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Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans
Vegan Recipes That'll Punch Your Taste Buds in the Mouth
Natalie Slater has been described as "Martha Stewart meets Iron Maiden," taking vegan cooking to places it has never been before. Influenced by slasher films, pro-wrestling, punk rock and heavy metal, her quirky-yet-delicious comfort foods are a refreshing take on vegan eating with award-winning flavors. Along the way, her off-color humor, irreverent rants and density of pop-culture references will make you laugh out loud.
Inside this high-energy cookbook you'll find recipes for Bike Messenger Brownies―inspired by the espresso-infused chai latte these speed demons use to fuel up; and Crouching Cornbread, Hidden Broccoli―Natalie's sneaky way of getting her son to eat vegetables. Other creations include the Grilled Mac ‘n' Cheez Sandwich, Taco Lasagna, Chick-O Cheesecake, and her Shepherd's Pie Pizza, about which she writes, "Some people were born to rock n' roll. Others were born to ride. I was born to put mashed potatoes on pizza."
Bake and Destroy was named one of the most anticipated cookbooks of the year by VegNews.
Natalie Slater has been described as "Martha Stewart meets Iron Maiden," taking vegan cooking to places it has never been before. Influenced by slasher films, pro-wrestling, punk rock and heavy metal, her quirky-yet-delicious comfort foods are a refreshing take on vegan eating with award-winning flavors. Along the way, her off-color humor, irreverent rants and density of pop-culture references will make you laugh out loud.
Inside this high-energy cookbook you'll find recipes for Bike Messenger Brownies―inspired by the espresso-infused chai latte these speed demons use to fuel up; and Crouching Cornbread, Hidden Broccoli―Natalie's sneaky way of getting her son to eat vegetables. Other creations include the Grilled Mac ‘n' Cheez Sandwich, Taco Lasagna, Chick-O Cheesecake, and her Shepherd's Pie Pizza, about which she writes, "Some people were born to rock n' roll. Others were born to ride. I was born to put mashed potatoes on pizza."
Bake and Destroy was named one of the most anticipated cookbooks of the year by VegNews.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
12 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Slater
3 books90 followersNatalie Slater is the creator and writer of popular food blog Bake and Destroy. Original recipes with a healthy dose of pop culture have made her blog a fan favorite since 2006. Her first cookbook, "Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans" was named one of VegNews Magazine co-founder Colleen Holland's "15 Most-Anticipated Vegan Cookbooks of 2013".
As a recurring Threadcakes celebrity judge, guest judge on Food Network's Cupcake Wars, and creator of SugarSlam (an online, pro-wrestling-themed bake off) Natalie puts her cooking expertise and sassy opinions to work in finding underground culinary talent.
She has written for Baking and Pastry International, and her recipes have appeared in Bust Magazine, Time Out Chicago and several online publications.
Natalie lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Tony, and their son Teno.
As a recurring Threadcakes celebrity judge, guest judge on Food Network's Cupcake Wars, and creator of SugarSlam (an online, pro-wrestling-themed bake off) Natalie puts her cooking expertise and sassy opinions to work in finding underground culinary talent.
She has written for Baking and Pastry International, and her recipes have appeared in Bust Magazine, Time Out Chicago and several online publications.
Natalie lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Tony, and their son Teno.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 23, 2014
Not a vegan by any stretch, but I enjoy the recipes in this book. Love Natalie's tone and the easy to follow recipes. You can see just how much research went into each recipe by her trying to use items that can be easily found and not having a million ingredients for each food item.
I borrowed this from the library, but ended up getting a copy for myself because I want to be able to have non-egg and milk alternatives when needed. Also great for party food when you have people with different type of dietary restrictions.
I borrowed this from the library, but ended up getting a copy for myself because I want to be able to have non-egg and milk alternatives when needed. Also great for party food when you have people with different type of dietary restrictions.
November 29, 2022
OHEMMGEE, this book. Absolutely mouth-watering, and I want to make all of the things (from the spaghetti cake to the bike messenger brownies).
