The Friendly Vegan Cookbook: 100 Essential Recipes to Share with Vegans and Omnivores Alike

by Michelle Cehn, Toni Okamoto, Chloe Coscarelli (Foreword)

The founder of World of Vegan and the author of Plant-Based on a Budget have teamed up to create the ultimate kitchen resource for longtime vegans and the veggie-curious alike, with 100 foolproof, flavor-forward recipes.

Eating vegan doesn't have to mean a lifetime of bland veggie burgers and boring salads—nor does it have to make every shared meal a source of stress. As all plant-based cooks know, when it comes time to please a crowd, the pressure in on. You want to serve delicious, memorable dishes, and you're also well-aware that many will be skeptical of vegan food measuring up to their favorites.

Enter Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto, longtime friends and two of the most trusted figures in the online vegan community. Through their popular food blogs, videos, podcast, and cookbooks, the two have helped millions of people make living vegan easy, fun, and delicious. Michelle and Toni share 100 amazing recipes for satisfying meals, snacks, and treats, designed for both the veggie-curious and longtime vegans looking for a trusted recipe resource. 

In The Friendly Vegan 100 Essential Recipes to Share with Vegans and Omnivores Alike , you'll find rigorously tested, no-fail recipes including favorites such

   • Fettuccine Alfredo
   • Sushi
   • Pot Pie
   • Breakfast Burritos
   • Pop Tarts
   • Chocolate Mousse
   • Cinnamon Rolls
   • Mac 'n' Cheese
   • Corn Chowder
   • Chewy Brownies

Michelle and Toni also share their go-to kitchen tips to make meal planning a breeze, helpful shopping lists, and directions for making your own staples—nut milks, dressings, pasta sauces, and breads. The Friendly Vegan Cookbook is filled with meals that will become your new favorites and go-to staples for when you have meat-eaters to impress. Because amazing food should be shared.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Vegan, Reference

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2020

About the author

Michelle Cehn is the founder of WorldofVegan.com, co-host of the Plant-Powered People Podcast, and a YouTube personality who has reached millions through her relatable videos. You can find her dishing up plant-powered recipes and inspiration daily on Instagram (@vegan) and stepping into mama-hood with her baby boy, hubby, and rescued dog in Sacramento, California.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for Vegan cookbooks-especially ones that I know my family will love.

You wouldn't think this would be such a hard thing to find-yet it truly is. These are simple recipes, simple ingredients-yet healthy and filling(the soups are amazing!). There are recipes for breakfast/brunches-and, not just different tofu scrambles.
Lunches/dinners include pasta, tacos, sandwiches, "sushi".
Drinks, desserts, snacks, and DIY staples are also included.

The pictures are also super aesthetically pleasing.


Thank you to Edelweiss for this temporary, digital advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. My review is voluntary, and my opinions are my own.

[Beatriz Buono-Core Iommi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so in love with this book! First of all, it is gorgeous. The colorful photos, beautiful illustrations, and super helpful information make it invaluable but the recipes are so delicious, easy to follow, and so perfect for a family meal or celebration. You will not regret getting this beautiful cookbook! It is the perfect gift for someone looking to eat more plant-based or looking for some inspiration to cook some homemade meals.

My favorite recipes are (really hard to choose a few!): The super creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, the also creamy Corn Chowder, the classic Tofu Scramble, the Lasagna, and the peanut butter chocolate smoothie! Chocolate cupcakes, birthday cake, potato salad, pesto pasta, cornbread, challah bread...it has it ALL! The book also has a special section for you to write your own personal notes for each recipe. Genius!

I love this approach to veganism and plant-based eating! Easy, approachable, and friendly is the way to go, all while eating amazing home-cooked meals!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not vegan but love this cookbook, simple, easy recipes for everyone.

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Essential for Every Vegan Kitchen! The cosmic, culinary combination of these two favorite, friendly vegans magically manifests into a cookbook that is not only positively practical and plant based, but also downright delicious!

I love the bright, colorful photographs and watercolor illustrations in this cookbook. The layout of the book is super user friendly, with spaces for notes, tips and also suggestions from recipe testers. There are truly recipes for everyone in this book - appetizers, breakfasts, drinks, desserts, main dishes and even kitchen staples. Yay!

The Friendly Vegan Cookbook is incredibly friendly, helpful and encouraging. Every single recipe looks inviting and it’s hard to decide which ones to try first! I’ve already made the Mango Smoothie, Grandma’s Cookies and Thumbprint Cookies - all were supremely delicious! My family loved them and they’re not even vegan!

If you had to choose only ONE vegan cookbook for your kitchen, make it this one! Highly, highly recommended!! 🤩🌟🌟💚

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC courtesy of BenBella Books & Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review.

