Despite the limited audience that the title might imply, The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life is a book for all genders, ages, and walks of life. Though the self-help section of the bookstore isn’t somewhere I would start looking for delicious, tried-and-true recipes, crafts, or inspirational profiles on kick-ass, successful vegan women, that’s exactly the category Melisser Elliott‘s debut work of writing is filed under. Far more than just another cookbook, the pages of this slim text are positively crammed with DIY projects for those with crafty inclinations, help on selecting cosmetics free of animal products, and general advice on living vegan, presented in an exciting and approachable way. Melisser has a fresh, fun style all her own, so you can bet this won’t be a dry, monotonous read. Heck, she could make a computer manual sound like fun!
Melisser has been a dear blog buddy and long-distance confidante for years now, so of course, my opinion is highly biased. However, I know a good vegan quiche when I taste one, and Melisser’s definitely ranks up on the very top of my list. Those leftover slices were so tempting, the wait I would have had to endure while reheating them in the toaster oven was entirely unbearable; Sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night for a little late nibble, I ended up skarfing down almost the whole thing cold.
Naturally, I skim straight to the recipes first, and there are quite a few keepers to bookmark. Happily, I had the incredible fortune to photograph a few select entries, so I feel confident that I sampled a good cross section of the overall offerings found in The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life.
Flip over to the dessert section, and you’ll find a sweet recipe from me! Simple but unique cupcakes, again pushing the limits of natural coloring with Purple Cow Cupcakes. …Hate to tease, but you just have to check out the book to see what they’re all about.
For those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for brunch, the Banana Bread French Toast is another must-make. Combining the best of tender banana bread and custard-like yet crispy french toast, it’s the kind of meal that you dream about waking up to.
And those craving heartier fair will not be disappointed, because there are plenty of meaty, spicy, and salty offerings to go around! In particular, the Jackfruit Carnitas could woo the most staunch carnivore- Even the texture is eerily “realistic.”
Graciously, Skyhorse Publishing has offered an additional book for one of you to ogle and enjoy! If you’d like to win a free copy of The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life, please leave me only one comment on this post with your name and a correct email address, answering the following question: What piece of advice (or vital recipe, tip, or trick) would you give to a new vegan? [Open to those with mailing addresses within the continental US only; Sorry!]
The contest will close at midnight on November 8th, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Win or lose, you’ve got to check Melisser’s listing of tour dates, because you may be able to meet the brains behind the whole operation and even snag yourself a signed book!