April 27, 2015
I reviewed this book after reading it, but before preparing any recipes. I have come back to edit to report success with two I tried: frozen lemonade pie and Dorneatos kale chips. My impression that the recipes were careful and adequately tested, with clear instructions has so far been borne out.
I find this book remarkable because it has all the faddishly healthy vegan recipes and all the retro-junk-food simulation vegan recipes, all in the same book. I really like the Chicago focus of the cuisine and the overall accepting "food is food" vibe. Also the book starts with desserts, and you have to love that. I have a preference for the versions of rich fatty foods that are made with less fat over the usually not fried foods that are dipped in batter and fried, but the book has both, and that's cool.
Slater has decided that everything can go on a pizza, so she has recipes for Thanksgiving green bean casserole pizza, Indian Buffet Pizza, and Shepherd's Pie Pizza. She also makes pizza and nacho cupcakes and felafel waffles. (Seriously, instead of frying the felafel, she has you use a waffle iron.) Also, in at least two recipes she uses jackfruit as a substitute for pork in pulled pork and breakfast hash, and tater tots as a substitute for tortilla chips in nachos. There's also a very pretty photo of her vegan ersatz twinkies, which are flavored with fruit punch and look gorgeously pink and appetizing.
There are also very exciting recipes for kale chips, including a version called Dorneatos, and some very appetizing smoothies. I think I will probably make the kale chips and that I will probably use her DIY cake mix recipes, because that's really useful. I also want to make her frozen lemonade pie. My kid liked the looks of the Bike Messenger Brownies, which are mocha brownies with a chai glaze.
Anyway, it was a fun cookbook to read--nice photos.
I find this book remarkable because it has all the faddishly healthy vegan recipes and all the retro-junk-food simulation vegan recipes, all in the same book. I really like the Chicago focus of the cuisine and the overall accepting "food is food" vibe. Also the book starts with desserts, and you have to love that. I have a preference for the versions of rich fatty foods that are made with less fat over the usually not fried foods that are dipped in batter and fried, but the book has both, and that's cool.
Slater has decided that everything can go on a pizza, so she has recipes for Thanksgiving green bean casserole pizza, Indian Buffet Pizza, and Shepherd's Pie Pizza. She also makes pizza and nacho cupcakes and felafel waffles. (Seriously, instead of frying the felafel, she has you use a waffle iron.) Also, in at least two recipes she uses jackfruit as a substitute for pork in pulled pork and breakfast hash, and tater tots as a substitute for tortilla chips in nachos. There's also a very pretty photo of her vegan ersatz twinkies, which are flavored with fruit punch and look gorgeously pink and appetizing.
There are also very exciting recipes for kale chips, including a version called Dorneatos, and some very appetizing smoothies. I think I will probably make the kale chips and that I will probably use her DIY cake mix recipes, because that's really useful. I also want to make her frozen lemonade pie. My kid liked the looks of the Bike Messenger Brownies, which are mocha brownies with a chai glaze.
Anyway, it was a fun cookbook to read--nice photos.
September 26, 2013
I read a lot of cookbooks. I also do a lot of cooking and baking. I thought this was a fun book with a number of interesting take on recipes. I have a number of recipes marked to make and very much looking forward to trying a few different types. I checked this one out from my local library but added to my list to purchase.
September 24, 2013
This book has lots of delicious sounding recipes in it, and doesn't call for a bunch of weird ingredients I'd never use again. If you're looking for healthy vegan recipes...well, don't look here. If you just want yummy, look here!
December 15, 2023
I thought this would just be a fun book to read, but didn't really think I'd be interested in actually making any of the recipes. Wrong! I have all sorts of markers in it. I'm super glad I read it--even though it was written almost 10 years ago.
May 22, 2019
I have this book and I love, looooooove, LOVE it! So many yummy recipes, so many cute illustrations! What's not to love?!
May 23, 2020
THE CANDY BAR SMOOTHIE IS LIKE MY FAVORITE THING EVER!!!!!!!
December 3, 2019
Loooved this book! Mainly the baking section but still!
I've made a few things from here and they were simple enough and came out great. I'm from one of those families were vegan is made fun of - so being able to serve things up with high praise and then going "thanks, it's vegan" is super rewarding 😂👍
Also lots of pictures and it's pretty funny in itself.
