Customer Reviews

Vegan Vittles: Recipes Inspired by the Critters of Farm Sanctuary

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before I went lacto-ova 16 years ago, I enjoyed REAL food....good old American comfort food. When I tackled veganism five years ago, I went into it still liking REAL food. Once I became a vegan, however, I found that, according to most vegan cookbooks, I was suppose to evolve into an edamame loving kale eater. OK, fine....I do enjoy the more "exotic" foods, too, but I still craved my old favorites; egg salad, cream cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, pepperoni, carrot cake, french toast, fried chicken.

Vegan Vittles, however, recognizes that just because we are vegan doesn't mean we only eat rabbit food. FINALLY, a cookbook that offers vegan alternatives to the foods we grew up with; Messy Mikes, Oven Roasted Tom Tofu, French Onion Soup, Quiche, Not Your Mama's Meatloaf,Pot Roast, Pumpkin Pie,Ceasar Salad, Ultra-Fudgey Fudge Brownies.

In my household, I cook for myself, my omni husband and my lacto-ova daughter. Before Vegan Vittles, ONE meal that we all ate and enjoyed was few and far between....most nights, I was making three completely different dinners. But since Vegan Vittles features "regular" food, my husband and daughter will happily eat MY vegan dishes, eliminating a lot of work for me...WOOHOO!!!!

I highly recommend Vegan Vittles for anyone just starting out in veganism (the recipes are simple and include common ingredients found in regular grocery stores) OR for the veteran vegan, like myself, that is looking to eat like a "regular" person again (without the cruelty, of course).

This fantastic cookbook is as much a voice of the animals and people of the Farm Sanctuary as it is a celebration of vegan lifestyle and cooking. In addition to hundreds of delicious recipes, there are several sections on the philosophy of veganism, a nutrition overview, a meal-planning guide, a list of suggested substitutes for animal products, a glossary of special ingredients, and much more. Many of the recipes are remakes of meat, egg and dairy favorites, giving the new or aspiring vegan a good place to start when the prospect of "the big switch" seems impossible or overwhelming. Some examples include: Seitan Salami, Pepperoni, and Pastrami, Tofu Bacon, Nut Milks, Phenomenal French Toast, Almond Crème Cheeze, Onion Lover's Chip Dip, Grilled Cheeze Sandwiches, Classic Quiche, Tempeh Tacos, Stick-to-Your-Ribs Chili, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I happen to love this cookbook. It is the staple I always turn to, after buying several other vegan cookbooks before and being thoroughly disappointed. I make the gooey grilled cheeze at least once a week (works up really quick if I get home late from work!), and have loved everything I've tried. If maple syrup were cheaper, I'd have a constant supply of the maple custard around! This book is full of everyday recipes that are suitable for anyone. Depending on meal presentation and what sides you serve, it can be a small family meal or dinner party worthy. The recipes are not horribly complicated or full of crazy ingredients or flavors (my main issues with How it all vegan and Voluptous Vegan, which collect dust on my shelf now). Thanks to Vegan Vittles, I became a huge fan of Jo Stepaniak's recipes and have gone on to buy Ultimate Uncheese, Saucy Vegetarian and others. VV is full of a great variety of recipes that are certified fabulous!

This is a brilliant all-round book on vegan cooking. Joanne's caring, compassion and enthusiam shine through and you just want to try every recipe. Every recipe I've tried has been a masterpiece, I don't know where she got all her ideas from. The book really expands your horizons on eating from the old veges, grains and bean style of cooking. I just love the Grilled Cheeze Sandwiches, The BBQ-style Short"Ribs", and the best mayonnaise- it really beats any animal based mayonnaise I've ever tried. I've said enough! Just buy the book, and you'll never look back! Oh, and it's a really nice touch having the animal rescue stories and photos and the work of Farm Sanctuary. And there is a nutritional analysis of all the recipes, and menu suggestions.

I truly wish I had known Jo Stepaniak, vegan writer and cook extraordinaire, twenty years ago when I took my first steps on the veggie path. My journey would certainly have been easier and tastier, as well!
Vegan Vittles is but one of many wonderful cookbooks written by a jewel of the vegan community. Jo's delicious recipes make mealtimes a pleasure and do much to dispel the myth that we eat nothing but 'grass and twigs' and are a deprived lot having to suffer tasteless food. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Tempting and tasty dishes include Southern-Fried Tofu [finger-lickin' good!], Pot Roast [which smells so amazing while cooking you will be drooling in anticipation], Stuffed Shells and Macaroni & Cheeze [beloved by my children and all their friends], Caesar Salad [amazing!], and Cold Pasta & White Bean Salad [a summer staple]. Oh, and did I mention Judi's Lemon Date Squares [made too many times to count]?
There are easy breakfast treats, soups for cold days, quick breads and muffins, and a terrific dessert chapter. Jo also includes recipes for easy-breezy non-dairy milks, homemade seitan, and incredible vegan cheeze.
This book is a must have for new vegans, long-time vegans, vegetarians, and the vegan-curious.

Vegan Vittles is a timeless treasure jam-packed with vegan staples for every meal, purpose, and taste. It contains countless recipe classics such as the author's famous Muffins That Taste Like Donuts (they really do!), Crock Cheeze (you won't believe how much this tastes like cheddar!), Incredible Almond Creme Cheeze (truly incredible!), Hungarian Mushroom Soup, Cheddary Cheeze Soup, Caesar Dressing, Southern-Fried Tofu, and Lemon Date Squares. But there's so much more -- Seitan Salami, several delicious nut and rice milks, Phenomenal French Toast, Eggless Omelets, "Buttermilk" Biscuits, Pecan Sticky Buns, Date & Nut Bread, Carrot Butter, Edna's Peach Kuchen, and amazing dips, soups, stews, muffins, breads, gravies, salads, dressings, cakes, frostings, pies, "ice creams," and cookies.

