Political Media Review

jae steele
Arsenal Pulp Press (2008)
Reviewed by Sharon Colling

This morning I bought a 11″ X 7″ glass Pyrex baking dish at the Co-op store. I’m preparing to make the Molasses Cornbread. jae steele’s Get It Ripe has got me on a roll in the kitchen!

“This vegan cookbook is for everyone,” says the young author and registered holistic nutritionist. There she is on the cover, vibrant, eating strawberries. With enthusiasm and generosity, she offers what she has learned from working on organic farms, in kitchens, and through her studies and involvement with food. The book is divided into 5 parts – Informed Eating, Stocking Up, The Skills, Dish it Out, and Further Healing. This makes it easy to use. If I forget how long to soak the black beans or what ratio of water to beans for cooking, I can find out in a jiffy.

With information on where to shop, what to stock in your pantry, what kitchen supplies to use, and why to eat a plant-based diet, along with digestion, cleansing/detoxifying, raw food and baking methods, the cookbook will stay at the top of your collection. jae puts care into presenting the recipes in a simple and straightforward way. Coding on recipes that are soy-free, gluten-free, nightshade-free or raw/living foods makes this book accessible for those with food sensitivities. The baking is wheat and sugar free, with spelt flour and maple syrup used.

Get it Ripe is full of unique recipes with easy to find ingredients, such as the exquisite sounding Carob Chai Cake with Cardamom Icing. This cake, as jae suggests in the “Indian supper II” section of  Mouth-Watering Menu Ideas found at the end of the book, goes well with Red Lentil Hummus with fresh carrots & bell peppers, Coconut Cauliflower Chana over chopped fresh spinach, and After-Dinner Rooibos Chai or Turmeric Ginger Tea. Another amazing recipe is her Flax Maple cookies. “Thanks to my blog Domestic Affair, these cookies (Flax Maple) are known and loved world-wide. Try ‘em and you’ll see why. They only take a moment to whip up and they’re simply delicious.”

The section on Informed Eating includes political, environmental and health reasons for a plant-based diet. With a non-judgmental approach, jae encourages people to be conscious of what we put in our bodies, to consider where the food comes from. There is information on ethical consumerism, organic foods, composting, and community “food box” programs.

This beautiful and friendly whole food vegan cookbook is an ideal choice for healthy, holistic and delicious eating. Clearly written and comprehensive, it provides everything a beginner needs to know and is a great refresher for the seasoned cook.

Get It Ripe has offered me both the information and inspiration I was waiting for! I was ready for a fresh start. I treasure my new reddish silicon spatulas and the matching whisk with its stylish metal handle, suggested in the kitchen supply section. My cupboard is now stocked. I feel just like I did when I first made the Apple Cinnamon Muffins: excited to be trying something new and making healthy food to share.