Just in Time for the Holidays: VEGAN PIE IN THE SKY

Vegan cookbook authors Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero are so smart to release their cookbooks at this time of year filling vegan kitchens everywhere with that badly needed holiday inspiration.  Look at the new marvel, VEGAN PIE IN THE SKY, just in time for Thanksgiving!  I'm so excited!

I've been juicing and doing the Natalia Rose thing, thereby avoiding the baked goods.  But on Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'm going to eat whatever I want, and one look inside this book, there are several things I want.  Really WANT.  I have a standard vegan pumpkin pie recipe I use every year, but this year, it's going to be the Pumpkin Cheesecake and the Voluptuous Pumpkin Pie.  And maybe the Sweet Potato Hand Pies....so much to choose from, my son will be jumping for joy.  There is a gorgeous Frangipane Tart that would be so lovely for Christmas (fill in your own December holiday) and New Years.  Holy Cow, the photos!  Do not look at this book on an empty stomach.  And prepare to salivate.

Because I've been behaving myself, I have not tested a single recipe yet.  But I can vouch for these authors, having all their books and finding their recipes straight forward and reliable.  The layout is ideal, it's very much like Vegan Cupcakes Take over the World (and the subsequent Cookie book--both necessities for the vegan kitchen).  I love their sense of design, their books are pleasing and fun to look at, they always make me laugh, and this latest effort is right on par, you just can't look at this and not be inspired.  I can't wait to taste my first bite of pie.  Get your copy HERE.

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Green Gift Guide: The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen

My mother, a meat lover and gourmet cook, saw Tal Ronnen on Oprah promoting The Conscious Cook, and ranted and raved about how wonderful his food looked. Immediately I thought to myself, finally, a vegan cookbook for my mom. She is getting this book for Christmas. And so is anyone else in my family I can think of that is open to vegan dishes.

Tal Ronnen is a well known chef who has cooked for people like Ellen DeGeneres and has founded a nonprofit organization called Veg Advantage which helps to integrate vegetarian options into restaurant menus. His philosophy is that vegan food shouldn't feel like a sacrifice, but rather a "step up." This is a very well put together book with beautiful color photographs throughout, completely dispelling any notion that vegan food is dull.

I was very excited to see some raw recipes including the Beet Ravioli with Balsamic Pickled Figs and Green Garlic Oil and can't wait to share this with my mother who might open her mind to raw foods if seen in this context. My favorite feature of this book are the collaged layouts of a featured food group such as Citrus or Greens. The book also includes guest chefs who share their own recipes and techniques.

Personally, I've never been a fan of the faux meats, and a vegetable based product called Gardein features prominently in these recipes. But, I think it's this very reason that non vegetarians are responding so well to this book and that is fine with me. If that's all it takes for people to make the shift then more power to it.

A plant based diet is easier on the environment and the body, and even one vegan meal a day makes an impact. I think it's a great gateway vegan cookbook and perfect for the holidays when you have mixed diets at the table. You can find it HERE.

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VEGAN COOKIES INVADE YOUR COOKIE JAR

I've been looking forward to this book since I realized it was coming out. Moskowitz and Romero are the authors of two of my favorite cookbooks, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World, and Veganomicon, and I've come to rely on them for sure-thing recipes. Cookies are my choice indulgence so I'm thrilled to have Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.

I just got it, so I haven't had time to try all of the recipes yet but I can vouch big time for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows--dramatic presentation and yummy! I can't wait to try the Key Lime Cookies, Lazy Samoas, and Chocolate Chip Biscotti. This is perfect timing for the holidays! There's nothing like a nice assortment of cookies on the table for parties and desserts.

The recipes are straightforward and the tone is entertaining. There is a warmth and sense of humor that pervades. I love the way they understand their readers and can anticipate little tidbits we need to know like how and when to make substitutions and cookie troubleshooting. They have a gluten free flour mix for those who need that option and a primer on ingredients.

This book has lots of fab photos and is the sister book to their cupcake book--same format. It's funky and fun and would make an awesome holiday gift for vegans and non-vegans alike. Highly recommended for every kitchen!

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