Veggie Bean Chilli, Two Vegan Recipe Book Reviews and Giveaway #84
As promised for this month of Veganuary, I’m trying to up the number of vegan meals I eat. This has been massively helped by the acquisition of two recently published vegan recipe books authored by talented fellow food bloggers. You’ll find reviews of the books below along with a recipe for veggie chilli which has been rather heavily adapted from one of them. Twas ever thus …
Bit of the Good Stuff by Sharon Collins
Sharon is a long standing plant-based whole food blogger over at Bit of the Good Stuff. Due to popular demand, Sharon self-published over a hundred of her recipes and created an excellent cookbook which I’m really excited about. Despite the wealth of recipes on the internet, I still love print cookbooks and desperately hope they won’t ever entirely be replaced by online ones.
Bit of the Good Stuff is definitely my kind of book. It’s not only beautifully illustrated, but the recipes are wholesome, hearty and delicious and everything is made from scratch. Sharon cooks the way I like to cook and uses similar ingredients. I guess that should be no surprise as she is a fellow member of the Suma Blogger’s Network.
Sharon starts by explaining the benefits that a whole food plant-based diet have made to her and her family. It must be working; her 13 year old son has not yet had a single day off school through sickness. Sharon no longer has the aches, pains and sinusitis she did before adopting this way of eating and her husband has more stamina when mountain biking and rides faster than ever before. I’m not sure I’m ready to give up dairy yet, but I feel almost tempted.
If you struggle with getting kids to eat their five a day, Sharon throws in several tips on how to encourage them to love their veggies. She also outlines some of her favourite ingredients and kitchen essentials. The recipes are divided into five chapters: breakfasts & elevenses; soups; lunches & light dinners; mains; desserts, treats & snacks. Time to get stuck in.
The recipes are family friendly, easy to follow and easy to make. Each one is accompanied by a clear and appealing photograph taken by Sharon herself. How cool is that? I particularly like The Good Stuff, nuggets of nutritional information that accompany most of the recipes. The recipe for Chive & Onion Frittata with sun-dried tomato, for example, tells us that “onions are great immune-boosters and are packed with antibacterial, anti-inflamatory and antiviral nutrients”.
After I attended a vegan cookery workshop at The Vegetarian Society last year, I bought myself a tub of nutritional yeast flakes. It has sat in my cupboard unopened ever since; I just never think to use it. Thanks to Sharon, I now have several recipes to try it in, including Cashew ‘Parmesan’, Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Spinach & Tofu Pie.
If you’re wanting to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet or you’re vegan and looking to widen your cooking repertoire, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. You can buy it online at the Bit of the Good Stuff’s bookshop. It’s an absolute bargain at £14.99 plus p&p. For the month of January, you can get a 20% discount and delivery worldwide if you enter “VEGANUARY” at the check out.
You can also buy Bit of the Good Stuff: Over 100 Easy and Delicious Plant-Powered Recipes for All the Family to Enjoy
on Amazon. However, Sharon is offering one lucky Tin and Thyme reader a copy, so do scroll down to the giveaway widget at the bottom of the page and enter for your chance of winning it.
I’ve only made one of the recipes so far, but I’ve got several bookmarked including: Green Pea Tostadas, Nut Koftas and Butternut Squash & Apricot Tagine. As regular readers will know, I can’t resist the sweet stuff, so these Easy Vegan Waffles, Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread and Giant Peanut Butter Cups will all have to be tried in due course. As I’m almost incapable of following recipes and tend to use whatever I have available, I’m giving you the veggie chilli recipe I was inspired to make from the book, rather than the original Rainbow Veggie Chilli. You’ll need to head to Sharon’s blog for that or better still buy the book.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large leek - sliced
- 1 large carrot - scrubbed , topped, tailed and diced
- 3 cloves garlic - finely chopped
- 1 red chilli - seeds removed & finely chopped
- 1 large red pepper - seeds removed and roughly chopped
- 6 chestnut mushrooms - diced
- 100 g frozen sweetcorn
- 500 g cooked aduki beans (or use 2 x 400g tins)
- 1 400 g tin chopped tomatoes + ½ tin water
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp tamari
- ¼ tsp dried stevia (or 1 tsp unrefined sugar)
- In a large saucepan, fry the leeks and carrots in the oil over a medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add all the other ingredients, cover and bring to the boil.
- Simmer for 30 minutes by which time the carrot should be tender and the flavours amalgamated.
- Serve with rice.
Aduki beans are small and tasty. Similar to black beans, but red in colour, they work particularly well in a veggie chilli.
Provides 4 large servings, but could easily stretch to 5.
Adapted from Bit of the Good Stuff by Sharon Collins
Vegan in 15 by Kate Ford
With more and more people wanting to embrace a vegan lifestyle or at the very least attempting to eat less meat and dairy meals, Kate’s Vegan in 15 is timely. It’s a great guide for the novice vegan shopper and cook and contains over 60 recipes that can be prepared in fifteen minutes or less. It gives tips on going vegan as well as planning, shopping and cooking. If you’re worried about nutrition and where you’ll get your protein and calcium from, Kate has that covered too. She also gives a fairly comprehensive guide on stocking the store cupboard.
The book contains over 60 recipes that can be prepared in fifteen minutes or less. The recipes are divided into seven chapters: Easy Brunch, Speedy Soups, Salads, Fast Lunch, Small Plates, Main Courses and Decadent Desserts. The recipes are diverse; as well as the pasta, risotto and stews you’d expect to find, there are plenty of gems such as Tahini and Cashew Quinoa Bowl with Garlic and Ginger Mushrooms.
I do love a good breakfast, so I was interested to see what suggestions Kate had for us. I was not disappointed. Bubble and Squeak Fry-Up with Grilled Tomatoes sounds like a great start to the weekend, although I’m also taken by the Smashed Avocado on Toast with Crispy Spring Onions and Chilli Yoghurt. I’m rather wishing now that I’d tried the Hazelnut and Plum Porridge with Pumpkin Seeds for breakfast this morning. Luckily, there is always tomorrow
Yesterday, I made Cannellini Beans with Cavolo Nero. It was speedy and delicious, although in fact I substituted borlotti beans and savoy cabbage as that’s what I had to hand. The recipe was very easy to follow, included alternatives to the cavolo nero and a useful top tip. Today I’m thinking I quite fancy the Speedy Bean Burger with Gherkins and Mustard Mayo or maybe Black Bean Tacos with avocado and Roasted Peppers.
Some of the recipes are cooked from scratch, some use ready made products. As mentioned earlier, I tend to cook most things from scratch, but it’s always useful to have a few standbys in the cupboard and I do occasionally resort to “cheat” ingredients. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is pressed for time at some point or other. I particularly like the handy little “check” symbol next to any ingredient that might contain animal products. It’s always a good idea to read the labels in my experience.
The recipes are mostly unillustrated, but there are a few photographs by Romas Foord in the middle of the book to whet your appetite. I’m rather taken by the picture of the Chocolate and Peanut Butter ‘Freakshake’ and even more so by the recipe. It’s a much healthier version of the ‘Freakshakes’ that have suddenly become so popular, but it still sounds decadent and delicious.
With two weeks of Veganuary left, now’s a good time to get hold of this book and try a few of the recipes. Published in pbk by Short Books, Vegan in 15: Delicious Plant-based recipes you can cook in 15 minutes or less
is widely available at £8.99. Kate’s blog, The Veg Space is well worth visiting too.
I’m sending my veggie chilli off to Baking Queen and Farmersgirl Kitchen for the Slow Cooked Challenge. Whilst the chilli doesn’t take that long to cook, I slow cooked the aduki beans beforehand that I then used in the chilli.
A Bit of the Good Stuff Giveaway
Sharon is kindly offering one Tin and Thyme reader a copy of her excellent book. To be in with a chance of winning, please fill in the Gleam widget below. You will need to leave a comment on this post, answering the question, which then gives you additional chances to enter if you so wish. Gleam will pick a winner at random from the entries received who will then be contacted via e-mail. If you are commenting anonymously, please give me some way of identifying you as I will be verifying the validity of entries. Any automated entries will be disqualified. This giveaway is only open to those with a UK postal address. Winners will need to respond within 5 days of being contacted. Failure to do this may result in another winner being picked. There are no cash alternatives.
The book is offered and provided by Sharon Collins and Tin and Thyme accepts no responsibility for the acts or defaults of said third party. Tin and Thyme reserves the right to cancel or amend the giveaway and these terms and conditions without notice.
Thanks to Sharon and Kate for the books. I was not required to write positive reviews and as always, all opinions are my own. The post contains affiliate links. Buying through a link will not cost you any more, but I will get a small commission. This helps keep Tin and Thyme blythe and blogging.
Rebecca Clare
16th January 2017 at 12:13 pmI’m currently researching transitioning from being vegetarian most of my life to vegan so really excited by all the vegan foods that I can eat, rather than focusing on what I can’t!
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 12:21 pmAlthough I’m not vegan, I do eat a lot of vegan meals and it’s so much easier now than it used to be. Good luck.
Susan Elai Kelly Carter
19th January 2017 at 12:20 pmHi, I’m not entering the giveaway because I bought Sharon’s book but I just had to say how brilliant it is. Love the layout and fab recipes.
Susan B
16th January 2017 at 12:58 pmI have been a vegetarian for years and have experimented with veganism twice. Failed both times as I did not make the necessary effort with planning and preparation so got a bit anaemic. However, there are many more resources out there now so I am tempted to try again.
Corina
16th January 2017 at 1:14 pmBoth books sound fantastic! I am not vegan or vegetarian but I often eat vegan meals and am always looking for more tasty ideas of getting my two children to eat more vegetables!
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 3:13 pmAh yes, the perennial question of getting kids to eat their greens! Both books are well worth having with loads of ideas and information.
Spencer Broadley
16th January 2017 at 1:24 pmI’m not vegan, but I have had some very nice vegan meals
Helen Thurston
16th January 2017 at 1:28 pmLove vegan food – I tend to eat vegan at home, and then as plant-based as possible when out, although choice can be quite limited in some places – you’d think mushroom risotto or butternut squash was all vegans eat!
Laura
16th January 2017 at 1:37 pmI think there is nothing wrong with eating a vegan diet as long as you make sure you get the right nutrients. As for non-vegans eating vegan meals sometimes – I think it’s a good thing from what I’ve read. I like to experiment so if I enjoy a particular food or recipe, or if it sounds interesting, then I’ll give it a go. Vegan baking is interesting too. It’s good for everyone to explore different foods providing their specific requirements allow!
Kate Ford
16th January 2017 at 2:38 pmThanks for the review Choclette – the beans look yummy! I’ve just been reading Sharon’s book too and loving it – I have some of her Cranberry & Orange Florentines in the oven as I type!
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 3:03 pmIt’s a great book Kate. Congratulations. The beans were delicious and I’d never have thought to do anything quite like that without your lovely recipe. Now you’ve made me want to make Florentines!
Tracey Peach
16th January 2017 at 2:48 pmI’ve not thought much about it to be honest, other than you can find cows milk free chocolate 🙂 x
Suzanne
16th January 2017 at 2:55 pmI love using vegetables as the main part of a meal and am trying to grow a variety on my allotment to produce a range of different combinations and tastes.
Emily Knight
16th January 2017 at 2:59 pmWe’re not vegan, but we enjoy lots of great vegan meals – we’re big fans of pulses such as lentils, which are packed full of protein and really keep us feeling full! I’m just not a big fan of vegan substitutes, such as vegan cheese…
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 3:07 pmI grew up on pulses and they form a very important part of my diet. I haven’t actually experimented with vegan cheese yet, but I will do.
cathyj
16th January 2017 at 3:04 pmi am not vegan but do enjoy the meals if out
Danielle Spencer
16th January 2017 at 3:09 pmI have a couple of vegetarian and vegan friends, I often prefer vegan recipes as they can be much healthier and give you lots of energy.
Sarah Mackay
16th January 2017 at 3:12 pmI think it is very flavourfull
Heather Haigh
16th January 2017 at 3:22 pmI’m not vegan but being dairy intolerant and keen to eat healthily do eat quite a lot of vegan food and it’s very nice.
Angie@Angie's Recipes
16th January 2017 at 3:32 pmThat veggie chilli looks so warming and delicious!
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 8:17 pmThank you Angie, it really was 🙂
lynn savage
16th January 2017 at 3:46 pmI’ve been putting a lot of thought into going ‘proper vegan’, with the amount of recipes around and even the supermarkets stocking a lot more vegan food these days it does seem easier to do than it was years ago.
