Hey everyone! Since we last talked, a lot has happened!
Most importantly, we found Buster! It was definitely a defining moment in my life and every time I look at his sweet face, my heart melts all over the damn place because I can't believe he's home and I can hold him and love him. His little vacation has turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it helped him build some confidence and he's much more comfortable than he was before. Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe account or even just sent us positive, loving vibes. All of it helped so much! You can read all about his rescue here.
Now that he's back, this is how I wish I could be spending all of my days:
We also selected all of our recipe testers and they're hard at work, testing all of the recipes for my next book! Thank you to all 500 of you who applied. I'm sorry that I couldn't take all of you. It was a difficult task, but we narrowed it down to a team of 32.
Last week I looked at the calendar and realized that it was exactly 30 days before my manuscript is due to the publisher. I promptly proceeded to have a panic attack and spent the next half hour with my head between my knees. Then I kicked my ass into gear and I've been working to get that finished up.
We watched all of Jessica Jones on Netflix and now we're suffering major withdrawals.
Unfortunately, due to the hecticness of life recently, I haven't been able to do my annual Vegan Cookie Swap Party for the first time in 4 years. I've been sharing some of my favorites via social media, but if you're looking for cookies, please check the archives: 2012, 2013, 2014.
Also, I'm sharing these lovely Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from my book, But I Could Never Go Vegan! (Shameless plug: This book makes a great holiday gift! Order now and you can probably get it before Christmas!). The pumpkin acts as a binder and the pumpkin flavor is very subtle. But the flavor on these cookies is huge! They're one of my favorites and I've made them for a couple of book signings. They all disappeared pretty quickly. Before I give you the recipe, though, I have to share a pretty hilarious story (to me) about the last time I made them for a book signing.
My last book signing event was at BookPeople in Austin, Texas. That morning, we had brunch with our dear friends, Cadry and David. We spent a long time leisurely chatting and after we ate, we decided to head over to Austin's famed Whole Foods, check it out, get some ingredients for the cookies I was baking for the event that night, and then all go back to our AirBnB and hang out while I baked cookies. So we left in our separate cars and this is when things turned south. Chris remembered that in an hour, he had a skype interview and had to get back to his computer to prepare for it. So Chris dropped me off at Whole Foods and Cadry and David were nice enough to give me a ride back to the AirBnB after we explored the store and I bought my ingredients.
Now let me paint this picture: We get back to the AirBnB and I start getting ready to bake. Chris is locked in the bedroom, just starting his interview. David leaves to go across the street and check out a record store and as I'm setting up, I start telling Cadry about how I'm not good at talking while I'm cooking and that's the main reason I don't want to do cooking demos and/or videos. As I'm telling her this, I start trailing off because, seriously, I can't do both at the same time. Cadry is so sweet, she gets it. She sits quietly on the couch while I bake and Chris does his interview in the bedroom. David comes back and I try to make conversation (I say "try" because I'm still cooking). As we're talking, Chris pokes his head out and says "Can you keep it down? We can hear every word. Just five more minutes." So we pipe down. We're silent for 5 minutes. Then Chris comes out and says he has to call his boss- it'll just be a few minutes. And he steps out on the balcony. And I'm still cooking/not talking. Eventually, David and Cadry decide to head out and get ready for the VVC Meet & Greet. I feel terrible. When Chris comes in, he's also sad to see that our company had left. Moral of the story: If we invite you over, don't accept. We are the worst hosts ever. We will ignore you, and if you so much as make a peep, we will tell you to quiet the hell down. Luckily, David and Cadry are amazing and laughed it off with us after we apologized and promised to never make them come over again.
So here's the cookie recipe. Talking while baking is suggested.
Recipe from But I Could Never Go Vegan!: 125 Recipes That Prove You Can Live Without Cheese, It’s Not All Rabbit Food, and Your Friends Will Still Come Over Dinner, copyright © Kristy Turner, 2014. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (220 g) unbleached all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup (70 g) vegan butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- ⅓ cup (40 g) coconut sugar or vegan brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted smooth almond butter or whatever nut butter you have
- 1 cup (180 g) vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Whisk together the flour, flaxseed meal, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cardamom in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Use a hand mixer (or whisk very quickly) to mix the pumpkin puree, vegan butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and almond butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Use a tablespoon or ice cream scoop to scoop roughly 2 tablespoons of dough and place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Wet or lightly grease the bottom of a measuring cup and gently press down on each cookie to flatten. If you want them more evenly shaped, wet your fingers and gently form them into circles. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until firm with lightly browned edges. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving (or not—it would be a shame not to try at least one while they’re hot!).
