing on the food you are eating.
Being completely in the moment as you enjoy your meal is both relaxing and stimulating at the same time. It is the Zen of dining.
You would be hardpressed to find a better place to be connected to your meal than the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in California's Ventana Wilderness. The Buddhist monastery is famous for its gourmet vegetarian cuisine, and during guest season visitors partake in both the relaxing ambience and delicious menus.
Beyond the three sumptuous vegetarian meals prepared every day is the option of the Bag Lunch. For this meal guests can create their own meal from a selection of up to 20 different food choices and then head outdoors to enjoy the surrounding trails and a unique picnic meal.
Drawing on the extensive selection of spreads, patés, tofu, chutneys, salads, loaves, and more, author Karla Oliveira has gathered this collection of fabulous recipes.
Alongside the recipes, which are presented in a simple format, are gorgeous colour photographs of many of the featured foods. More than 100 recipes fill the pages, providing both vegetarian and vegan choices that will make for delicious creations for anyone.
