More Vegan Discussion

January 11th, 2008 · 4 Comments

So right on the heels of my post dissecting her vegan mac ‘n cheese, 101 Cookbooks happened to blog about VEGANOMICON, a new vegan cookbook. I doubt most of you reading my site are vegan — most people in general aren’t vegans, which makes me happy as someone who throws semi-regular dinner parties — but it might be interesting for you to check out her well-measured post as an introduction.

Heidi doesn’t proselytize — I don’t think she’s vegan, but an experimenter like myself. She like me is interested in the idea that incorporating more vegan meals may be good both for individual health and global welfare. She feels veganism is “in the air” right now. And she’s right — there’s the weirdly popular Skinny Bitch book, several great new vegan cookbooks out from major publishers, a general exaltation around farmers markets and all things produce, and, just last night, I met a vegan chef. (Who took her training seven years ago, so way ahead of the trend. And she’s not a vegan herself!)

Honestly, I don’t know what to think about veganism and health. I seem to do so well on lots of protein and veggies and few grains that it’s hard to imagine how I’d fare. Where I’m more convinced is on the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. Meat is a luxury and I like to treat it as such.

VEGANOMICON is a book that I’ve had my eye on for a while, because it sounds like the kind of cookbook omnivores like me would enjoy. In other words, it sounds like not all of the recipes require agar and other mysterious sea jellies. Expect to see some tasty recipe reviews soon!

Now, I can has cheezburger?

Tags: Alternative Health · Vegetarian Meals · Food

4 responses so far ↓

1 Kendra // Jan 11, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Just checked the link to amazon.com above and the book is out of stock, something must be in the air. :)

I love “I can haz cheesburger”!
2 Julie // Jan 20, 2008 at 7:23 am

Though not a vegan myself (I am a vegetarian), I have to say Veganomicon is a GREAT book! The author, Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, are very talented cooks. I have both Veganomicon and Isa’s first book, Vegan With a Vengeance. Nothing comes out bad, at worst it’s mediocre, but most of the time it’s positively delicious! I have made things from both books for several dinner parties and all my omni friends loved the food. Isa and Terry stay away from using gross “cheez” products and crazy meat substitutes (they stick to the basics, tofu, seitan, and tempeh), which is a big plus in my book. The ingredients are easy to find especially if you have a Whole Foods near by. Please give this book a try! It’s phenomenal!
3 Kristen // Mar 4, 2008 at 10:47 pm

Being vegan I can say I’m a little annoyed by the popularity of “Skinny.” I find myself frustrated to an extent because veganism is a lifestyle, and when a “dietary vegan” doesn’t live a compassionate life, but just eats compassionately it sets a poor example. A Jewish friend of mine words it, “Being a dietary vegan is no better than being a dietary Jew. Eating kosher doesn’t mean you’re Jewish.”

I also host dinner parties regularly– once a week if I can. I’m very fortunate that my best friend (an omnivore) is so supportive, and always checks labels or asks me if something’s okay before she brings it. I end up hosting because no one else can cook– but should they want to I’d offer to come help to make sure I can eat it and they aren’t hassled.

As far as the health element– I’ve just about conquered onset diabetes (that has been ravaging my family for generations) as well as juvenile arthritis. I’ve never felt better, but while I’m glad I made the switch I understand it’s a personal choice.
4 Sara // Mar 4, 2008 at 11:09 pm

Hi Kristen, thanks for speaking up for a vegan lifestyle - especially for veganism as a moral choice, not as a way to fit into runway clothes, or whatever it is the skinny bitch authors are after.

I’m trying to incorporate more vegan meals into my cooking. I’m always impressed by someone who puts discipline, thought, and time into trying to make the world a better place.