Book Reviews

Food Joy
by Tess Challis

Food Joy is written by Tess Challis, with contributions from her daughter, Alethea Barrows. The book showcases stunning photography by Vegan Journal Senior Editor Hannah Kaminsky. Together, they've created a vibrant and inviting cookbook filled with inspiring plant-based recipes for the whole family.

Tess has been vegan since 1991 and raised Alethea on a vegan diet since birth. She is the author of several books and has a passion for holistic, healthy living. In Food Joy, you'll find over 100 delicious vegan recipes, beginning with a chapter called "Blissful Beverages." Highlights include Raspberry Lime Sparkling Soda, The Kombucha, Smashed Strawberry Matcha Latte, and others.

Another enticing section is "Bountiful Breakfasts," which features Pumpkin Spiced Waffles, Mango Passion Pudding, Scrambled Tofu, a variety of Oatmeal Bowls, and more satisfying morning options. "Enlightened Entrées" offers wholesome main dishes like Rainbow Sushi Rolls, Whole Grain Personal Pizza, Two-Fu Noodles, Light and Lazy Lasagna, and Silky Ginger Tofu. And of course, who could skip dessert? "Divine Desserts" includes Chocolate Velvet Mousse, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Peanut Butter Protein Bars, Pistachio Date Jewels, Superstar Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a wide range of additional sweet treats.

Food Joy (ISBN 979-8-3191-5288-6) is a 243-page hardcover book. It is published by Quintessential Health Publishing and retails for $45.99. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator

Vegan Wholesome
by Brandi Doming

Brandi is the creator of The Vegan 8 blog. Her latest printed work exemplifies her creativity while leveraging a short list of unprocessed, accessible ingredients. Start your day with Chocolate Chip Sheet Pan Pancakes or Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. Sides and appetizers include Sweet Potato and Lentil Harissa Dip and Easy Go-To Flatbread. If you're searching for some quick lunch dishes, try Taco Lentil and Chickpea Lettuce Wraps or Lemony White Bean Basil Toasts.

There's no shortage of main dishes. Feast on Vegan "Tuna" Casserole, Teriyaki Orzo Casserole, Swedish Meatballs, BBQ Jackfruit Cheese Pizzas, or Cajun Spinach Artichoke Pasta. On those colder days, perhaps a hearty bowl of soup will do the job! Sip on Zucchini Lasagna Soup or Miso Sweet Potato Kale Soup.

Looking for snacks? Apple Pie Spice Balls or Pizza Chickpea Balls might do the trick. If your sweet tooth comes calling, consider making Dark Chocolate Orange Glazed Scones, 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, or Chocolate Tahini Cookies.

The final chapter is very useful for establishing a well-stocked kitchen and pantry. Here you can find foundational recipes for sauces, spices, and staples including Nacho Cheese Sauce, Easy Teriyaki Sauce, Poultry Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, Greek-Inspired Feta Cheese, Healthy Ketchup, and much more.

The photos throughout this book are so enticing, they'll propel you into the kitchen right away.

Vegan Wholesome (ISBN 978-0-5937-9743-3) is a 288-page hardcover book. It is published by Rodale Books and retails for $30. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator

The Taco Tuesday Cookbook: Plant-Based
by Kate Kasbee

This cookbook is filled with 52 creative vegan taco recipes, one for every week of the year. Some standout taco variations include Cheesy Potato Tacos, BBQ Lentil Tacos, Sticky Sesame Ginger Cauliflower Tacos, Maple Miso Tempeh Tacos, and Jerk Plantain Tacos with Mango Salsa. Instructions for making corn or flour tortillas and various salsas and sauces, such as Cashew Queso, Chipotle Aioli, and Jalapeño Ranch are also included. Most recipes are easy to prepare and come with eye-catching photos that will make you hungry!

The Taco Tuesday Cookbook: Plant-Based (ISBN 978-0-7603-9705-3) is a 160-page book. It is published by Harvard Common Press and retails for $21.99. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator