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!
just left a comment on twitter, as well! How exciting!
I can’t wait to read YOUR book Angela!! Currently I’m reading Sprout Right, about infant and toddler nutrition, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. One for day time reading, and one for bedtime!
yesterday, i finished reading Prospect Park West by Amy Sohn
I’m reading “Thinking, Fast and Slow”. I’m a grad student and am trying to familiarize myself more with research on how people make decisions. Also read “Unwind” recently, which is pretty good YA fiction.
I also follow you on Facebook.
What a great offer!
So, right now I’m reading “Nourishing Meals” by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre. Having been a vegetarian for 28 years, I recently found that I have sensitivities to both gluten and casein. In much the same way as browsing through your blog, reading their two books has given me inspiration for a plant based, whole food diet. I recommend their books frequently, and am excited for the opportunity to do the same with, not only the two you offer today, but the one you are so diligently crafting. Best of luck with all the prepping, photography, and editing. I sure it will be worth every bead of sweat.
I am currently reading The Thrive Diet by Brendan Brazier. His recipes sound so yummy but nowhere close to as easy as your yummy recipes!
I’m reading a local novel called “Betwixt Two Suns”, regarding the Underground Railroad in Southern Illinois, and a battle over the escape of a particular slave. So far, a very interesting read. Not vegan by any means, but informative nonetheless!
I also follow you on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!
Currently, I am engrossed in Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. It is such a good read and highly recommend it for when you get some downtime. :)
These cookbooks would be a valued addition to the shelf. Thank you! I look forward to when I can add your cookbook to that shelf, too. :)
I follow you on Facebook already!
I really enjoyed reading “Yoga Cures” by Tara Stiles. Not only has it furthered my yoga practice, but it has also helped me to increasingly utilize natural, holistic methods of healing in place of conventional Western medicine.
Unfortunately I can’t remember not being buried in school books…but I did recently read “The Fault in Our Stars” and it was wonderful.
For cookbooks, I read Peas and Thank You and The Sexy Vegan’s books, and they were both really funny and full of fun recipes. For literature, I highly recommend Shantaram. It’s a beautiful story.
I just finished reading the 19th Wife. Based on the true story of Brigham Young’s 19th wife. Interesting insights into the history of the Mormon church and polygomist sects that broke off from the original group, told in first person by wives and childrens perspectives.
We have been adjusting our eating habits in my home, leaning towards more and more healthy ways of eating. We are not all the way there yet, but we do enjoy several vegan meals a week. With these cookbooks, I’m sure that number would greatly increase.
..following you on Twitter..
Angela,
I think it’s awesome that your cookbook is coming together! I know the writing process is difficult, let alone the editing (I’m currently trying to wrap up my dissertation!) but it WILL happen and it will be AMAZING! You have so many of us devoted fans patiently awaiting its arrival that there is no need to apologize for less blog entries as you try to wrap up what I am sure to be a great cookbook! You are such an amazing person and the work you do has helped so many people! Yours was the one blog I relied on when my husband and I made our transition to a plant-based diet 18 months ago. I have no doubt your cookbook will be a reflection of the great cook and recipe creator you already are! Sign me up for a pre-order!
Also, I’m currently reading the Pleasure Trap by Dr. Doug Lisle. Very interesting stuff! Once I’m done with that one, I’m looking forward to reading Michael Moss’ latest, Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us.
I am currently reading A Prayer for Owen Meany. Good luck with your cookbook!
I recently finished reading the Tennessee Williams’ play, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” I love your websites and recipes! They’ve helped my husband and I lose a combined 100lbs this year! Thank you!
Hi Angela!
Currently I am reading “Undiet” and “Engine 5”. Getting great recipe ideas from both! Hoping to be able to enjoy these soon. Annie