Notes
It is especially important with this recipe to measure the flour by shaking spoonfuls of flour into the measuring cup until full. If you scoop with the measuring cup, the flour will be too packed and will affect the texture of the cookies.
And now for the Giveaway!
Over the year, I've received a number of cookbooks to review. I've kept a handful but if I kept all of the books that get sent to me, my house would be overrun with books. To prevent that from happening, I'm giving them to you! TWO LUCKY WINNERS will receive a mystery selection of vegan cookbooks. To enter, leave a comment telling me about your favorite cookbook that you discovered this year.
And there's a BONUS GIVEAWAY! Because it's the holidays! If you have not bought or received my book, But I Could Never Go Vegan!, you get a chance to win it! To enter, leave a comment telling me a.)That you're entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! and b.) What your biggest excuse is/was for not going vegan.
You can enter both giveaways, but please enter separately for each one. Both giveaways will end at 11:59pm PST on December 27th, 2015.
Thank you for entering! Happy Holidays, my friends!
Photography by Chris Miller
Claire Tucker
For mystery selection of cookbooks: my favorite cookbook that I discovered this year was Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen.
Claire Tucker
For bonus giveaway: entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My big excuse for not going completely vegan (although I am 95% there) is that I live in a house with omnivores, and sometimes I'd rather just eat something than see it go to waste. Also I still have not found a palatable vegan substitute for Greek yogurt, but that's something I can live without : )
Amanda
For mystery selection: my favorite cookbook this year is Isa Does It!
Amanda
For winning But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My excuse is that I live with a meat eater that doesn't really cook. On days that I can't muster up the energy to cook, it seems like all the quick eat-out options are not vegan. (Eating out in general is a problem for me when I try to go vegan)
Katie
The only successful multitasking that I can do is pat my head and rub my tummy. And that was years and years of practice!
I have tested for some great cookbooks this year, but I think the one that surprised me the most was the Easy Vegan cookbook by Kathy Hester. It was not what I normally cook, but so delicious and *easy*! (This excludes all cookbooks that I helped with recipe development, of course - I'm biased for all of them! 😉 )
Casey the College Celiac
My favorite cookbook I discovered this year was Cheap and Easy Gluten free Dinners in 30 minutes or less. Great discovery for a college celiac!
Casey the College Celiac
a) I'm entering to win but I could never go vegan
b) The main reason I'm not a total vegan (don't eat eggs or dairy, but usually meat/seafood once a day) is that I've had trouble keeping on weight after my celiac diagnosis and don't want to eliminate too much from my diet. But I love experimenting with vegan dishes!
courtney
My favorite cookbook that I found this year was Vegan without Boarders by Robin Robertson. So many fun recipes to try, and all of the ones we have made have been delicious!
courtney
For the But I Could Never Go Vegan giveaway, nothing really kept me from going vegan...once I decided to do it, I did! And that was 15 years ago. I had been vegetarian before that, but I was young and didn't even really know what "vegan" was. Once I figured it out, I made the change.
Beth R.
I love America's Test Kitchen Complete Vegetarian Cookbook.
Courtenay
For mystery selection, it's definitely the Vegetarian Flavor Bible. It's ingenious! Not really a cookbook, more of a flavor book. But it is so great for recipes!
michelle geil
Just so glad Buster is home xoxo
Samantha
My favorite cookbook I've discovered this year is Gena Hamshaw's Food52 Vegan. I've been loving all of the recipes I've made so far!
Bianca T
my favorite cookbook this year was pioneer woman's dinner cookbook!!
Bianca T
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
Bianca T
My biggest excuse for not going vegan is probably…my love of seafood and eggs!
Laurie
But I Could Never Go Vegan! giveaway, I can be shy and/or lazy and/or just annoyed when ordering at restaurants and tend to fall back to vegetarian ways.
Hannah M.
My new roommate brought a copy of Ottolenghi's Plenty with her; not vegan, but a beautiful book nonetheless 🙂
Shannon
My favorite cookbook find from this year was Mark Bittman's Leafy Greens in a dusty stack at a garage sale. 🙂
Kathy Eyre
I'm not at home right now, but I think this years fave cookbook is The International Vegan.
Kim H
My favorite cookbook this year is "Isa Does It." This cookbook has great photos and recipes. I recently made the sweet potato gnocchi with seared Brussels sprouts and tarragon cream sauce. Yum!
Sherwood
I haven't touched a cookbook since starting to cook. lol I've been operating completely off of bloggers' recipes. I'm not sure I could pick a favorite blogger, though.