I've made a few things from here and they were simple enough and came out great. I'm from one of those families were vegan is made fun of - so being able to serve things up with high praise and then going "thanks, it's vegan" is super rewarding 😂👍
Also lots of pictures and it's pretty funny in itself.
January 5, 2016
Let me start this by saying I am not a vegan. I am an on again/off again vegetarian who just really likes good, healthy, easy, and FUN food. Bake and Destroy is like headbanger's ball for your tastebuds, and your body will thank you too for adding some more superfoods to your plate. The recipes are versatile for both vegans and non-vegans alike, and there aren't a bunch of frou-frou ingredients. Slater's writing style is like hanging with your bestie on a Saturday night, making snacks while enjoying the Elivra movie-marathon. No fluffy or condescending BS Here folks, just recipes that are tasty enough for anyone.
The DIY cake mixes are wonderful, as are the Candy Bar Smoothie and French Fry tacos. Personally, I'm looking forward to making the Green Bean Casserole Pizza!
If you are a fan of Thug Kitchen you will love this book.
The DIY cake mixes are wonderful, as are the Candy Bar Smoothie and French Fry tacos. Personally, I'm looking forward to making the Green Bean Casserole Pizza!
If you are a fan of Thug Kitchen you will love this book.
August 13, 2013
What a refreshing new vegan cookbook! I preordered this book last year when I first heard about it and had huge expectations for something refreshingly new, and I’m happy to say that Natalie delivers! I love her creative and relaxed approach to vegan cooking, and that not only does she encourage the reader to experiment, she gives great tips on things to try (including a handy reference for how to modify other non-vegan recipes to make them vegan, and how to modify her recipes with ingredients that you might prefer). This book includes great dishes to serve guests, simple dishes to whip together for yourself and your family, killer desserts, lots of fun recipes that make vegan fare more palatable for kids too, and mouth-watering photos of every recipe. I love this book!
April 4, 2016
This book is full of incredibly unique and new recipes that kind of blow my mind- Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Pizza, Nachos Cupcakes, Whoopie pies that look like hamburgers, Falafel waffles... I pretty much want to try every recipe. Many of the recipes have a Chicago style twist to them too, which is great. Very fun cookbook
September 30, 2013
Baked goods range from easy to complicated...ingredients lists seem easy-enough. Arrowroot may be something most people don't have in their cupboards.
Savory dishes look very promising.
Jackfruit keeps popping up and I have to try it!
Savory dishes look very promising.
Jackfruit keeps popping up and I have to try it!
December 5, 2013
I loved this book. All the recipes were inventive and interesting. Not your typical boring cookbook. It's not just a baking cookbook. It's got a range of all different things. Not to mention the artwork is quiet cool. I would say it is up there in my top cookbook list.
October 9, 2014
Such a fantastic and EASY cookbook. I can also add meat to recipes if I feel like it. The ingredients are not difficult to find or too expensive. The page layout, cute/badass cartoons, and overall tone of the book just rules.
September 14, 2013
The kale chips! They're amazing.
November 15, 2013
Very decadent and omni friendly. A good vegan party food book. Everything I've made has been yummy
Currently reading
December 31, 2013I haven't yet gotten around to reviewing this cookbook - but you can see some of the dishes I've made from Bake and Destroy here: http://www.easyvegan.info/tag/bake-an...
April 23, 2014
Not much in here to interest me.
May 31, 2017
Unique and interesting recipes.
December 22, 2015
This might be the best cookbook ever...all the sins, all the sins.
<3
xoxo Madame Cookiebottom
<3
xoxo Madame Cookiebottom
January 3, 2016
Hella good recipes! Taco lasagna is my new favorite thing, I rave about it to anyone who'll listen! And the little descriptions included for each recipe are cute/funny, too. Vegan made easy....er!
August 4, 2016
The Taco Lasagna in this book is amazing, everytime I make it, it disappears..... and we are talking a huuuuuuge dish!!!
Lots of great recipes!
Lots of great recipes!
December 25, 2016
Everything I've made from this book so far has been amazing.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews