The holidays are fast approaching, and animal lovers are beginning to search for the perfect cruelty-free gifts for family and friends. Here are six newly released vegan cookbooks that are sure to delight even the most omnivorous of friends and make the coming year the tastiest yet.
1. Chloe’s Vegan Italian Kitchen
Here is a cookbook that will become a year-round staple in any Italian food lover’s kitchen. This is the third cookbook written by chef Chloe Coscarelli, winner of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Her recipes are meticulously tested, packed with flavor, and made using familiar ingredients that you’ll have no trouble finding at your local grocery store.
Get this book if you want to try:
- Caprese Skewers
- Broccoli Rabe with Garlicky Bread Bites
- Pesto Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Leftover Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Drunken Raspberries
2. The Oh She Glows Cookbook
This cookbook was born from one of the most popular vegan blogs on the web, and is packed with more than 100 health-conscious recipes that will give you energy and that glow that emanates when you treat your body well. This is among the best ultra-healthful vegan cookbooks ever published.
Get this book if you want to try:
- Velvety Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Roasted Beet Salad with Hazelnuts, Thyme & Balsamic Reduction
- Portobello “Steak” Fajitas
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Brownies
3. Vegan Without Borders
Vegan Without Borders has our vote for the most beautiful vegan cookbook of 2014. It’s perfect for someone ready to stray from Western-style cooking to explore the diversity of flavorful international cuisines. You’ll get some of the finest vegan dishes from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, India, and Asia. Featuring beautiful photography throughout, this top-quality hardcover book makes this the perfect gift for the 2014 Holiday season.
Get this book if you want to try:
- Chickpea Nuggets with Buffalo Barbecue Ranch Sauce
- Bangkok Street Cart Noodles
- Sizzling Saigon Crepes
- Blue Ribbon Chocolate Cake
4. Thug Kitchen
If most cookbooks put you to sleep, this edgy book is just what you need. From the sriracha cauliflower bites to the potato leek soup, the recipes in this book will bring flavor and lots of veggies into your kitchen. Then invite some friends over and leave Thug Kitchen on the coffee table—could there be a better conversation starter?
Get this book if you want to try:
- Tofu Scramble Tacos
- Vegetable-Noodle Soup with Ginger Miso Broth
- Mixed Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
- Chocolate Fudge Pops
5. Choosing Raw
This book is a must-have for anyone interested in health and wellness. Author Gena Hamshaw takes the challenge out of healthy cooking, making it easy for anyone to do. This book is packed with photos that will inspire even the most hard-core junk food addicts to bring more color to their plate.
Get this book if you want to try:
- Carrot Miso Dressing
- Dinosaur Kale and White Bean Caesar Salad
- Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce
- Mocha Maca Chia Pudding
6. Afro-Vegan
Vegan chef and food justice activist Bryant Terry has done it again—published a beautiful hardback collection of his favorite dishes in an African, Caribbean, and Southern style.
Get this book if you want to try:
- Berbere-Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Sliders
- Slow-Braised Mustard Greens
- Sweet Plantain and Fresh Corn Cakes
- Spiced Persimmon Bundt Cake with Orange Glaze
For more tips about surviving the holidays vegan-style, check out the Vegan.com holiday guide.
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