Sherwood
For But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My biggest excuse for not going vegan is that I love meat. Unless I have to cut it up while it's raw. lol
Jacky
My favorite cookbooks I discovered this year were YOUR book and Kathy Patalsky's!
Jacky
Entering for But I Could Never Go Vegan: No excuses for me, I've been vegan for years! But I love your recipes and still don't have my own copy of your book. Cheese used to be my excuse, but I kicked the habit and have since learned that it's actually addictive!
Charissa
This recipe looks delicious--I'll have to make it very soon!
In regards to the cookbook giveaway, my favorite one was Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen--lots of fantastic recipes there, actually! Been wanting to check out the Thug Kitchen cookbook, but I haven't been able to nab it yet.
Johanna Woodbury
Eat Like You Give a Damn was the books for me this year. Yours too was wonderful!
Nikki
Ok, so I had doubts about entering, because after I first made your tempeh marinade from the Bok Choy Tempeh Tacos on your blog, I couldn't stop talking about it for days. Your recipes are so creative and affordable! And tasty! And fun! But I don't want to "butter" you up... Well, it's the truth. Your cookbook is my revelation for 2015. Thanks so much!
Nikki, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Jessica Eagle
Thanks for this eonderful giveaway. For the mystery bundle of cookbook, I would say YumUniverse cookbook. It was a really nice dicovery for me.
Jessica Eagle
Now, I'm entering for your cookbook. My biggest excuse was definitely seafood, especially lobster.
Bethany
I've not bought your book, but I am very interested in reading it! Thank u for giving one away. I'm not vegan, but my neighbor just became vegan a few months ago when so many of her relatives have been dying of cancer at younger ages than ever before. There are not that many eating options for gf vegans in our town, so my husband and I have begun having her ( and her family) over once a week for dinner. I've run through all my vegan recipes and I'd love to have your book for more inspiration.
Beth Cotler
I found a really beat up, well loved homemade cookbook of all recipes I would never eat. It is worn and tatter and very special. I saw it at a garage sale and nobody wanted it. I gave it a home. It is not "my cup of tea" and I would never be able or want to actually want to make any of the recipes in it but the doodles and comments are wonderful. I would love to win one of a cookbook that I can enjoy and create with. I am gluten free/vegan Thank you
Beth Cotler
I would love to win a copy of But I Could Never Go Vegan! It would be a wonderful way to start the new year. I have no excuses - It has just been my way of life forever! Thank you for doing this!
Dana
I discovered Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen by Kathy Patalsky. I just made the gingerbread bundt cake for my mom's holiday party and everyone liked it.
I am also entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! I've been vegan for about 8 years now. At first, I was nervous about the lifestyle because of how hard it would be for me. Now, it seems that the only problem I sometimes have is in social situations when others don't respect my decision. But since I know being vegan is the right thing to do, those people don't bother me as much as it used to.
I will never consume animal products again. : )
Dana
Sorry, I didn't read the last line of the giveaway, this is my same comment split into two comments.
I discovered Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen by Kathy Patalsky. I just made the gingerbread bundt cake for my mom’s holiday party and everyone liked it.
Dana
I am also entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! I’ve been vegan for about 8 years now. At first, I was nervous about the lifestyle because of how hard it would be for me. Now, it seems that the only problem I sometimes have is in social situations when others don’t respect my decision. But since I know being vegan is the right thing to do, those people don’t bother me as much as it used to.
I will never consume animal products again. : )
jessica z
I love Salad Love: Crunchy, Savory, and Filling Meals You Can Make Every Day. It helps me with lunches for school!
jessica z
I am entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! My fiance will not go vegan and I will not cook two meals!
Emilie
My favorite cookbook that I found this year is Miyoko's Schinner's The Homemade Vegan Pantry. So many great recipes for kitchen staples in that one.
For the bonus giveaway: I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! Cheese (specifically mozzarella–I had quite the attachment to cheese pizza 🙂 ) was my biggest excuse for not going vegan. But I have since cheese "detoxed" and have been vegan for over a year now, which was the best decision of my life. I'm never going back.
Kridta
I want to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! I have been wanting it!
Krista
Oops my name is Krista. And my biggest excuse is not wanting to cook when I don't feel well.
Krista
My favorite cookbook this year was Health Happy Vegan Kitchen.
Gillian
My jam this year has been Salad Samurai, by Terry Hope Romero - I've enjoyed several of the entree salad combinations, but even better has been the individual topping and dressing ideas to combine easily on your own. I ate salads for dinner basically the entire summer.
mip
I am also entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! It has been a battle with the hubs, but he is getting so much closer. YAY!!!
mip
For mystery selection of cookbooks: my favorite cookbook that I discovered this year was Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen and your awesome blog!