Rebecca Williams
16th January 2017 at 3:53 pmI have heard alot of good things about being vegan but i worry what I would cook, its good to know there is plenty of choice 🙂
Kim M
16th January 2017 at 4:01 pmWould love to try more dishes – I think it’s just about getting into different habits x
suan watts
16th January 2017 at 4:15 pmI try vegetarian meals once a week as a healthy option to meat
leanne weir
16th January 2017 at 4:24 pmI think they have gotten much better over the past 3 years or so
Maxine G
16th January 2017 at 5:17 pmMeals don’t have to contain dairy to be tasty! Indian food particularly is great for vegans
Dom
16th January 2017 at 5:21 pmI was thinking about a veggie chilli the other day and this totally satisfies my craving! I also adore Veganuary too… bloody brilliant. Happy New Year darling x
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 5:22 pmYay, you’re back Dom. Happy New Year to you too 😀
Shaheen
16th January 2017 at 6:08 pmI am not vegan but perhaps 95% of what i ea happens to be accidentally vegan. I think vegan food over the past 8 years has become very innovative and also tasty.
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 8:15 pmHello Shaheen, how lovely to hear from you. Recipes have hugely improved over the last few years and part of that is down to the work you’ve done on your blog.
Caroline H
16th January 2017 at 6:17 pmI’m a vegetarian who cooks quite a few vegan dishes and plan to introduce more this year. I think a lot of people forget or are unaware that a lots of everyday dishes, that they actually eat themselves, are vegan and certainly not “weird” or “disgusting” – things like a (non-egg, basic) pasta arabiatta or a baked potato with beans!
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 8:14 pmI was just this minute having the very same conversation. If you have a vegetarian curry, it’s most likely to be vegan.
Alison
16th January 2017 at 6:35 pmI am gradually starting to add more vegetarian and vegan dishes to the menu as they are tasty. Its not always easy to find good recipes though
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 8:13 pmPlenty of good recipes in these two books Alison and a few on my blog too 😉
Harline Parkin
16th January 2017 at 6:46 pmI think if it’s well balanced you can get all the nourishment you need
fozia Akhtar
16th January 2017 at 6:54 pmI find there are not many good vegetarian recipes
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 8:13 pmYou’ll find plenty in these books Fozia.
deb barratt
16th January 2017 at 6:59 pmI have only had one vegan meal, it was delicious I don’t think I could re create it though
Barbara Knight
16th January 2017 at 7:08 pmMy son has been vegan for two years and cooking for him has led me to eat more vegan meals myself. I can see myself moving towards a totally vegan diet.
Imogen Richards
16th January 2017 at 8:08 pmOh goodness all this food looks so yummy! I want to be a better vegan but it’s difficult to find interesting recipes sometimes!
Choclette
16th January 2017 at 8:11 pmAh, well here you have two fab books that will give you heaps of interesting recipes Imogen 😉
Andrea Upton
16th January 2017 at 8:12 pmI really enjoy vegetarian and vegan meals, I think there are no so many products available that the choice of foods you can enjoy as a vegan is much more extensive now than it used to be.
laura banks
16th January 2017 at 8:22 pmim not vegan but have tried a few meals which have been very tasty
iain maciver
16th January 2017 at 8:58 pmnot vegan, eat a lot of vegan meals and it’s so much easier now than it used to be.
Emma Rawlinson
16th January 2017 at 9:14 pmI’ve really enjoyed the vegan meals I’ve had but I’m skeptical whether I could find enough variety to become a vegan. Open to new recipe suggestions 🙂
Choclette
17th January 2017 at 8:17 amAh, you obviously need these two books Emma 😉
pete c
16th January 2017 at 9:57 pmas much out of ignorance than anything else, I’m a little cautious on vegan food but being more open-minded about it all the time
A S,Edinburgh
16th January 2017 at 11:52 pmI love vegan food, the taste as well as the ethics. My body isn’t terribly keen; I need a higher proportion of fat and protein in my food than most people, but I eat it when I can and enjoy learning new dishes/bakes.
Mary
17th January 2017 at 12:06 amVegan or vegetarian – what’s to be worried about? It’s all just lovely food. If I see something that looks nice or interestIng I will eat it. Keep all these lovely recipes going to make us all salivate and rush to the kitchen.
melanie stirling
17th January 2017 at 12:22 amI haven’t had any vegan meals but plenty of vegetarian.My son eats vegan meals though so I would be more than happy to eat them too.
Ruth Harwood
17th January 2017 at 9:31 amI quite enjoy a change every so often, so I eat vegan for one month every year to sample recipes and detox a little!
Lisa Wilkinson
17th January 2017 at 11:33 amIf it’s done well I think vegan food is delicious
Richard Eldred Hawes
17th January 2017 at 2:05 pmWhilst I am neither a Vegan or a Vegetarian that does not stop me from enjoying the food
Chris @thinlyspread
17th January 2017 at 2:07 pmI have Kate’s book and am loving it but I must grab a copy of Sharon’s too – I love the wealth of good vegan and veggie recipe books which are popping up, it’s so exciting!
