I never thought I’d say this, but I’m in the final days of finishing my cookbook manuscript and handing it in to my editor. After 15 months of testing recipes, writing, and shooting photography, I finally feel like things are coming together. Very, very slowly, mind you. I’ve shot about 50 recipe photographs so far, but that means I still have at least 50 recipes to remake and photograph. gulp, gulp, gulp. I’ve heard the editing process is pretty brutal, so I’m just taking it one day at a time and not looking too far ahead. The journey of getting my recipes to a place where I’m happy (and all my recipe testers) has taken much longer than I anticipated, but I didn’t want to rush the process. Quality over quantity, I say. If this is the only cookbook I ever write, I want it to be something I’m proud of. And seriously, it might be the only cookbook I ever write!
Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hello! I might not be able to post as much as I’d like to over the next couple weeks, but just know that I’m thinking of you always and looking forward to sharing some recipe inspiration as soon as I can. Right now, every creative cell in my body seems to be on hiatus, but it will recharge soon enough. Isn’t that what red wine is for??
Now for the giveaway fun! In my mind, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good cookbook and feeling more inspired with each turning page. Today’s giveaway highlights a couple awesome vegan cookbooks that I have in my collection as well as my favourite recipe creation tool that I reviewed recently – The Flavor Bible! I’m giving away all the books below to one lucky winner. If you happen to already own one or some of these cookbooks, I’ll be happy to send you an Amazon gift card instead. You decide. The books will be shipped new directly from Amazon.
In this giveaway:
Let Them Eat Vegan by Dreena Burton
Let Them Eat Vegan! is packed with 200 plant-powered recipes for the entire family. Dreena offers notes on how to modify her recipes for those with allergies or common substitution questions. Natural vegan ingredients are abundant in her recipes, many of which I already have in my own pantry. See my full review here.
Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero
Veganomicon is truly a work of art. With over 250 recipes for any occasion, this is a cookbook I turn to often. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and easy or something fancy and elaborate, this book will have it. There are also handy user-friendly guides for soy-free, gluten-free, low-fat, and quick and easy recipes.
The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
The Flavor Bible, described as “the essential guide to culinary creativity”, profiles ingredients and the corresponding herbs, spices, seasonings, etc. that pair well with each of these ingredients. As someone who has grown to love recipe creation, this book is a resource tool that I turn to when I’m looking for a nudge in the right direction. When I have an ingredient in mind that I’d like to cook with, I often look to this book for suggestions of other “compatible” ingredients that I can include in the dish. For my full review, see here.
To enter: Leave a comment below and tell me what you are reading right now or maybe tell me about a book you’ve read recently that you enjoyed. If you’d like a second entry you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest and leave a second comment letting me know you did so. This contest is open to anyone, anywhere and the winner will be chosen at random on Sat April 27th . Good luck!!
Please note: The links in this post are Amazon Affiliate links – if you click on the link and purchase something I will receive a small percentage from Amazon which helps support costs involved for this blog. Thanks in advance!








I followed you on Pinterest and Facebook! (I am on both websites waaaay too often!)
“Stroke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor Excellent A brain scientists personal journey after suffering a stroke
UnDiet by Meghan Telpner Excellent
I’m so excited to hear your cookbook is finally coming together!! You have inspired me so much to be vegan, and I love the little stories you usually have with every recipe. And your recipes always turn out perfectly-they are so easy to follow! But yes the contest! I’m reading A Clash of Kings right now. It’s a part of the Game of Thrones series, it’s amazing. It’s everything you could hope a book to be and more! I can’t put it down.
I’m reading Mindy Kaling’s book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” right now. So far it’s been hilarious and very witty!
Can’t wait to see your book! I’m reading Sonia Sotomayor’s memoir My Beloved World.
hi!!
I recently finished a wonderful graphic novel called French Milk by a young American illustrator named Lucy Knisley. It chronicles an adventure to Paris with her mother as depicted through the foods she ate! So tasty and sweet and such great illustrations.
I’m reading Gone Girl and cannot put it down! As for cookbooks the latest one I picked up is Eat Clean – Vegetarian by Tosca Reno
I’m quite a young student, so for school reading I’m reading To Kill A Mockingbird.
I’m also following you on pinterest!
I follow you on twitter and Facebook too!
I am reading Prenatal Prescription…. Sharp Objects is a great one though! :)
I have been really digging into my bible lately, with the sad, chaos of this past week I feel more compelled than ever to seek Gods word and pray it fills the world with peace.
I am currently reading Vegan for Life. Really helpful nutrition advice, I think every vegan should read it!
Shhh, Don’t tell anyone, but I’m on the second book of the Fifty Shades trilogy. ;-)
I’ve also been flipping through the Smitten Kitchen cookbook a lot lately, and daydreaming about making everything, especially the spaghetti squash tacos!
Oh. P.S. I follow you on facebook and pinterest!
I’m reading Crazy Sexy Diet. I am really looking foward to your cookbook. I’m a big fan!
I just finished Her A Memior. http://www.amazon.com/Her-A-Memoir-Christa-Parravani/dp/0805096531 It was a really moving story about identical twin sisters, their relationship, and how one sister died. It was well-written, touching, and I couldn’t put it down.
I also just finished Lean In. http://www.amazon.com/Lean-Women-Work-Will-Lead/dp/0385349947/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366758469&sr=1-1&keywords=lean+in This book was incredibly inspiring. I think everyone should read it. It made me realize so many things that I do that men don’t do in the workplace. It even inspired me to apply for a new position at work. Sanburg continuously asks, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” It is a great question to ask and is helping to keep me from settling for less in my career.
Also, I just started following on Pintrist!
Hi, I currently reading “The Plant Based Diet” by Leslie Beck. I’m a virigin vegan as I’ve only been vegan for 8 weeks. The book is very informative, but if it wasn’t for your recipes I would have been lost. Every day I’m printing off great tasting recipes to make my meal plan for the week. So thank you. The website has helped with the transition!
I’m reading a medical textbook right now for school :-/ but these look much more fun!
ooh, and I follow you on Twitter!