The first cookbook I ever owned was Adele Davis’ Let’s Cook It Right, and to this day I still use some of her recipes. I’d been raised in a meat ‘n’ potatoes family, so many of her ideas were very eye-opening for me. I’ll never forget my first bowl of granola with wheat germ and yogurt… could a breakfast food really taste this good? These days it’s easy to find recipes online, but the best vegan recipes still seem to be in vegan cookbooks.
Sexy Vegan
Extraordinary Food from an Ordinary Dude
Brian L. Patton
Whatever you think the Sexy Vegan cookbook, it’s not. For starters, if your idea of sexy is smoky eyes and Antonio Banderas, this is not the cookbook for you. On the other hand, if you like amusing, surprising and forthright, you may have found your kitchen companion. Brian Patton starts his book with cocktails—yep, alcohol and all—including his version of a morning eye-opener, so if you’re expecting all nuts and berries, surprise! His “Beatin’ the Meat” chapter includes a recipe for “My Balls” (hint: perfect with spaghetti) and, well… it just goes on from there. Between the laughs? Great, easy recipes like Black Bean Burger with Kajllion Island Dressing, Oyster Mushroom Risotto and Bourbon Tempeh Sliders. (New World Library)
The Vegan Slow Cooker
Set It and Forget It
Kathy Hester
After a long day at the office or frazzling in traffic, who really wants to start a complicated cooking process? If only, we think, it were easier to cook interesting vegan meals! Actually, thanks to Kathy Hester, it is. The Vegan Slow Cooker takes you through each recipe in steps, laying out what to do the night before, what to do in the morning, and how long to leave it in (and this is key) your slow cooker. Cause really, frozen meals from ToJo’s are fine in a pinch, but wouldn’t you rather come home to a comforting homemade Italian Eggplant Casserole with Cashew-Tofu Ricotta (total prep time: 15 minutes)? (Fair Winds Press)
Blissful Bites
Vegan Meals that Nourish Mind, Body and Planet
Christy Morgan
Admit it, we had you on “blissful.” Isn’t that what we always hope for from a meal? If you’re clueless on cooking sans animal products, this is the cookbook for you. Lots of enticing flavors, easy reading and graphic appeal make this book a pleasure. Author (and teacher) Christy Morgan helps you set up your kitchen, than eschews “pretend” meats like seitan in favor of such delicacies as Macro “Mac and Cheese” using tofu and butternut squash, or Zucchini “Pasta” with Mint-Cashew Pesto Sauce. Best of all, each section, from breakfasts to desserts, is divided into seasonally appropriate and available recipes. Some are a tad more complicated, but gorgeous photos of the results ensure you won’t be discouraged from rolling up your sleeves. (BenBella Books)
Candle 79 Cookbook
Modern Vegan Classics
Joy Pierson, Angel Ramos & Jorge Pineda
If you like big, beautiful photographs of artfully arranged foods, familiar dishes with an interesting twist, this cookbook by the owners of a popular New York eatery is the one for you. From amuse-bouches to desserts, you’ll find many of your favorites but in a healthier version, such as Smoked Paprika Hummus, Live Lasagna with Cashew Cheese, and soy/coconut Vanilla Ice Cream. Nutritional consultant Joy Pierson opened the casual Candle Café with her life partner Bart Potenza after winning $53,000 in the New York Lottery, and 10 years later opened the more upscale Candle 79. You might say we’re all winners now. (Ten Speed Press)
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Thanks so much for including my book. You made my day!