I just read the rescue of Buster. The tears are still flowing. Love them poochies like crazy!
L
For the mystery selection of books, my fave cookbook that I discovered this year is Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen.
Jessica
For bonus giveaway: entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My biggest excuse for not going vegan is my inability to give up cheese
L
For entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!, my biggest excuse was the challenge of making food that tasted good that everyone, including omnivores, would eat.
Kimberley
my fav cookbook this year has to be vegan richa's indian cooking! so yummy ✨
Stephanie
My favourite cookbook this year was Oh She Glows. It's a staple in our house!
Stephanie
I would love to win a copy of your cookbook! My biggest excuse for not going fully vegan? I have two: eggs and honey! I love both and am frequently tempted.
Rana Durham
My fave vegan book is The America’s Test Kitchen Complete Vegetarian Cookbook.
Rana Durham
i am entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! my biggest excuse was its too expensive.
Emma
Mystery cookbooks: favorite cookbook discovery = America's Test Kitchen "The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook"
Emma
And I couldn't go vegan because I love whole dairy milk, yogurt, and eggs too much. Sorry!
Heidi
This is going to sound like I'm sucking up but my favorite cookbook this year is "But I could Never Go Vegan! When I started looking through it I was soooo excited! The photos were awesome and since I cook and bake so much I could tell the recipes were going to be great.
So far I have tried the brownies (yum!) the sunflower seed cheese, (Used for awesome grilled cheese sandwich that I have not have for years), roasted garlic hummus & broccoli bowl (delicious) and the spinach artichoke soup (already made 4 times!) My son keeps asking me to make the brownies again!
Chloe
for cookbooks: my favorite vegan cookbook discovered this year was Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen. i've only had a chance to make a few things so far, but i love them all!
Chloe
for But I Could Never Go Vegan:
my biggest excuse was that my family was busy and comprised of omnivores. that and a backyard fresh fried egg on my bibimbap.
Kate
For mystery cookbooks:
Seriously not trying to be a kiss ass; but new to trying to become vegan this year and have purchased three vegan cookbooks with yours being the one I love the most. The other two I just sort of like.
Charity
My favorite cookbook find this year was "The Homemade Vegan Pantry." The pictures are lovely, and the comments that go along with the recipes are like they are from your mama. I am super excited, however, that my teenage son let me pick my own gift, so I have your cookbook under the tree... Just waiting for Christmas morning!
Courtney
Favorite cookbook that I discovered this year is actually yours. I do NOT own it yet, but I really want to (will enter for that, too). I was excited to find But I Could Never Go Vegan! at my local library. I had to go onto the hold list for it, so I was even more excited when I got it for my 3 weeks.
Courtney
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My biggest excuse for not going vegan was that I thought it was silly--I didn't see the point of veganism. I went vegetarian for the animals at age 13 but didn't know about the cruelty of the egg and dairy industries. Once my eyes were opened, there were no excuses--I could never go back.
charj
My favorite cookbook discovered this year is Vegan Bowls by Zsu Dever. I checked out the ebook from the library, but I must get my own copy.
Lauren
My favorite vegan book I discovered this year was Somer McCowan's "The Abundance Diet"! So many good dishes in there!
Jeri Thurber
this is awesome! my current favorite is Veganomicon, but it changes frequently!
Jeri Thurber
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan. My biggest excuse for how long it took to be fully vegan was willful ignorance - I purposely avoided knowing about the ethical and environmental impact of not being fully vegan. No longer!
Janel M.
I haven't discovered any cookbooks this year, but I discovered Vegan Richa's blog. I love it!!
Janel M.
I am entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! I was vegetarian for 18 years before going vegan 4 years ago. My biggest excuse for not going vegan (besides utter lack of knowledge of the dairy and egg industries) was that it seemed too restrictive. Boy was I wrong!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The Undiet!
Theresa
This year I discovered Gena Hamshaw's Food52 Vegan! I love how simple yet impressive the recipes are.
Theresa
I'd love to win a copy of But I Could Never Go Vegan! I already am vegan, so you can be sure I'll use it! My excuse was ice cream, but vegan ice cream tastes so much better.
Theresa
Social situations were my other excuse. It continues to be difficult but I stay strong!
Yoojin
i was gifted the oh she glows cookbook and have been in love with it this year!
Yoojin
i'm also entering to win "But I Could Never Go Vegan!"
my biggest "excuse" would just be the fact that i enjoy eating certain animal proteins like eggs and fish on occasion. it makes me feel good and happy!
Vera K
Just yesterday I got a fabulous cookbook called Simple Green Smoothies by Jen Hansard & Jadah Sellner.
