The library is a great resource to try out cookbook before you buy (or, if you’re like me, a great way to feed your cookbook addiction without going broke!). I put Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day, Vegan Eats World and Crazy Sexy Kitchen on hold a while back, and they all became available on the same day. Happy day! Just browsing the pages I quickly fell in love, and I’m pretty sure all three will find a permanent place in my ever-growing collection. Now that I’m mostly recovered from my wisdom tooth extraction, I’m looking forward to testing them out. What are your favorites? Any recommendations?
Our Hen House published an article last week titled, “Veganism is about More than Food.” With all the focus on food, many forget (or they never realize) that diet is only one component of a vegan lifestyle. This article is a great reminder that other components can be a great way to advocate for the animals and to introduce people to veganism. Changing their diet may sound overwhelming to some at first, but giving up fur or wool or changing their household cleaning products may sound more manageable (every step counts!). Check out the article to read more and to see some ideas for spreading the word that avoiding exploitation and cruelty means more than changing what we eat.
Super Bowl recipes. With that said, though it’s not the whole picture, I still believe that good vegan food is one of the best forms of activism. People eat three times a day — at least. Demonstrating how satisfying an animal-free diet can be, and how it’s not a sacrifice at all, is a great way to win people over. You will likely be gathering together with friends this Sunday night, if not to watch the game, and if not to watch the commercials, then definitely to enjoy some tasty party food. Looking for something to bring to the big game? Here are a few ideas:
- Three Bean Chili
- Pizza Poppers
- Savory Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Puffs
- Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Spread)
Trader Joe’s recently launched its own line of vegan mozzarella style shreds, which melt and stretch (and come in a resealable bag). I’ll admit that I didn’t have high expectations, but I was excited to try them nonetheless. The shreds are finer than Daiya’s and have a slightly different taste and a firmer consistency as well. When it comes to melted cheese, Daiya still reigns supreme, no question. The Trader Joe’s shreds have a gritty and stickier texture when melted, which I generally didn’t like (although they weren’t too shabby when melted in a very thin layer on some garlic bread — see how they melt and stretch?). Unmelted, however, I have to say I was fairly impressed. I’ve enjoyed the shreds added to wraps and sprinkled over salads. Also appealing? It’s price — locally, it’s about 25% less than Daiya.
When it comes to defending our eating choices, many people, mostly meat eaters, justify their habits by calling them a personal choice. To a certain extent I agree. But to excuse the killing and consumption of animals as “personal choice” is overlooking the obvious: a voiceless victim. A victim that, given the choice, surely would have chosen to live. This quote/poster I found on Pinterest puts it perfectly.
Yes, I realize that WHAT we eat is a personal decision. But WHO we eat is not.
-Kim Flaherty
Thanks for reading! :) Any fun plans for the weekend?
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I love that quote.
I have been apprehensive about TJ’s new cheese, thanks for the info on it.
It’s simple, but absolute fave recipe from Crazy Sexy Kitchen is the avocado toast!
I do, too. It puts the way I feel so simply and eloquently.
I was apprehensive about the TJ cheese as well. It’s not going to blow anyone away, mind you, but I liked it unmelted.
Thanks for the CSK recommendation! Simple recipes are the best (and I loooove me some avocado)!
I have the same cookbook strategy; although, with those particular cookbooks it’s probably a lost cause! My prediction is that they’ll soon have a home on your cookbook shelf! The only one of those three that I don’t have is Crazy Sexy Kitchen, and I’ve been on the library waiting list FOREVER. I’m glad that vegan cookbooks are so popular in my small town, but the waiting is trying my patience! :)
I know exactly how you feel! It’s bittersweet any time there is a long wait for a vegan cookbook (or vegan book in general). I’m always beyond thrilled that so many people are interested — and that really trumps everything else — but I do still get antsy waiting…not to mention that I can’t renew the books if other people have them on hold. I suppose it could be worse ;)