Admittedly, I have yet to try all of these recipes as I write this review, but I must say-yay! So often I find Vegan Cookbooks that feel impossible. They are brimming with obscure ingredients, too much prep work and confusing steps. This book actually seems doable. So big kudos for making this lacto-ovo vegetarian consider making the leap to veganism.

[Milena Esherick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this new cookbook! I have folded over almost every page and made my grocery shopping list. This guide is so helpful for long time veg folks and people new to veg eating. Straightforward, easy, delicious recipes made from familiar ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. I’m excited to cook and bake again!

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to try the recipes in this book, but there was so much tofu. It felt like every other recipe had it as an ingredient. I'll use tofu for ricotta, but beyond that I don't miss meat in that I feel I need a substitute for it. The purpose of the book seems to be a way to jump into veganism and/or spread the love to the meat eaters in your life and in that I think it would succeed. The recipes are simple, basic, and standard fare replacements and for that it's a good starting point. If I had picked this up as my first vegan cookbook I think it would have served me well, but that's not where I'm at and so this kinda missed the mark for me. But it's still a solid recipe book - so if you're new to veganism, definitely check it out!

[Sharon Jacobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have made 4 recipes from this book so far and all 4 have been so good! This is the first book to get me back in the kitchen in such a long time. Yummy recipes, easy to follow and they include at the top what equipment you will need which is super helpful. Highly recommend! Additional plus- it does NOT promote dieting or calorie counting and I'm so thankful for that. #Govegan

[BookBec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much tofu!
And too many recipes that include ingredients like "1 batch Mushroom Gravy page XX." Just put all the instructions on one page! Don't try to make a recipe look easy and quick, when you're really including lots of hidden work. The most ridiculous was the pesto pasta recipe, with directions to boil some pasta, then turn to another page to make pesto, then put it together.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy The Friendly Vegan Cookbook by Toni Okamoto and Michelle Cehn from Goodreads.

The Friendly Vegan Cookbook: 100 Essential Recipes to Share with Vegans and Omnivores Alike by Toni Okamoto and Michelle Cehn is a delightful collection of recipes for vegans and an incredible resource for any host. Divided into sections that cover every meal and beyond, the recipes have been tested by the authors and are accompanied by their comments, advice, and beautiful photos of the end results. At the front of the book, readers find guidance for stocking a pantry, preparing certain ingredients, and selecting the best kitchen tools.
The Friendly Vegan Cookbook is the perfect go-to source for the considerate host and a great addition to your recipes that inspire and comfort.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun book to read and I have marked many recipes that I want to try. I want to try even lots of them that I haven't marked yet. I think I could work my way right through every recipe in the whole book. Photography is great. I love how they left space to make my own notes too. Kudos to Toni & Michelle! (Btw, I also love their podcast--Plant-Powered People. I'm 67 years old and my husband & I just went vegan about 3 1/2 years ago. Even though I much older than the two of them--I've learned many things and always enjoy the time I spend listening.)

[Stephanie Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm picky about the cookbooks I add to my shelf, but Toni and Michelle nailed it in The Friendly Vegan Cookbook. From the mouth-watering recipes and drool worthy photos, to the friendly tips and additional vegan resources, this book is my new favorite book to cook from for my family. I love how accessible the recipes are for vegans and non-vegans alike, as well as how easy they are to prepare for the average, everyday home cook.

[Kelley Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who eats mostly plant based, recipes that are easy and ingredients that are assessable are a must. I liked the set up,introduction, and recipes that the authors compiled. A vast variety of what appears to be tasty dishes. A great Vegan cookbook in my opinion. I plan to check out their other books.

[Elaine Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook! All the recipes I’ve tried so far have been so delicious. As someone still learning how to cook, I find it easy to follow along. I’m really happy to know how to cook great vegan recipes to share with all people.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate that these recipes use simple ingredients and are quite easy to make, yet are darn good! I've been a fan of Toni and Michelle's work for a while, and this was a great addition to their catalog.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Classic Recipes

This cookbook is packed with great, easy, everyday recipes. Looking forward to making every one of them. Great job ladies!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway

[Dr G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful cookbook . A go to.

[Janice Gora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great recipes and simple to follow 👌

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to try the recipes!!! I got this book to preview from library and now I want to own it. It has easy to find ingredients and easy to follow recipes.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite cookbook. I have memorized several of the recipes as I make them so often. If you only buy on vegan cookbook, buy this one.

[Lirix DL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cookbook for someone starting their vegan journey.

[Dianelys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to try the Lasagna, Shepherd's Pie, and the Cornbread Chili Casserole recipes.

[JoAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recipes look great however I have an intolerance for soy and many recipes call for soy milk (can be replaced), tofu and TVP.