The Culinary Adventure Begins: Crafting a Plant-Powered Cookbook & Sharing a Beloved Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry

Get ready for some truly exhilarating news! It’s been a whirlwind of activity behind the scenes, and I’m bursting with excitement to finally share a monumental project that has been cooking up for quite some time. (And no, not that kind of cooking, although life has certainly thrown its fair share of curveballs this spring!) Remember my amazing collaborator, Sue? Well, we’re officially writing a cookbook together! Yes, a for-real, tangible cookbook that will soon be gracing bookstore shelves and inspiring home cooks everywhere.

The genesis of this incredible venture traces back to a memorable weekend stay during the Olympics. What started as casual kitchen chatter and shared culinary dreams quickly blossomed into a concrete idea. We pitched our concept, and to our absolute delight, the publisher was enthusiastic! Within a matter of weeks, we had an actual contract in hand and a deadline looming. The speed at which this all unfolded still leaves me in awe. It feels like just yesterday we were brainstorming, yet suddenly, months have flown by. Does anyone else feel like life is constantly in fast-forward mode, much like the Polar Express, with someone at the helm asking if we want to go faster, completely oblivious to our silent pleas for a gentle pause or at least a deceleration? The pace is exhilarating, though at times it feels like a dizzying rush!

So yes, Sue and I are deeply immersed in the rewarding (and sometimes challenging!) process of writing a cookbook. This is a dream I’ve nurtured for a very long time, and embarking on a project of this scale with someone as talented and inspiring as Sue makes it all the more special. We’re on a tight schedule, with a significant portion of the manuscript due in the coming months. It feels simultaneously like an eternity away and just around the corner, especially when you consider the sheer volume of recipe testing, writing, and editing involved. It sometimes feels like we’d need a hundred monkeys on a hundred typewriters, fueled by a hundred cups of coffee, just to keep up!

The Philosophy Behind Our Plant-Powered Cookbook

Our cookbook centers around the incredible world of beans and grains. I simply cannot wait to share the innovative and delicious recipes we’re developing. We’ve been exploring new horizons, like baking with beans – a concept that might sound unusual but yields spectacular results. For instance, I recently created some truly wonderful yeasted cinnamon buns using pureed beans in the dough. This ingenious addition not only significantly boosts their fiber content beyond what whole wheat flour could achieve but also lends them the light, wonderfully chewy texture typically associated with white dough. It’s a game-changer!

While I can’t spill all the beans – ha, pun absolutely intended! – because we need to save some exciting surprises for the book, which is currently slated for release next spring, I can tell you that our aim is to transform perceptions of these humble ingredients. Spring of next year feels like the year we might finally get our own jet packs, a future filled with possibility and delicious, healthy food.

Beans and grains are nutritional powerhouses. Their individual merits are undeniable – packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But when combined, their synergy is truly fantastic, offering complete proteins and a spectrum of nutrients that support overall well-being. The initial idea for this book came about from our mutual desire to integrate more beans and grains into our diets, moving beyond the occasional side dish to make them central to our main meals. We want to empower home cooks to approach these ingredients with the same ease and enthusiasm they might feel when planning a meal around chicken parts or a pork tenderloin. Or, dare I say, John Cusack!

A Humorous Digression & The Quest for a Perfect Title

Speaking of John Cusack, did I mention I’m following him on Twitter? I’m quite sure he hasn’t returned the favor, which is a minor tragedy, but one I can live with. On a more exciting note, the legendary Michael Ruhlman follows me! Ruhlman! Following me! The day I discovered this, I developed a severe case of Twitter performance anxiety. Every tweet felt like it needed to be a culinary masterpiece! It’s a funny reminder of the unexpected connections and interactions the digital world brings.

But to digress back to our culinary project, we desperately need a title for the book. “Beans and Grains” just doesn’t quite capture the excitement and deliciousness we’re aiming for, no matter how many ways you try to phrase it. It tends to evoke images of… well, let’s just say, gastrointestinal concerns, rather than vibrant, flavorful meals. This is where I’m hoping you, my brilliant and creative readers, can lend your invaluable insights. I’ve never experienced such a complete mind block when it comes to a title – usually, something, even if it’s cheesy or clichéd, comes to mind. This time? Nada. My brain is drawing a blank. But I know you’re a smart and imaginative bunch, so I’m tossing this challenge out there for you to chew on!

Brainstorming Cookbook Title Ideas: What Works and What Doesn’t?

We’re looking for something that is:

• Catchy and memorable: Something that sticks in people’s minds.
• Evocative: Hinting at the delicious, healthy, and satisfying nature of the recipes.
• Unique: Standing out from other cookbooks on the market.
• SEO-friendly: Incorporating keywords naturally without sounding forced.
• Reflective of the content: Highlighting the versatility of beans and grains beyond just basic recipes.

We want to avoid anything that sounds too academic, overly health-focused to the point of being unappetizing, or that brings up unwanted associations. Think about the joy of cooking, the satisfaction of a wholesome meal, and the incredible array of flavors possible with these ingredients. Your ideas are eagerly awaited!

A Taste of What’s to Come: Easy Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry

And speaking of chewing on things, I have a delicious recipe to share that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our cookbook. I made this incredibly satisfying lentil and sweet potato curry during our last night in Tofino. It was so good, in fact, that I carefully packed it in my cooler bag and toted it all the way back to Calgary, where I joyfully reheated it today. This dish is a testament to the ease, health benefits, and sheer deliciousness that can come from humble, plant-based ingredients.

It’s incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. And the nutritional profile? Outstanding! Lentils, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach all harmoniously blended in one vibrant, flavorful bowl. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome eating.

Why This Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry is a Must-Try:

• Nutrient-Dense: Lentils are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, crucial for energy and digestion. Sweet potatoes offer a fantastic source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. Spinach adds essential vitamins (K, A, C) and minerals.
• Rich in Flavor: The aromatic spices typical of a curry (think turmeric, cumin, coriander) create a warm, inviting, and deeply satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy & Quick: This recipe is designed to be fuss-free, perfect for busy individuals seeking a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the cooking time is hands-off simmering.
• Versatile & Adaptable: While delicious as is, this curry can be easily customized. Add other vegetables like bell peppers or cauliflower, adjust the spice level to your preference, or serve it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or crusty bread.
• Budget-Friendly: Lentils and sweet potatoes are economical ingredients, making this a fantastic option for delicious, healthy eating on a budget.
• Plant-Powered Goodness: Naturally vegan and gluten-free (if served with appropriate sides), it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and offers a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine.

This curry truly embodies the ethos of our upcoming cookbook: creating wholesome, incredibly flavorful, and accessible dishes that make plant-based eating an absolute joy. It’s comforting, hearty, and leaves you feeling nourished from the inside out.

Join Our Culinary Journey!

I am beyond excited for this cookbook project with Sue. It’s an incredible opportunity to share our passion for healthy, delicious food that truly nourishes the body and soul. We’re pouring our hearts into every recipe, every word, and every page, aiming to create something truly special and inspiring for you.

In the meantime, please do try this lentil and sweet potato curry – it’s a little sneak peek into the kind of wholesome goodness you can expect. And most importantly, if any brilliant cookbook titles are bubbling up in your mind, please share them in the comments below! Your creativity could be the missing ingredient we need. Stay tuned for more updates on our cookbook adventure!