Book Review: The First Mess Cookbook

THE FIRST MESS COOKBOOK: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Eat Well Through the Seasons by Laura Wright

I’ve been following Laura Wright’s blog for awhile now and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first cookbook. Happily, this visually stunning book has inspired and encouraged both myself and my daughter to explore more plant-centric meals for our family. Laura provides an incredible array of ideas, tips and recipes (120 to be exact) to help introduce this way of cooking and eating to your household. Her recipe for Butternut and Pesto Cream Lasagna will leave your tastebuds satisfied…and your tummy happy. The addition of white beans to the basil pesto adds heft and creaminess normally achieved with ricotta and cream. Trust me – you will not miss the dairy in this delicious lasagna.

My daughter particularly loves the versatility of the Burrito-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – basically a deconstructed burrito using a sweet potato as the base. My personal favourite recipe is the Garlicky Winter Vegetable and White Bean Mash with Mushroom Miso Gravy. The combination of celeriac, cauliflower and parsnip makes for a sweet and light puree-and the addition of miso to the mushroom gravy was pure genius.

The First Mess is a great guide to delicious plant-based meals that your entire family will enjoy.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, Summer 2017.