Nicole Moul
I'm loving Emily von Eye's Rawsome Vegan Cookbook. Simple, easy and delicious raw and cooked vegan recipes. 🙂
Jenny
I don't even care about the contest! I am just so glad you found Buster! Seriously from the post about his disappearance until now you've been on my mind. From time to time my husband asks, "Did they find Buster yet?" I am so relieved, to tears, for you guys! Squeeze that pup and have a merry merry Christmas!
Nina
Delighted to read that you have been re united with Buster. I sent a comment to you via your blog, when he first disappeared saying 'never give up hope' So very happy for you. Christmas Greeting - Nina UK
Jillian O'Donohoe
I'm entering for both the mystery cookbooks and But I Could Never Go Vegan: My favorite cookbook discovery this year was Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen. I've never really had Indian food, so I have learned a lot more about it, and everything I have tried has been delicious! I recently became vegan this past Octoberafter being vegetarian for a year, but I was nervous about getting the proper nutrition I need. However, I saw more pictures of the conditions animals live under on factory farms, and I just decided I was done.
saniel
My favorite vegan book I discovered this year was Vegan on the cheap by Robin Robertson. Cool easy to follow recipes and no special ingredients needed. Thanks
saniel
I'm also entering to win “But I Could Never Go Vegan!” my biggest “excuse” would be not a wide selection when I leave the house. I would like a black bean burger please, what is that? Not many places to go that have vegan dishes and I have hit a salad rut. Would love this book so I can have meals prepared for lunch and dinner. Thanks.
Terri
Entering giveaway I could never go vegan because I could never give up cheese. It is my comfort food, my fast food , mmmmmm craving a bit for breakfast.
Karlie
I'm entering for the book giveaway! The main reason I haven't gone vegan entirely is because of how difficult it is going out to eat with friends
Sj Dc
Near & Far by Heidi Swanson was a great find
Sj Dc
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! and my biggest excuse for not going vegan is my love for eggs.
rhonna jerauld
kathy patalsky's book and yours were my favorites from this year! and while not at all vegan, i was happy that america's test kitchen FINALLY did at least a vegetarian one. thanks for the chance to collect more cookbooks!
rhonna jerauld
and to enter the giveaway for but i could never go vegan!, i would add that my excuse recently was being in the crazy insanity that is nursing school and not having enough time to cook healthy vegan food. nonetheless, i did go vegan while still in school and survived just fine, although probably too often on clif bars. thanks kristy!
Misti
I am entering for the mystery selection! My favorite cookbook find this year was Salad Samurai by Terry Hope Romero. I use that one, along with yours, Angela's, and Isa's more than all my other cookbooks combined.
Carolyn
My biggest excuse for not going vegan was dairy. I didn't think I could live without cheese.
Carolyn
Best cookbook find was The Chocolate Covered Katie Cookbook.
Also, I'm so glad you found Buster. As others have said, he was on my mind too. I love happy endings.
JoAnn Lakes
My favorite cookbook this year is 'The non-dairy evolution cookbook' by Skye Michael Conroy. I've been really getting into making vegan cheeses and this book is the best. His cheeses are great!
Terri Cole
My favorite vegan cookbook this year is "The Abundance Diet" by Somer McCowan.
valerie sobus
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan, OF COURSE! And my biggest reason was not enough knowledge of how to get all the right nutrients that my body needs from plants. also, absolutely BEAUTIFUL cookies and pictures. can't wait to make em' 🙂
Val Abels
I'm a Vegan and Gluten-Free, and I love to bake. I absolutely adore "Bunner's - Simple & Delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Treats" by Ashley Wittig & Kevin MacAllister. I live in Toronto and Bunner's has two excellent bakeshop's here. It's nice to be able to make the treats found in the bakeshop(s) and every single thing I've made has turned out beautifully.
Jen F
My cookbook I found was The Plantpowered Way by Rich Roll. Some great things in there!
Jen F
Bonus entry for I could Never Go Vegan! I had been leaning towards veganism for several years, essentially vegan at home and relaxed when out. Two main reasons for me, not wanting to be difficult at restaurants and as a guest (especially at family!) and icecream. 🙂 But your snickers icecream is delicious and I don't miss the dairy at all! I finally decided I just needed to do what was right for me and to just be somewhat difficult, but as kindly and graciously as possible.
Mary Syrenne
My favorite cookbook this year is Teff Love by Kittee Berns. I love Ethiopian food, but it is on existent in podunk Montana where I'm currently living. Finding any vegan food is diificult.