Choclette
17th January 2017 at 4:07 pmIt really is exciting. Some of my old cookbooks with vegan recipes are decidedly dull!
Margaret
17th January 2017 at 2:54 pmIve been vegetarian for many years tend to cook lots of vegan meals at home with lots of herbs and spices-when om out and about it can be a struggle to gind tasty food -i find it so nland
Sharon @ Bit of the Good Stuff
17th January 2017 at 6:30 pmWhat a lovely review! Thank you so much Choclette. I’m thrilled to hear how much you’re enjoying the book. The chilli looks delicious!
Good luck to everyone that’s entering the giveaway! xx
Choclette
20th January 2017 at 6:38 pmThanks Sharon. I really am enjoying your book. My chilli sadly doesn’t look half as good as yours, but it tasted extremely good.
Sam R
17th January 2017 at 7:54 pmWe aren’t vegans but we like vegan meals and can’t tell a huge difference.
Rachel Craig
18th January 2017 at 1:00 amI’d like to know more in regards to vegan food and recipes. As it is good to be aware, informed and prepared. As I would want to offer any visitors to food which they enjoy.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
18th January 2017 at 2:41 amChili is one of my favorite things to make and this looks so hearty and delicious! Yum!
Graham Ross
18th January 2017 at 5:57 amI do eat several vegan meals a week as they are very healthly
Charlie Brunton
18th January 2017 at 8:01 amI think vegan food has come so far recently, there is so much out there now! I have been a vegetarian for around 10 years now and I am contemplating going vegan x
Rachael Ashmore
18th January 2017 at 8:18 amTo be perfectly honest I have never tried vegan food as I am a meat 2 veg type of girl but I am trying to try new things and be a lot healthier so I am open to new ideas and new ways of doing things
kate kathurima
18th January 2017 at 8:22 amlike all food there are some nice foods and some horrid foods would like to eat more vegan foods
Allan Wilson
18th January 2017 at 10:23 amI’m not Vegan per say but do try to have a Vegan meal at least twice a week for health reasons
laura stewart
18th January 2017 at 11:16 amim a veggie and vegan food is lovely x
Lauren Tourle
18th January 2017 at 11:59 amWe went Vegan a couple years ago and it was fab, but when i fell pregnant for the second time i could only eat small amounts of food and the doctors recommended i go back to meat to keep my levels up in certain things so i did. now its a new year me and my partner are going back vegan again as we found it so much better for us health wise 🙂
Choclette
20th January 2017 at 6:36 pmGood luck Lauren. I think if you feel better for it, you know it’s the right thing for you. I can definitely recommend either or both of these books. There’s lots of nutritional info in them as well as fab recipes.
Annabel Greaves
18th January 2017 at 1:54 pmI am not Vegan but I think it is a great healthy diet
Michaela Smith
18th January 2017 at 2:53 pmI’m a vegetarian but also eat tasty vegan meals occasionally too 🙂
Lyndsey
18th January 2017 at 5:00 pmim not vegan but i would love to have a healthy diet
Sheena Batey
18th January 2017 at 5:40 pmNeed educating about it
Nayna Kanabar
18th January 2017 at 10:21 pmVeggie chilli is so versatile nad its great to serve with pasta or rice. I love your recipe , its great for winter too. I love the giveaway too , both books are lovely.
Natalie Crossan
18th January 2017 at 10:24 pmI think there’s a misconception that vegan food is boring. It’s not at all!
Rich Tyler
18th January 2017 at 11:31 pmI think it must be hard eating out, but if you’ve got the knowledge, bet u can make tasty dishes
Hassni
19th January 2017 at 9:06 amAs a vegan of many years I’ve enjoyed trying out new recipes from around the world. It certainly opens you up to new ways of cooking.
Jo Carroll
19th January 2017 at 1:56 pmVegan foods for literally everyone and it’s great to serve at dinner parties as there’s no risk of offending anybody…as long as the food is tasty – everyone has a great time.
Heidi Roberts
19th January 2017 at 5:22 pmI never like to add meat to my chilli so any veggie chilli recipe are welcome.
Choclette
20th January 2017 at 5:48 pmVeggie chilli is just so good at this time of year – warming, comforting and delicious 🙂
Elizabeth Martinez
19th January 2017 at 9:39 pmIf it tastes good, I’m in! We’re trying to cut down on meat at the moment – it’s the dairy that I find harder to let go of
Choclette
20th January 2017 at 5:43 pmI know the feeling. I’m a dairy addict, especially cheese.
