Colleen Holland’s 15 Most-Anticipated Vegan Cookbooks of 2013

VegNews’ Colleen Holland shares the 15 cookbooks she can’t wait to cook with in 2013.


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With more vegan cookbooks than ever hitting store shelves this year, it was a nearly impossible feat to narrow down my most-anticipated list to just 15. From frothy fruit smoothies and banana-oatmeal pancakes to eggplant-parmesan pizza and sweet potato enchiladas to punk-inspired Twinkies and chocolate-stuffed beignets, the food created by these authors is nothing short of stellar. So let’s get cooking …

365 Vegan Smoothies
Online powerhouse Kathy Patalsky (Healthy. Happy. Life.) debuts her first cookbook this June—an ode to her love affair with all things healthy. As someone who is also obsessed with smoothies, I can’t wait to be mesmerized by Patalsky’s gorgeous photography, her whirling tips, and an entire year’s worth of innovative blends. This summer, I’ll be sipping on a frosty Peach Pick-Me-Up if you need me.

Bake and Destroy
With a subtitle of “Good Food for Bad Vegans,” I am immediately intrigued by this punk rock- and pop culture-inspired recipe tome by blogger and Food Network judge, Natalie Slater. Described as “the flip side of Martha Stewart,” Slater’s lineup features such dishes as Bike Messenger Brownies; Crouching Corn Bread, Hidden Broccoli; and Fruit Punch Twinkies. Hitting in August, bad vegans everywhere will soon be eating very good food.

Everyday Raw Detox
Don’t have time for a weeklong cleanse? Superstar authors Meredith Baird and Matthew Kenney show us how to incorporate pleasurable, detoxifying foods into our everyday lives. The book’s 100 recipes cover everything from blended fruit and vegetable tonics to raw soups and salads to homemade bodycare. This March, get ready to get healthy and get off the splurge-detox-splurge cycle.

Great Gluten-Free Vegan Eats From Around the World
Gluten-free doyenne Allyson Kramer is at it again, this time with a collection of international recipes that will turn any gluten-free skeptic into a believer. Kramer’s food is straight-up phenomenal, and her June release will take readers to Europe (Fig Pastries with Clotted Cream), the Caribbean (Plantain and Potato Soup), Asia (Coconut Tom Yum Soup), and everywhere in between.

Isa Does It
This October, the vegan community’s most beloved authoress, Isa Chandra Moskowitz, releases her latest work. Fans can look forward to 150 recipes of easy weeknight meals (many of which can be made in 30 minutes or less) like Bistro Beet Burgers and Sweet Potato Red Curry with Rice. The all-star team behind the book includes VegNews food photographers Vanessa K. Rees and Kate Lewis—and the advance photos we’ve seen are incredible.

One-Dish Vegan
Does perennial vegan cookbook author Robin Robertson even need an introduction? Another year, and Robertson wows us with another book this September—the 23rd in her arsenal. This time, the vegan cookbook queen teaches us one-dish cooking with such recipes as Japanese Vegetable Curry, Cauliflower Butternut Bake, and Artichoke Spaghetti Pie. As someone who loves simple, single-pot suppers, I can’t wait to be inspired (again) by Robin’s love of food and talent in showing us how to make it taste sublime.

Pies and Tarts with Heart
There are two types of people in this world: cake people and pie people. I am the former, but am seriously considering defecting after reading about this book. This August, seasoned author Dynise Balcavage shares everything there is to know about creating delicious, flaky, sweet, savory, vegan pie—from mushroom-polenta to butterscotch pudding. Pick up this cookbook, head to the farmers’ market, and then learn from a baking pro how to master the art of pie. Hmmm, pie.

Plum
From Seattle food icon Makini Howell comes this much-anticipated cookbook, a luscious volume of recipes from the author’s family-owned restaurant, Plum Bistro. Howell’s cooking is all about simple, fresh, and local, and this photo-filled book (debuting in April) showcases such delights as Pesto Plum Pizza, Barbecue Oyster-Mushroom Sliders, and Fresh Blueberry Shortcake. Let the mouthwatering commence.

The China Study Cookbook
The follow-up to what may be one of the most influential books on plant-based health every written—T. Colin Campbell’s The China Study—delivers whole-food, low-fat meals designed to feed a family. Written by Campbell’s daughter, LeAnne Campbell (herself a mom to two teenage boys), the easy-to-make recipes include Breakfast Home-Fry Hash, Fabulous Sweet Potato Enchiladas, and No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars. With The China Study selling more than 1 million copies worldwide, the potential success of its cookbook companion (due out in May) is huge.

The Sexy’s Vegan Happy Hour at Home
I recently met The Sexy Vegan (his real-life name is Brian L. Patton), who shared how this new book came to be. While courting his future wife, Patton (a chef by trade) prepared a to-die-for spread of cocktails and appetizers for the couple to enjoy every Friday night. Friends started joining in the fun, and now many of the recipes from these festive gatherings can be yours this May. Want to wow your beloved? Let Brian’s Yamburger Sliders, Rigatoni Poppers, and even morning-after favorites like Rhubarb Pancakes get the job done.

VB6
One of the biggest names in the world of food shows mainstream America how to be vegan—before 6pm. New York Times columnist and veteran author Mark Bittman takes a softer approach to getting people to ditch meat and dairy this April, but the power of his reach is undeniable (342,000 Twitter followers and 143,000 Facebook fans). Bittman’s mantra? Eat plant-based and unprocessed foods throughout the day, and then allow yourself anything in moderation after 6pm. 

Vedge
VegNews’ 2012 Restaurant of the Year (and the only veg restaurant to make it on GQ’s “12 Best Restaurants of 2013” list), coveted recipes from Philadelphia’s dining darling is coming to a bookstore near you this July. Let husband-and-wife team Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby (owners and chefs of the famed eatery) transform your dinner parties this summer with dishes like Charred Shishito Peppers, Porcini and Celery Root Shepherd’s Pie, and Chocolate Stuffed Beignets.

Vegan Pizza
Another vegan cookbook veteran launches her eighth cookbook this September. TV personality, street-cart owner, and former celebrity chef Julie Hasson talks all-things pizza in this genius piece of work. From dough (including gluten-free) to toppings, Hasson takes vegan pies to another level with clever combos like Sweet Potato and Kale Pizza, Eggplant Parmesan Pizza, and even Coconut Caramel Dream Pizza. Yes, please.

Vegan Secret Supper
Chef, artist, and blogger Mérida Anderson has been dazzling guests at her underground supper clubs in Vancouver, Montreal, and New York for years, and now the world can finally bring her sophisticated cuisine into their own homes this March. Using seasonal ingredients, Anderson’s style is decidedly chic and imaginative: think Split Pea Bisque with Minted Cream, Smoked Cauliflower on Red Quinoa Tabouli, and Chocolate Blackberry Cashew Cheesecake. Also included is a how-to guide on setting up your own vegan supper club.

Whole Grain Vegan Baking
With people (including vegans) trying to eat more healthful, unprocessed foods, the timing couldn’t be better for this baking guide by acclaimed authors Celine Steen and Tamasin Noyes. You won’t find white flour or white sugar in these pages, but you will learn how to whip up 100 baked goods using only whole-grain flours and natural sweeteners. What can you expect in this April release? Treats like Caramel Nut Barley Squares, Potato and Walnut Wheat Bread, and Chocolate Raspberry Tarts will soon be at your fingertips.

Thumbing through a brand-new vegan cookbook never gets old for VegNews’ co-founder Colleen Holland. For more of Colleen’s favorite vegan cookbooks, follow her on Facebook here!

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