Stella @ Stellicious Life
Yay, so happy that Buster found its way back to you! Enjoy your time together 🙂
Thanks so much for the great giveaway! 🙂
My favourite cookbook I discovered this year is Ottolenghi's Plenty. Have made quite a bunch of recipes and looking forward to trying some more 🙂
Stella @ Stellicious Life
I'd also like to enter to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My biggest excuse for not going vegan is that I like cheese and kefir/yoghurt. But would love to discover your recipes! 🙂
Lori
I like The China Study All-Star Connection, but often go online to find recipes. I will be making your pumpkin cookies today! So thankful you found your sweet puppy! He is beautiful. We recently found a dog without a collar or chip and he is happily living with us now. He is the craziest, wildest and sweetest dog--sadly aggressive towards other dogs--but we are hoping to take him to training for help with that. Enjoy your Christmas!
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It
My favorite cookbook that I discovered this year was Chocolate Covered Katie's cookbook! So awesome!
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It
I'm also entering to win But i Could Never Go Vegan!! My biggest reason for not choosing to go vegan is my love of Greek yogurt, eggs, and seafood! Lol yay protein!
Veronique Daoust
My favorite cookbook I discovered is Angela Liddon's Oh She Glows cookbook! I have honestly had nothing but amazing success which each and every recipe I have tried. Everything I make turns into a huge hit with my guests. It makes vegetarian cooking so easy to do,
Stacy
For the I could never go vegan book, the main excuse I had was cheese. Of course that was 15 years ago and the vegan cheese options have improved dramatically.
Maddy
I loved the Oh She Glows cookbook!
Sophia
It's tough to pick just one favorite cookbook from this year, but I have to go with Ricki Heller's Living Candida Free. After years of feeling like crap most of the time, I buckled down and really cleaned up my diet, mostly with the help of that book. It made such a difference in how I feel and gave me such better awareness about how I eat.
Maddy
I am entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! My biggest excuse was that I wouldn't be getting enough protein to support my running and lifting routines. I have proven myself wrong now!
Jill
I am entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My biggest excuse for not going vegan is i'd be mocked and I would be alone. I experimented first with some of my co-workers on my goal of going vegan and as expected some of the comments were you need meat for protein and they'd tell me what they had for dinner. The documentaries I've watched e.g., Cowspiracy, Forks over Knives, and Fat, Sick and Nearly dead and even family who've changed their diet for health reasons and have been successful has convinced me vegan is the way to go.
Theresa
I could have sworn I commented on this but I don't see my entry... I discovered Gena Hamshaw's Food52 Vegan this year! I love how easy yet presentable her recipes are.
Theresa
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
Kate
For the bonus giveaway, my excuse has been that since my body cannot handle lots of food thanks autoimmune issues (but I love trying new food and exploring new cities through food), going vegan will put me back to plain salads when eating outside of my house. Plus I have recently rediscovered seafood haha. But seeing you and others balance a vegan/gluten free diet pushes me to not use such easy excuses!
Also, so happy that you found your sweet Buster. I agree, things happen for a reason, no matter how bleak the experience!
Melissa K.
My favorite cookbook this year? That is tough. I guess I'll say Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen b/c I LOVE Indic food but it is rarely vegan in restaurants, which is a reason why I am not completely vegan! Eating out can be hard! But I am working at it!
I do eat vegan at home!
So, I would very much want to win BOTH giveaways, ha ha!
Bethany
I just found Cook:30 by Jeremy Dixon and have fallen in love with the recipes and the photography. They just look so delicious.
Bethany
Yes, I want to win the giveaways. I grew up vegan so there was really no excuse for me to want otherwise.
Bethany
So glad you found your beloved Buster!!!
Taylor
Hi Kristy, I'd love to enter the giveaway!
My favorite cookbook of this year would have to be Gena Hamshaw's cookbook with Food 52! It is so vibrant and full of beautiful photos, and every recipe could easily become a staple in my kitchen.
Happy holidays!
Taylor
a. I'm entering the 'But I Could Never Go Vegan!" giveaway and b. Ice cream! I always had a very hard time imagining my life without ice cream, but once I tried one vegan ice cream I was hooked!
Col
I am a.) yaay yaay for sure entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! 🙂 and b.) My biggest excuse for not going vegan is/was ... Oh wow, I better come up with a good one ... I *so* do not have an excuse, my beautiful friend! Hmm ... Ooh wait, I got it! Back in 2000 I went on a cleanse where you couldn't have food but you *could* have all of the veggies you wanted. (What were they saying, veggies are not "food?") My mindset was *so* different back then, think McDonald's and Taco Bell. (I know, I know, scary stuff!) Well guess WHAT? I thought vegetables were "boring" so I did *not* eat all of the veggies I wanted and proceeded to get totally sick from not eating. What a silly girl! Veggies are awesome! And now I am on a crusade to let everyone know how you can eat healthy AND still have a big yummy smile on your face BOTH at the same time! Which is why everything you say on your book cover just speaks to my heart. Thank you for that. Xo
Melissa
I've been loving The Easy Vegan Cookbook by Kathy Hester. I've already made a couple recipes multiple times.