What sets this book apart? The recipes are easy, delicious, and they work. They have impressed vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike, and are perfect for those people who say they could never give up meat, dairy, or eggs. What's even better is that all these healthy recipes are neatly packaged in a conveniently-sized volume that includes a concise nutrition section (written by Suzanne Havala, RD), practical information on veganism, endearing animal photos, thought-provoking twists on common sayings (veganisms), and tips on replacing animal products in traditional recipes. Best of all, the price is very reasonable, so you can treat yourself (and your friends and family) to some of the finest vegan recipes this side of the back-forty.

I love this book, from the recipes to the farm animal pictures to the little phrases changed to avoid animal cruelty. Almost every recipe I made from this book has rocked. I wasn't crazy about the grilled cheese, and the oatmeal cookies were pretty dry, but most of the recipes were awesome. The pumpkin pie, potato-kale soup, macaroni salad, carrot cake, basic seitan recipe, nut milk recipes, etc. were great. And I love that all those little cooking details (blending hot liquids, grinding nuts, properly heating pans, etc.) are included.

My only problem with the book is that so many of the recipes rely on tofu. Like using silken tofu for almost any dessert or sauce. This makes the food taste good and gives it a great texture, and I love tofu...but I'm not convinved it's the super food we say it is, and for variety's sake I don't think it should be added to so many foods. So I guess this book is a little tofu-heavy, but beyond that, it's the best. I'd definitely recommend it to any vegan.

Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or just somebody who likes to experiment with foods, whether you are a novice or seasoned chef, this book is definitely for you! If you only ever own one veggie cookbook in your entire life, this is the one you absolutely must have! You can't go wrong with the wide selection of recipes, from breakfasts to desserts and quite literally everything in between (i.e. beverages, breads, spreads, soups, dips, salads, dressings, sandwiches, main dishes, sauces, and on and on). I've made most of the recipes in this book, and can honestly say that I have yet to meet one that I haven't loved. I own tons of cookbooks, but find myself reaching for this one the most--I know I won't be disappointed by whatever I make, and I can't say that about many other cookbooks. And, not only are you getting a fabulous array of recipes, but this book is also so chock-full of helpful and useful information that it's like you're getting a free reference book thrown in at no addition cost. There are facts explaining what veganism is, what the problems with dairy products and eggs are, there are lists of substitutes for animal products, hidden animal ingredients, a glossary of special ingredients, mail order sources, and more. Not quite sure where to start? Check out the section of "A Week of Daily Menus." Everything and anything you may need can be found in this amazing book. Whenever anybody has asked me to recommend a veggie cookbook, I don't even have to think about it before telling them to run, don't walk, to get a copy of Vegan Vittles. I can't say enough good stuff about it. Simply put, I adore Vegan Vittles and think everybody should get a copy of it for themselves. You won't regret it!

I have a HUGE collection of vegetarian/vegan cookbooks and i personally feel that this is the greatest one i have ever bought and that i own! Very informative and helpful! After reading the information that is in this book I have switched from Vegetarian to straight Vegan and will never look back. Definately recommend! On my way to buy "The Uncheese Cookbook now"!

What can I say about Vegan Vittles by Jo Stepaniak other than it is one of my staple cookbooks. It is fantastic! I have actually made 3/4 of the recipes in this book and have not been let down. Rarely does an author come along with 2, 5, 10 cookbooks that are consistently wonderful. There are recipes for staple cooking ingredients such as "Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce", "Tofu Sour Cream" and "Low-Fat-Egg-Free Mayonnaise". How wonderful for any vegan to have options to the prepackaged vegan alternatives out there. I LOVE cooking from scratch and these recipes work to the T.
Jo's "Muffins That Taste Like Donuts" will please any office crowd...Try sneaking in a batch amidst all the bakery bagels and donuts. I guarantee people will want to know where the heck they came from and how they can get some!
There is an extensive section for "Uncheezes, Butters & Spreads". Every vegan should be required to try "Crock Cheeze" just once. I guarantee it will become a staple "snack" in your household. There is everything from crock cheeze to "Onion Lovers' Chip Dip". Scrumptious!
If you are anything like me, soup is a staple in my diet. I can eat soup for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When I am feeling under the weather, "Sadie's Vitality Broth" perks me up. The name is even soothing. The soup selection contains everything from broths to bisques to "Chuckwagon Stew". You won't need to eat for a day after this hearty, nutritious and satisfying meal. This book contains an abundance of sandwiches, salads and dressings as well. Who can possibly miss sloppy joes when you whip up a batch of "Messy Mikes". "Sea" Sar Dressing" is the 1st Ceasar salad dressing substitute I have made that actually works. It is delicious.
If you aren't hungry yet, and haven't quite been convinced, head over to the dessert section. "Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies" sound like a simple cookie. Not with this recipe! They are simple to make, but come out tasting gourmet! How about a "Mile High Carob or Chocolate Layer Cake". Perfect for your child or significant other's birthday, office parties, or simply to indulge in all on your own!

I hope my lengthy review has kept you reading. I feel that my input is fair, as I have been cooking vegan since 1996. There are stories about the animals, vegan nutrition, and some entertaining alternatives to using every day "meat" realated sayings. Instead of saying "Don't Count your Chickens Before They Hatch" say...Well, you'll have to read the book!