The Uncheese Cookbook: Creating Amazing Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes and Classic "Uncheese" Dishes [Paperback]

On another note, these recipes are incredibly good for you. The ingredients are first rate(unlike many store bought un-cheeses) and of course...no saturated fat or cholesterol. The Gee Whiz Spread has beans in it making it a real nutritional powerhouse and seriously rich and creamy. Nutritional information is included for each recipe as well.

I would recommend all of Joanne's books, but to someone looking for a book dedicated to richness and creaminess this is the one I would start with. It is a great introduction to how good vegan cooking can be!

Cheese is tangy, salty, creamy, rich--and so are Stepaniak's "uncheeses". By using a combination of healthy core ingredients including torula yeast, lemon juice, tahini, oats, cashews, tofu, onion, garlic, and pimientos, among others, Stepaniak has created some really clever and tasty recipes that take the place of cheese quite well.

If you have read the one negative customer review posted here, let me assure you that that reviewer was wrong. The two recipes upon which that review was based are not the two best in the book. Like any cookbook, some recipes among the hundreds work better than others.
I've spent a few years with this book, though, and it has changed the way I approach vegan cooking. The best recipes in this book are marvels.

A few examples: the "mostarella" "cheeze" (particularly with a touch of hickory smoke flavor added)is a delicious soft, spread that has received praise from everyone to whom i have ever served it. The stuffed shells and lasagna recipes are simple, elegant, and impressive. the sauce recipes are top notch,
and the cheesecakes are great.

a wonderful thing about this book is that once you master the basic techniques of creating uncheeses, you begin to see how Stepaniak uses them as a foundation upon which to build a repetoire of creamy, cheesy vegan ideas. Then you can start to develop your own versions of traditionally dairy-based recipes.

don't hesitate to pick up this book. And while you're at it, check your supply of torula (nutritional) yeast, onion & garlic powder, cornstarch, pimientos, lemons, tahini, and raw cashews. if you've got that stuff, a good blender, and Stepaniak's Uncheese Cookbook, you're ready to get started!

What is particularly impressive is that the ingredients are wholesome, natural, REAL foods--not the highly-refined starches and other questionable items used in many of the commercial soy cheeses (which, in my opinion, taste like plastic). Furthermore, these recipes taste GOOD and are surprisingly easy to make. Here are some of my favorites: Gee Whiz Spread (awesome!), Colby Cheeze, Gooda Cheeze, Boursin, Hot Parmesan Artichoke Dip, Philly Potato Chowder, Curried Cauliflower Cheeze Soup, Unprocessed Cheeze Sauce (heavenly!), Fondue (every kind under the sun!), Stuffed Shells, Grilled Cheeze, Cheezecakes (yum, yum!), and so much more.

Not only are the recipes imaginative, delicious, and rich tasting, they are remarkably low in fat (there's a nutritional analysis with each recipe). Many other cookbook authors and recipe developers have tried to imitate Ms. Stepaniak's uncheeses, but no one could surpass her original creations. She's a true pioneer.

If you miss cheese or just want something cheesy but healthful, be sure to pick up a copy of this classic gem!!!