One of the questions I get asked the most is what my favorite cookbooks are. When I teach cooking classes, lead groups transitioning to a vegan diet, or talk with people about becoming vegan, everyone wants to know what my favorite cookbooks are. That’s not always easy to answer, because there are so many. I do get lots of recipes online, but there is still something wonderful about opening up a book with amazing recipes and beautiful color photos of the delicious food. These are my (current) favorites that I would recommend to everyone. These are only a few of my favorites, so I’ll be doing a follow-up post with more!
Vegan Brunch by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Who doesn’t love brunch? Sweet carb-y pancakes and waffles, tempeh sausage and crab cakes, muffins, rolls, scones, and much more. Isa and has written several best-selling cookbooks such as Veganomicon and Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and created The Post Punk Kitchen. Some of my favorite breakfast have come from her brunch book, such as her yeasted waffles and vegan ricotta-stuffed crepes with berry sauce.
The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen
Tal Ronnen is well-known in the vegan world for his many great accomplishments. He created the recipes and menus for Oprah’s 21-day vegan cleanse, is the founder and chef of Crossroads Kitchen, an AMAZING upscale vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, and creates the vegan menus for the Wynn in Las Vegas, among many other things. The Conscious Cook is a fantastic book, with recipes that are beautiful enough for a fancy dinner with guests yet dishes that you’ll want to make for yourself. Some of my favorite recipes from his book are the Celery Root Soup with Granny Smith Apples and the Artichoke Ricotta Tortellini with Saffron Cream Sauce.
Clean Food by Terry Walters
Clean Food is an homage to easy, seasonal recipes that appeal to everyone. Terry has organized the book by season, featuring all of the delicious fresh produce that is available at any particular time of year. It includes more than 200 recipes, guides to ingredients and substitutions, and notes on variations and ways to serve each recipe. Some of my favorite recipes from this book are the Pad Thai Summer Rolls with Tamarind Dipping Sauce, Baked Maple Mustard Tempeh, and Cranberry Chutney.
And last, but certainly not least, is my favorite cookbook that I don’t own yet (but will soon!)
The Homemade Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Schinner
You may have heard of Miyoko from the Artisan Vegan Cheese that she has created (it’s AMAZING!). This is her new cookbook that was just released this summer and without even owning it yet, it has already gained the status of my new favorite cookbook. I’ve seen reviews and recipes from it, tasted items made from it and been told about some of the amazing kitchen and food-related knowledge that is contained in the book, and I honestly don’t know how Miyoko fit so much into a mere 224 pages. I’ve heard that she wrote it in just a year, and again, I’m amazed. It’s a powerhouse of information and recipes and I’d recommend that everyone own it. I have tried the Oil-Free Eggless Mayo, the Glorious Butterless Butter, and the Peppy Unpepperoni and they are spectacular. Go get a copy of this now!
(Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which won’t affect your purchase price but will give me a small commission. Thank you for supporting Kelli’s Vegan Kitchen!)
Kelli's Vegan Kitchen 
Wonderful, books I don’t already have. The Vegan Pantry sounds so exciting I’m ordering it today. The thought of making my own vegan cheese and butter is as exciting as making my own coconut milk. You always come up with the best new ideas.
Thank you! I tried some of the mozzarella from the Vegan Pantry book last night and it was so so good. It’s fermented and has an amazing flavor!