Amy B
19th January 2017 at 11:14 pmAlthough I enjoy meat, I am incorporating more vegan meals into my life
Sally Collingwood
20th January 2017 at 12:01 pmI think Vegan food wopuld be very healthy.
Choclette
20th January 2017 at 5:40 pmOoh not necessarily Sally. Vegan food can be full of all sorts of horrid fats, sugar and other non-desirables.
Kirsty Fox
20th January 2017 at 10:04 pmI was always unsure of Vegan food as it seemed quite plain and boring but over the last couple of years it has become more appealing, I definitely think I will try and go vegan in 2017.
Solange
21st January 2017 at 2:08 amI’m not vegan but I find there’s more variety in vegetarian meals rather than vegan meals.
sam macaree
21st January 2017 at 12:27 pmi am worried the protein levels of vegan food aren’t as high as meat
Jane
21st January 2017 at 12:50 pmI have cut down the amount of meat in my diet and replaced with vegetables but a world without eggs seems a little too far.
Lorna Ledger
21st January 2017 at 7:19 pmIt looks like a fantatsicly healthy diet , but very hard ti prepare for
Jan Bennett
22nd January 2017 at 7:02 amJust the thing for this freezing weather!
Choclette
23rd January 2017 at 11:13 amYes, warming chilli, curries and soups are my mainstay at this time of year.
janine atkin
22nd January 2017 at 10:54 amim not a vegan but i do think there all lots of yummy vegan recipes
claire woods
22nd January 2017 at 11:09 amSome of it is very nice and makes me think about becoming a vegan.
Jacqueline Meldrum
22nd January 2017 at 1:53 pmI really need to pick up both these books for a good gander. That chilli looks so good and Kate’s recipes are always fab.
Choclette
23rd January 2017 at 11:08 amThey are both well worth having on the kitchen bookshelf Jac. Not everything manages to make it to mine as I have so little space.
lucy higgins
22nd January 2017 at 2:42 pmthese look great and really tasty, im transitioning to vegan at the moment and there are so many recipes. I thought i would find it very hard but theres so many wonderful ideas out there
Karen Richards
22nd January 2017 at 9:51 pmNot vegetarian but fancy a couple of meat free meals a week to save on cost. Some of these recipes sound really tasty.
jo liddement
23rd January 2017 at 9:56 amI am vegetarian but feel i couldn’t be completely vegan as i love cheese too much, although i do make vegan meals regulary for the family
Sheila Reeves
24th January 2017 at 12:53 pmI’m not vegan, but have friends who are, and the 15 minute book sounds really useful – love the sound of the Bubble and Squeak Fry-Up with Grilled Tomatoes
Samantha O'D
24th January 2017 at 1:47 pmI would like to eat less meat. I don’t know much about the vegan diet but it’s something I would like to explore
Tina Glover
24th January 2017 at 8:47 pmMy Mother in law is vegan and whilst I appreciate her reasons I find it extremely restrictive sometimes and very hard to cater for her. The vegan book would be really helpful so I could cook meals that she would like and everyone else can eat when we have family get toegthers at weekends. I have tasted some lovely vegan dishes but think veggie is far enough for me as i love eggs too much x
Lucy
27th January 2017 at 9:50 pmThank you very much for sending your veggie bean chilli into the Slow Cooked Challenge. Slow cooking your beans is a great way to save money too rather than buying the tins, aren’t dried beans such great value. The chilli looks so rich and full of flavour, I will give it a go!
Choclette
28th January 2017 at 7:41 pmThanks Lucy. Dried beans are not only cheaper, but they taste so much nicer than the tinned ones I find.
Debbie Henderson
29th January 2017 at 8:03 pmalthough not a vegan i do love the recipes as they are healthy and become an easy challenge to get my boys to eat better
Peter Watson
4th February 2017 at 1:18 pmI have reduced my meat intake but still love small quantities of quality meat.Our overall diet would improve if more people ate fish,especially oily fish like sardines and mackerel.I’m increasing the fish in my diet.
