COOKBOOK: A WHOLE NEW WAY TO EAT by Vladia Cobrdova

Shane | 24 May 2017 | Reply

COOKBOOK: A WHOLE NEW WAY TO EAT by Vladia Cobrdova
Murdoch Books – rrp$39.99
March 2017
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8/10

Starting as a juice bar and café in 1996, About Life did much to pioneer the healthy eating movement in Australia. Sisters Jodie Stewart and Tammie Phillips started the business, and were joined in 2003 by Czech immigrant, nutritionist and recipe developer Vladia Cobrdova, who quickly became ‘Wellness Ambassador’ for the brand as it expanded into a chain of eight natural wholefood store around Sydney and Melbourne.

Here, Cobrdova recreates 135 of the healthy, chemical-free recipes which About Life have featured in their cafés, takeaway and ready-made meal departments.

With an emphasis on using ethical, locally sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients, A Whole New Way To Eat celebrates flavour and the oft-forgotten point that food that is nourishing and good for you can be tasty and fun, as well. That’s the same philosophy that’s always fuelled my catering company, so I couldn’t be more in tune with their principles.

There’s a heavy lean towards gluten free and plenty of paleo options, and whilst vegetarian and vegan recipes are included, About Life aren’t militant about either – undoubtedly crucial to many.

Cobrdova has a cheeky way of putting a new twist into old favourites – try Coconut Turmeric Quinoa Porridge, Carob & Maca Latte, Raw Raspberry Chia Jam, Cauliflower Tabouleh and even a raw zucchini, walnut and tomato lasagne!

It’s not all new age superfoods, either – the favourites are well represented, making sure there’s something for everyone here, and every photo is vivid and enticing. There’s a nutritious Mac & Cheese on offer, Chicken Carbonara, Shepherd’s Pie, Macadamia Butter Chicken and an extraordinary looking Seafood & Black Rice Paella.

We couldn’t leave without a look at the dessert menu – Giant Lamington with Raspberry Kakadu Jam employs Kakadu plums to complement the raspberries, there’s a Green & Gold Pavlova with Finger Lime and Matcha cream, a raw Caramel Slice and – for those who can stomach bananas, unlike me – a boast of “Best Ever Banana Bread”!