📖 Overview
Anna Thomas is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and acclaimed cookbook author, most notably recognized for writing "The Vegetarian Epicure" in 1972, which became a seminal work in vegetarian cooking.
Thomas's first cookbook was written while she was a film student at UCLA, and it helped establish vegetarian cooking as a sophisticated cuisine in the United States. Her later works include "The Vegetarian Epicure, Book Two" and "Love Soup," which continued to influence vegetarian cooking in America.
As a screenwriter, Thomas earned an Academy Award nomination for co-writing the screenplay for "El Norte" (1983), a film about Guatemalan siblings seeking refuge in the United States. She also wrote and produced several other films and continued to bridge her work between culinary writing and filmmaking throughout her career.
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👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Anna Thomas's clear recipe instructions and thoughtful combinations of flavors in her cookbooks. The Vegetarian Epicure series receives particular recognition for making vegetarian cooking accessible and appealing to home cooks.
What readers liked:
- Detailed explanations of cooking techniques
- Personal stories and context for each recipe
- Reliable, tested recipes that work as written
- Focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal cooking
What readers disliked:
- Some recipes seen as time-consuming
- Older editions contain hard-to-find ingredients
- Limited photos/illustrations
- Some recipes high in dairy and eggs
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- The Vegetarian Epicure: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings)
- Love Soup: 4.2/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon:
- The New Vegetarian Epicure: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
- Vegan Vegetarian Omnivore: 4.4/5 (90+ reviews)
One reader noted: "Her recipes taught me to cook with confidence and creativity." Another mentioned: "These aren't quick weeknight meals, but the results are worth the effort."
📚 Books by Anna Thomas
The Vegetarian Epicure (1972)
A comprehensive collection of vegetarian recipes and cooking techniques written while the author was a film student at UCLA.
The Vegetarian Epicure, Book Two (1978) A follow-up cookbook expanding on vegetarian cuisine with new recipes and culinary approaches.
Love Soup (2009) A collection of 160 vegetable soup recipes organized by season, incorporating both vegetarian and vegan options.
The New Vegetarian Epicure (1996) A revised and modernized compilation of vegetarian recipes reflecting contemporary cooking methods and ingredients.
Vegan Vegetarian Omnivore (2016) A cookbook focused on creating meals that can be shared by people with different dietary preferences.
The Vegetarian Epicure, Book Two (1978) A follow-up cookbook expanding on vegetarian cuisine with new recipes and culinary approaches.
Love Soup (2009) A collection of 160 vegetable soup recipes organized by season, incorporating both vegetarian and vegan options.
The New Vegetarian Epicure (1996) A revised and modernized compilation of vegetarian recipes reflecting contemporary cooking methods and ingredients.
Vegan Vegetarian Omnivore (2016) A cookbook focused on creating meals that can be shared by people with different dietary preferences.
👥 Similar authors
Deborah Madison wrote "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone" and pioneered California vegetarian cuisine through her restaurant Greens in San Francisco. Her approach to seasonal cooking and comprehensive vegetarian techniques parallels Thomas's thorough exploration of meatless cuisine.
Diana Kennedy documented traditional Mexican cooking through extensive research and firsthand experience, publishing definitive works like "The Cuisines of Mexico." Her dedication to authenticity and detailed recipe documentation matches Thomas's careful attention to technique and cultural context.
Mollie Katzen created "The Moosewood Cookbook" and helped popularize vegetarian cooking in America during the 1970s. Her hand-lettered cookbooks and focus on natural ingredients mirror Thomas's goal of making vegetarian cooking accessible to home cooks.
Gregory Rabassa translated Gabriel García Márquez and other Latin American authors, bringing their works to English-speaking audiences. His work bridging cultural gaps through literature relates to Thomas's efforts in both film and food writing to connect different cultural perspectives.
Frances Moore Lappé wrote "Diet for a Small Planet" which explored the environmental impact of food choices and promoted plant-based eating. Her combination of research and practical cooking advice shares Thomas's mission of advancing vegetarian cooking in mainstream culture.
Diana Kennedy documented traditional Mexican cooking through extensive research and firsthand experience, publishing definitive works like "The Cuisines of Mexico." Her dedication to authenticity and detailed recipe documentation matches Thomas's careful attention to technique and cultural context.
Mollie Katzen created "The Moosewood Cookbook" and helped popularize vegetarian cooking in America during the 1970s. Her hand-lettered cookbooks and focus on natural ingredients mirror Thomas's goal of making vegetarian cooking accessible to home cooks.
Gregory Rabassa translated Gabriel García Márquez and other Latin American authors, bringing their works to English-speaking audiences. His work bridging cultural gaps through literature relates to Thomas's efforts in both film and food writing to connect different cultural perspectives.
Frances Moore Lappé wrote "Diet for a Small Planet" which explored the environmental impact of food choices and promoted plant-based eating. Her combination of research and practical cooking advice shares Thomas's mission of advancing vegetarian cooking in mainstream culture.