Looking for a Vegan Cookbook?

[Lisa]

Tim, Have you read the first book?: How It All Vegan!: Irresistible Recipes for an Animal-Free Diet

[Tim]

No, I haven't read the first book. I couldn't find a copy in a bookstore (where I could look through it) so I haven't bought it. I tend to prefer to shop for cookbooks in-store rather than on-line unless I've heard really good things.

[Lisa]

Tim, I have it. It was a gift from a Canadian friend of mine. It's been awhile since I looked at it but I know I really loved it. Highly entertaining to read as well as delicious looking recipes.

[Tim]

That's good to know. I'm a bit particular about my cookbooks these days since my diet is quite restrictive (and eliminates most vegan sources of protein).

I'm looking at expanding my cookbook collection (which is part of the reason I've joined the group) so I can find some more interesting meals to try.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

What are your restrictions, Tim?

[Tim]

There's all kinds of things I can't have. I can't have lentils/legumes, green/red/hot peppers, onions, cauliflower, broccoli and more (including caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages). I also can't have apples, plums, or bananas.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Wow, that's tough. I love so many of those foods. Can you eat beans?

[Tim]

Lee wrote: "Wow, that's tough. I love so many of those foods. Can you eat beans?"

It depends, I can have green beans, but not regular beans (e.g., black beans, kidney beans). I can't have chickpeas either. It really limits my options, but I'll feel it if I cheat. I can cheat a little with some foods (i.e., have a small amount in a bigger dish), but not at all with others.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

So, no tofu or tempeh either?

[Tim]

I'll have tofu, but I'm not really supposed to have it. If it wasn't for tofu, I probably wouldn't get enough protein.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

It sounds like you have a lot of challenges, Tim.

[Tim]

Things aren't too bad if I watch my diet and take my medication.

Oh, I love eggplant too. One of my favourite eggplant recipes is from a local who ran an Indian spice shop (she closed it down a few years ago).

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Ooooh, now you're speaking my language! I adore eggplant!

[Lisa]

Tim, quinoa has all the essential amino acids so if you can warm up to it, you can definitely get enough protein without beans and soy. Or you can mix veggies and grains, etc. so that all those amino acids are in your diet. Tough restrictions!

[Tim]

Thanks Lisa! I'll have to give it a few more chances. I've had some breakfast cereals that include it, along with some breads, but I've never been able to manage it on it's own.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Hi everyone, I'm making a major effort to lose a bit of weight and am looking for some cookbooks that list the nutritional value of every recipe. The only one I already own with fairly low-fat recipes is Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes. I'd love some suggestions for more healthy cookbooks with great tasting recipes AND nutritional info. Thanks!

[Lisa]

Lee, Color Me Vegan: Maximize Your Nutrient Intake and Optimize Your Health by Eating Antioxidant-Rich, Fiber-Packed, Color-Intense Meals That Taste Great comes to mind but I know there are many. Keep in mind that the nutritional info provided at recipes is rarely accurate and is sometimes way, way off the mark.

ETA: Keep in mind that with the exception of baked goods, I've found it VERY easy to leave out the oil, salt, etc. in all recipes, making them lower calorie and often healthier. Or reducing the oil, having just enough for the fat soluble vitamin foods to be better absorbed if there aren't already nuts, avocado or other naturally fatty foods within the recipes.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Thanks, Lisa. I've been trying to calculate the calories etc. from my most often used recipes but it's a bit time consuming and I'm not sure how accurate my calculations are. I've definitely cut way back on the oil. I've finally started to try and fry things without any oil at all. Mostly I've been cooking really simple foods without recipes but that gets boring. :-)

[Lisa]

Lee, Simple foods without recipes aren't boring if you add lots of spices!

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Yes, you're right. I just get stuck in a rut sometimes.
Lisa, do you know if the McDougall books have decent recipes?

[Lisa]

Lee wrote: "Yes, you're right. I just get stuck in a rut sometimes.
Lisa, do you know if the McDougall books have decent recipes?"

Personally, I don't think there is anything special about them. You might like them better than I do. Lots of vinegar and mustard since there isn't oil. I can cook oil free but also without those two ingredients.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

My library has three of his books so I've ordered them to check out. :-)

[Lisa]

Lee wrote: "My library has three of his books so I've ordered them to check out. :-)"

Good! Let us know what you think. I have a bunch and a used to use them but haven't for years. There are so many new books and online recipes out there. Except for The Peaceful Palate a lot of my old cookbooks are languishing on shelves.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Thanks for checking, Don! The library might have that one as the Moosewood books tend to be popular. I'll let you know!

[Lisa]

Lee, I've read a ton of 100% vegan cookbooks that have calorie information. I just don't have time to wade through all my book reviews and books to check out which. But, keep in mind that the nutritional information at recipes is not all that accurate in most cases. I know I've read articles where the stats have been tested and found to be wrong.

My feeling is if you eat healthy foods and eat only to the point of no longer feeling hungry vs. feeling full, you can't be eating too many calories.

[Lee, Unrepentant Eggplant Addict]

Haha! That's great, I'm sure my library has a few.

[Meghan]

Hello! I am looking for a Vegan Cookbook that has recipes that use no refined sugar. It is a gift for a friend - any suggestions?!?

Thanks :)

[Hilda]

If your friend eats rapadura/sucanat/jaggery and coconut sugar, then I can offer some suggestions:

My books Triumph of the Lentil: Soy-Free Vegan Wholefoods for All Appetites and High Protein Vegan: Hearty Whole Food Meals, Raw Desserts and More are both refined sugar free.

Raw books are all free from refined sugar, Practically RAW: Flexible Raw Recipes Anyone Can Make and her new one Practically Raw Desserts are ones that I like.

Whole Grain Vegan Baking: More than 100 Tasty Recipes for Plant-Based Treats Made Even Healthier-From Wholesome Cookies and Cupcakes to Breads, Biscuits, and More is a recent one, I haven't had a chance to make anything from this yet but it looks good and it's all refined sugar free.