Lynsey Buchanan
4th February 2017 at 5:00 pmI think Vegan Food is healthy but I would no be able to become a Vegan myself
Sirley Young
4th February 2017 at 7:21 pmI don’t mind vegan food, but I could never be vegan
Alison Ellis
5th February 2017 at 8:03 amI would love this being a vegetarian. I’m always on the look out for yummy new recipes x
Donna Loxton
5th February 2017 at 11:53 amAlthough I’m not a Vegan, I’m very interested in Vegan food. I try to incorporate it into my diet, as I think it is very healthy and good for you.
Mary
5th February 2017 at 3:51 pmAlthough I am not vegan I cook a number of vegan dishes at home. I was really inspired by the dishes I tried at Vegan Life Live in January .
Katie Harmer
8th February 2017 at 2:29 pmWhat an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable post. I was delighted to read about the recipes you had made from the books. It’s a good review and very encouraging to actually get these books because you have shown what some of these recipes are like to cook and how they taste. Food always looks delicious in cookbooks but often they can be a real faff to make for yourself.
Choclette
8th February 2017 at 4:41 pmThanks Katie. Pictures are food for eyes rather than tastebuds and often disappoint I find. Or, as you say, involve a lot of faffing about.
Tracey S Anderson
8th February 2017 at 7:26 pmI have to admit i admit i am not a vegan although, i do make a lot of vegetarian dishes ( especially love working with pulses and lentils ) for the rest of the family and myself. I find they are totally delicious, nourishing and healthy. X x
Jayne Townson
8th February 2017 at 8:02 pmI’m a vegetarian and eat a lot of vegan food, as I really enjoy it. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sandra Clarke
9th February 2017 at 11:18 amI’m not a vegan myself but do like to try recipes and make an effort when my niece visits as she is a Vegan.
Dale Dow
9th February 2017 at 4:18 pmI like it, and while nobody in my house is vegan, I do make a lot of vegan recipes as find them far more healthy for my growing boys
ADEINNE TONNER
9th February 2017 at 8:50 pmMy thoughts on vegan food is if it tastes amazing without meat then i will happily eat it and make it for my family too
maria dhillon
11th February 2017 at 9:25 pmi found it hard trying it the first time but I feel there are more options and have been finding it easier
Sus // roughmeasures.com
12th February 2017 at 10:35 amI have yet to see Sharon’s book, but have heard so many good things about it! Kate’s is fantastic, just browsing through it now!
Samantha R
12th February 2017 at 5:31 pmI’m vegetarian so I do eat a lot of vegan food – I don’t think I could manage being vegan myself but really respect those who are.
Victoria Prince
13th February 2017 at 10:16 amMy thoughts on vegan food are that there are many vegan dishes I really enjoy 🙂 and the choice is so much greater than it used to be. Definitely doesn’t have to be bland and boring!
Lorraine Stone
13th February 2017 at 6:13 pmI used to think that they were bland meals and that they wouldn’t fill me up. But for the last 18 months I have been slowly eating more of them and am finding that I really enjoy them. It is also great to find new recipes to try.
Caroline Bourne
13th February 2017 at 9:00 pmI think its much better for your health
Sheri Darby
14th February 2017 at 8:07 pmPeople tell me how cruelly dairy products are produced, but I think VEGAN would be too expensive
hannah oneill
14th February 2017 at 8:59 pmI think it can be tasty but I couldn’t do it all the time!
Helen
15th February 2017 at 10:17 amTo be encouraged at every opportunity
Emma Wolski
15th February 2017 at 3:41 pmIm not vegan but often order a vegan meal in restaurants as they use ingriedients I am a bit scared of but are so yummy!
Angela Kelly
15th February 2017 at 5:53 pmI’m interested in vegan food, but not confident enough in my cooking skills to give it a go.
Jo McPherson
15th February 2017 at 7:30 pmI think vegan food is great, we often have vegan meals – just requires more thinking about
Andrew Hindley
15th February 2017 at 8:14 pmI’m not vegan but I do like vegan food and recipes
Emma Davison
15th February 2017 at 8:35 pmIt sounds tricky to maintain but nice for the odd meal here and there.
