Cook Books!
I have a confession to make! I LOVE cookbooks! There's something about having that recipe in tangible form vs a link on my phone (yes.... I have heaps of those too, but cookbooks, well, we were meant to be together!)
I write notes next to the recipe: when I made it, thoughts on what to do with the ingredients, lessons learned and more. Over time I have more than just a cookbook, I have a memory maker!
Below are what I currently consider to be my TOP 10. Enjoy! Carol xxoo
Please support your local, independent bookstores when making your purchase or leverage your local library.
I only recommend books I love and value and have used myself.
My All Time Favorite!
If I have to pick one cookbook that is my all time favorite, it has to be this one!
Deliciously Ella - Quick & Easy
Perfect for any newbie to plant-centric eating. Super quick, super easy, super delicious recipes. Ella has done her homework, testing, testing, testing her recipes to make sure they are reliable to produce. Quinoa Risotto, Turmeric & Zucchini Pancakes, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are regularly made in my kitchen, and the ultimate... a Salted Espresso Chocolate Tart..... oh my!
.... and the other 9 are... (in no particular order)
PlantYou - Carleigh Bodrug
Another great cookbook for plant-centric newbies. Carleigh's format - showing a photo of each ingredient along with the finished dish is so helpful. At a glance you can see the ingredients needed, making it easy to confirm if you have things on hand.
Her Presto Pesto Penne is to die for good! Fresh, bright flavors - taking pasta to a whole new level!
Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior - Jane & Ann Esselstyn
Jane and Ann have put together a PLANTastic collection of recipes AND offer heaps of tips and tricks for becoming a confident plant-centric cook.
I'm a big banana bread fan.... been making it for decades. When I tried Jane and Ann's version my world changed.... absolutely THE BEST BANANA BREAD RECIPE out there..... super scrummy!
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook - America's Test Kitchen
If you know anything about the America's Test Kitchen TV series you know they go deep when they test a recipe - taking the ingredients and process apart to really make sure the recipe works. Not only does this book contain 500 tested recipes, it also includes LOTS of information about cooking basics for veggies, rice, starches and more, so you'll come away with solid plant-centric cooking skills.
Eat to Live Cookbook - Dr. Joel Fuhrman
Dr. Fuhrman has leveraged his decades of experience in Lifestyle Medicine to create a cookbook full of delicious, healing, nutrient-dense recipes.
I absolutely LOVE his Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers and the Mushroom Stroganoff, and the Fuhrman Fudgesicles are PLANTabulous on a hot summer's day
Bosh! - Henry Firth & Ian Theasby
These British lads have a good thing going with their Bosh series of cookbooks! This was the first one I bought way back when and it's got a heap of terrific taste-bud tantalizing eats! It's where I learned about cool cooking techniques like Hasselback Potatoes and Mezze Cake - a Middle Eastern marvel!
Artisan Sourdough - Emilie Raffa
If you're into making your own bread, and want to venture into the world of Sourdough, this is THE best guide for teaching sourdough newbies how it all works. Cultivating your own starter, the tools, the terminology and then a heap of recipes to explore and enjoy! I'm LOVING her sourdough bagels..... oh my!
The Ikaria Way - Diane Kochilas
If you like ethnic food inspired by Greece, this is a winner, winner yum yum dinner, gotta have it in your collection cookbook! The ancient Greeks knew about the power of plants, eating deliciously and living long, vibrant lives.
Bean by Bean - Crescent Dragonwagon
I also like cookbooks that focus on a single ingredient, and since beans are a staple ingredient in a plant-centric kitchen, learning to master their diversity is a good way to go. This book delivered on that objective and then some. Deliciousness awaits!
Traditionally Fermented Foods - Shannon Stonger
One great piece of advice I got years ago was to be open to new ways of doing things.... and in my plant-centric life that had me exploring fermented foods, probiotics and the art of fermentation. This book checks the boxes on teaching you how to do it, and loading you up with recipes to try. Kimchi anyone?!
BONUS! I told you I love cookbooks.... couldn't resist sharing one more!
Vegan Ramen - Armon Pakdel and Zoe Lichlyter
I LOVE ramen! One of my favorite meals! The secret is the broth.... get that right and oh my! This cookbook delivers on teaching the finer points about the ingredients and cooking techniques for making broths that are out of this world delicious! Get ready for a PLANTabulous journey!