Cooking fast and slow Easy, comforting, (mostly) plant-based recipes for busy people

Rudin, a self-taught personal chef who grew her reputation by turning her Instagram account, @natsnourishments, into a hugely popular online community, offers her first cookbook. In it, she shares her personal food history with influences from her family roots in Russia and Austria and her culinary travels, showcasing recipes for cooks who range from time-deprived, quick-to-table eaters to those interested in leisurely weekend batch cooking. While most of Rudin's work is plant-focused, she offers alternatives and substitutions throughout the book, sharing how to incorporate animal proteins for those who prefer those ingredients. The book offers many gluten-free options as well as ways to personalize the recipes. In addition to sections featuring prep and cooking times of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and one hour, there are wonderful features for breakfast, both fast and slow options. Standouts include carrot-cake overnight oats and several toppings for toast, including harissa beans. Desserts, including rhubarb, ginger, and cardamom crumble, are included to cater to those with a sweet tooth. The recipes are enthusiastically and clearly written, with hints and tips worked in. VERDICT A welcome addition to library collections for audiences who want to explore plant-based cooking but aren't ready to completely replace their current pantries.--Ron Block