Cookbook Review: Living Vegan for Dummies

It's Veganuary! And that means thousands of people are pledging to give up meat for the month. Or maybe forever. And it's never been easier go vegan, thanks to all the plant meats and dairy-free cheeses and restaurant options. But newbies still have lots of questions: How much protein do you need, and where do you get it? What supplements do you need to take? How do you handle social situations? And most importantly, what do you eat?

My OG blogger friend Cadry Nelson of Cadry's Kitchen has you covered with her book, Living Vegan for Dummies. It's one of the Dummies series books that really breaks down every little thing you need to know to give up meat, cheese, eggs, and other animal by-products. I've known Cadry for years, and we've met in person back in the Vida Vegan Con days. I couldn't think of a more qualified vegan to write this book. Her recipes are so approachable and delicious. 

This book has plenty of recipes, but it's also packed with information. Each chapter covers a different aspect of veganism, and it's really the only guide you'll need to walk through the transition. She's got a section on how to enjoy the holidays as as vegan with alternatives to Easter eggs, planning a vegan wedding, accidentally vegan candy for Halloween, and how to survive your first vegan Thanksgiving. She's also got a chapter on substitutions for things like eggs, milks, cheeses, and meats in cooking. And there's a chapter on staying vegan while traveling — whether that's a flight, a road trip, a cruise, or a camping trip.

As for the recipes, Cadry keeps it easy with both whole food, plant-based dishes and a few that call for some plant meat staples. I tried one of each to give you an idea of what you'll find in here. I started with Black Bean Tacos. These simple, healthy tacos are made with seasoned black beans and all the fixins. I used crunchy shells, but soft corn or flour tortillas would work, too.

I also made Cadry's Classic Vegan Cheeseburger. This uses Impossible burger, but it's blended with seasonings before cooking for extra flavor. I'd actually never blended seasonings into my burger meat, and it made a big difference. 

The recipes are broken down into breakfasts, main courses, kid- and dorm-friendly dishes, sides and dressings, and desserts. A few other things I plan to try include the Eggy Tofu, the Dressed-Up Ramen Noodles, and the Eggless Egg Salad Wrap. 

So, if you're trying out veganism for the first time, this book is a must-buy!