Melissa
I'd love to win a copy of But I Could Never Go Vegan. My biggest excuse before I went vegan was because I thought I could/would "never" give up cheese. Turns out it's really not hard at all, and there are plenty of vegan cheesy alternatives.
Stevie
There's so many good vegan cookbooks I've used this year, including yours! My favorite go to book is Chloe's Italian Kitchen.
Molly
To receive a mystery selection of vegan cookbooks. To enter, leave a comment telling me about your favorite cookbook that you discovered this year.
I don't look for cook books> I was raised on a farm and I have always used the natural properties of things to create taste and texture out of what is at hand. How am I to get an awesome cookbook selection if I am not already searching or collecting? Perhaps I will win a selection.
BONUS GIVEAWAY! Because it’s the holidays! If you have not bought or received my book, But I Could Never Go Vegan!, you get a chance to win it! To enter, leave a comment telling me
Well I am so entering to WIN ' But I Could Never Go Vegan!
My biggest excuse was "how to get others still feel they could love me through food". So many people love to cook for me and have me taste and enjoy their food making. Until I went vegan I was unaware of how exciting it is for others to get new challenges in how to make food that I can enjoy and love and be loved with as well.
I did not want to exclude people and now I find people love me and are able to love looking at food as if there were vegan options they could make for me. What if everyone actually made vegan food and then added those things they thought they loved before they starting cooking differently for me?
Carolsue
I like Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Elizabeth
This year I went vegetarian and I've discovered a gazillion veg books that I never knew existed. One of my favorites because of the layout, pictures, ease of recipes, and taste is Deliciously Ella! I donth actually personaly own any veg cookbooks though. I've only checked them out from the library.
Elizabeth
For the But I Could Never Go Vegan! ....I haven't yet gone vegan because I never knew how easy and delicious it could be till I found your blog! The other reason is I am 19, a new vegetarian who lives with an omni family. This makes it really tough because I feel like they would judge me and feed me all the typical concerns about vegans! When I move out I plan to be full vegan but for now I am about 50% vegan
sharon
I wish i could say my favorite cookbook from this year, but i cant afford cookbooks! I get my recipes online, from sites like yours. I hope i win!
sharon
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! My biggest excuse for not going vegan is because I need animal protein to maintain my body weight.
Samantha
One of my favorite cookbook so far this year was Forks Over Knives - The Cookbook by Del Sroufe.
Jess
I'm so glad to hear that your pup is home safe! I'm a bit of a cookbook nut, so I limited myself to considering only books released this year. Of those, I was most excited about The Taco Cleanse for its fun tone and margarita "supplements."
Preston
I like Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen.
Preston
I'm entering for But I Could Never Go Vegan! as well.
Preston
My excuse is protein, but most of my protein is plant-based now.
Noemi
I am so so so SO happy you found Buster!
Also, I am entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan!
Anyways, this might be crazy but when I went vegan, I didn't even care about animals, I just did it to cure my acne. So although I went vegan really quick, I always said when I outgrew acne, I would go back. Worry not though, my eyes have been opened and I will never go back! haha
Riya
Thug kitchen was my best find this year!
Riya
Entering for I could never go vegan. I'm actually newly vegan, long time veg, and I have no excuse
Sarah
I'm entering to win "But I Could Never Go Vegan!" and my favorite vegan cookbook I received this year was "Make Your Own Rules Cookbook" by Tara Stiles. The recipes are super easy, healthy and delicious!
Sarah
My biggest excuse for not going vegan was travel. I travel a lot and all over the world so being a vegetarian is still fairly easy but vegan is more difficult because most vegetarian dishes usually contain dairy and/or eggs especially in other countries.
Starla B
Those look so delicious and how generous of you! My favorite that I recently discoverd is The Easy Vegan Cookbook: Make Healthy Home Cooking Practically Effortless. It has been a great one since I am basically a newbie!
Miss Polkadot
It's been a while now already but I'm so happy you're reunited with Buster again. I remember checking your Instagram every now and then to see if you got any news and one day - you'd found him!
I'm entering to win But I Could Never Go Vegan! While I'm eating largely vegan there are two things holding me back from fully making the switch: family gatherings [tried it and failed because with occasional long journeys there it's not always possible to bring a dish] and Greek yogurt/cottage cheese. Anything else isn't a big issue.