Maria Jane Knight
15th February 2017 at 8:49 pmIm not a vegan as i love Dairy and Eggs too much but there are some vegan recipes that we enjoy as a family on a regular basis.
ellie spider
15th February 2017 at 10:47 pmI’m not a vegan but my niece is and as she comes for dinner at least once a week I dont mind eating it. There are plenty of animal free products out there
Kat Lucas
15th February 2017 at 11:21 pmI think it’s difficult to be able to find good tasty Vegan food especially with busy lifestyles
Tim Millington
15th February 2017 at 11:24 pmVegan food is nutritional and often delicious. I changed from vegetarian to vegan 10 years ago and still enjoy all the best food
Sarahann Tonner
15th February 2017 at 11:43 pmI’m not a #full vegan’ myself but I have plenty of friends who are so I eat a lot of vegan meals. They are tasty, delicious and perhaps more surprisingly to people – versatile. I’m certainly working towards becoming a full vegan.
claire little
15th February 2017 at 11:44 pmI enjoy them
Joanna Kasznicki
16th February 2017 at 12:32 ammy sister is a vegan even though I’m not, but the food is still really tasty.
Joshua Normanton
16th February 2017 at 2:12 amI’m not vegan but the food is tasty
Julie Edwards
16th February 2017 at 9:26 amI would love to be vegan but with having a nut allergy I think my choices would be very limited. My good friend is vegan and she is so fit and healthy. I want to be like that. I am trying to do a vegetarian meal once a week for a start.
Jessica Hutton
16th February 2017 at 11:31 amI’m not a vegan but my dad and sister are and I really enjoy some of the food when I visit their house each week. Xx
karen Howden
16th February 2017 at 12:10 pmI find it very hard to stay Vegan, and I do worry that I crave foods that Im not supposed to have
meryl thomas
16th February 2017 at 12:11 pmVegan food is the best- it is healthy, tasty and you can feel good about yourself as you are eating it, as you know that you are helping save the planet and prevent cruelty to our furry, scale and feathery friends.
Elizabeth Smith
16th February 2017 at 1:33 pmI believe the health and eco gains but am put off because there is so much coverage on what you can’t eat – but these books might be the answer
Sarah Phillips
16th February 2017 at 1:44 pmHave been looking for way to get more veg in, but in delicious ways! This book would be perfect 🙂
jackie curran
16th February 2017 at 2:09 pmMy daughter is vegan, we have experimented with recipes , has really enjoyed most of them. I have used a fair bit of chickpeas and coconut milk.
aisha
16th February 2017 at 3:02 pmim not a vegan however if there is a tasty vegan meal i can make which doesnt include eating an animal i would make it on a regular basis if i enjoyed it xx
Emma Louise Elliott
16th February 2017 at 4:54 pmI must admit I have never tried vegan recipes but I am not against the idea xxx
KARL BOROWY
16th February 2017 at 6:17 pmdaughter is a vegan —sometimes she makes me a vegan chocolate cake
Kirsty Woods
16th February 2017 at 6:50 pmI think its great and very tasty and healthy 🙂 great prize xx
Fiona jk42
16th February 2017 at 6:53 pmI’m vegetarian and also lacto-intolerant, so I eat a lot of vegan food. Pretty much all the food I cook for myself is vegan, but if I eat out it’s usually easier to find vegetarian dishes rather than vegan ones. And if I’m offered cake I find it hard to resist!
Hayley Todd
16th February 2017 at 6:58 pmI am Vegan and one of my daughter’s is vegetarian. I love the wide range of delicious recipes that are now available for Vegans.
Choclette
16th February 2017 at 9:00 pmThings have definitely improved in recent years – thank goodness!
sarah robertson
16th February 2017 at 8:17 pmI am trying to eat more vegan as I have been having problem with my stomache and digestion so thought it was worth a try. So far so good and I am enjoying it
Choclette
16th February 2017 at 8:59 pmThat’s interesting to hear. Hope it works for you and good luck.
Catherine Gregory
16th February 2017 at 9:01 pmVegan food can be tasty as long as a lot of flavour and seasoning used
Tammy Neal
16th February 2017 at 9:52 pmI’m not a vegan but I do love some nice vegan meals x
Adrian Bold
16th February 2017 at 11:14 pmI’m not vegan, but I have had some great vegan meals.
Diane Duggan
16th February 2017 at 11:17 pmI’m a vegetarian but also eat vegan food – its healthier and less fattening.
Karin Wistow
16th February 2017 at 11:22 pmI would be a vegan but I am worried about the protein without meat, but I have enjoyed some great vegan meals.
Choclette
17th February 2017 at 5:46 pmThere’s plenty of advice on protein in the book Karin.
Hannah McAnulty
16th February 2017 at 11:23 pmI’ve been vegetarian for almost a year & would eventually like to go vegan. At the moment I only eat cheese & milk products a couple of times a week. I think that vegan food is delicious, if it has lots of herbs and spices or else it can be very bland.