Stephanie
Miyoko Schinner’s cookbook, "The Homemade Vegan Pantry"
Stephanie
For me, being vegan at home is easy, but not so easy when I am away from home.
Amy | Lemon and Coconut
OH MY GOD! I can't believe you found Buster that is so so fantastic I am so utterly pleased for you!!!!! Wow! Massive love sent out to you all you deserved that so very much and I am so glad xxxxxxx
Lydia Claire
Oh She Glows has been one of my favorites. =) But the recipe we've used the most is one that came from the website. It's the Cauli-power Fettuccine Alfredo!
Corrine
For one that is strictly recipes and was released this year, I enjoy Chloe Coscarelli's Chloe’s Vegan Italian Kitchen.
stacey h
For the But I Could Never Go Vegan giveaway the thing holding me back is my love for cheese - I have been vegetarian for 8 years, but sure do love my cheese. Usually once a year I do try vegan for a month - I would love to do it longer it's just hard for me.
stacey h
i really like Oh She Glows cookbook - i have had great success with her recipes. I tend to stick with my staple meals so its nice to switch things up once in a while.
Marika
I am entering to win a copy of But I Could Never Go Vegan! My biggest excuse for not going vegan before transitioning from being a vegetarian over 8 years ago, and it's so embarrassingly cliché, was probably my love of cheese—something I had become accustomed to leaning extra heavy on when I first became a vegetarian a good 7 years prior. My, how times have changed! Between the dizzying array of amazing new vegan cheeses on the market, even artisanal, no less, and the plethora of skilled vegan recipes available, there really is nothing to fear.
Marika
Firstly, I'm SO happy for you and everyone involved that Buster is home, safe and sound—what a gift! Secondly, I feel your pain, re: Jessica Jones withdrawal. Thirdly, so bummed that I missed the final VVC—so glad I made it to the first two. Lastly, I'm a cookbook whore—so hard to pick a favourite, but one I've all but warn out is Sarah Britton's, My New Roots (the breakfast cookies, omg).
Avi Strauss
I like to underbake the cookies slightly for the doughy taste and the morsels are wet and soft. yummy!
Katie Barthel
a) I would love a chance to win a copy of your book! I already have a copy, but I know plenty of people who would love to receive it as a gift. I'm anxiously awaiting more news about your next book (you're so secretive about it!). b) I didn't have a good excuse for not going vegan - I just didn't think about it all that much. Once I thought about it, I made the switch right away. Best decision ever!
Blake
I know I'm late to the party, but I just want to say I discovered your book this year through The First Mess and I cook from it almost weekly. Tonight, after making the sweet-potato curry (a staple in our house), I was looking at the back of the book and discovered you have a blog. Now I'm on it and spending my night looking over tons of recipes and reading posts!
So, even though the giveaway is over I wanted to say that your book is literally my favorite book I've discovered this year! Thank you and can't wait to get the next one/WISH I KNEW ABOUT THE RECIPE TESTING EARLIER!!! That would have been rad.
Mikkel Magnuson
Hello ! firstly I want to say that you have shared a healthy recipe . This is quite simple to prepare and your blog have made it more easy to cook this recipe. I am sure this will be delicious one because I have tried your earlier recipes which were so yummy and delicious. Keep sharing such recipes . Thanks and Happy New Year 2016.
Sue
Tears were dripping down my face when I read the whole story behind the Buster-sightings and his eventual rescue. I am so happy for you.
Megan Greydanus
I recently signed up for the Forks Over Knives cooking course and just started. I am starting my journey after I have always leaned towards not eating meat but had a recent awakening after rewetting FOK and the health thing made me go YEP VEGAN IS THE WAY! I also met some wonderful vegan friends that made me want to try it myself
a.) I am entering to win "But I Could Never Go Vegan!" - I am searching for VEGAN Books and would love this!
b.) What your biggest excuse is/was for not going vegan: Probably would be a combination of my husband is not vegan (as are most people I know) + I don't want to be one of those people with dietary restrictions because I will inconvenience others.
Megan Greydanus
rewetting typo = **re-watching**
Amy | Lemon and Coconut
Hey Kristy, hope you're well and enjoying the (not so) new year, well, Chinese new year! xx
Rodrigo
jeez! I want it know...
Sad I am not a great cooker but I will sure give it a try!
Cheer for me!
Malin Andersson
Wow, I always searching for new and creating recipes. I am very happy to come to your blog. I am thinking to try this unique recipe at this weekend. Please share some more recipes in future. I will wait for new recipes.