What do you think?
Rate this book
Plant-Based Magic: 120 Seasonal Recipes for Healing Body and Soul
Give every meal a touch of enchantment
Cooking is magic. It’s the everyday alchemy that transforms simple ingredients into culinary spells: meals to nourish your body, nurture your soul, and bring your loved ones together around the table.
In Plant-Based Magic, clinical herbalist and chef Lisanna Wallance unites ancient herbal wisdom and modern nutrition science to help you harness the healing power of plants. With more than 100 entirely plant-based, gluten-free, seasonal recipes designed to support your body’s natural rhythms—boosting energy, aiding digestion, strengthening immunity, and more—you’ll discover a way of eating that’s as pleasurable as it is restorative.
Cooking is magic. It’s the everyday alchemy that transforms simple ingredients into culinary spells: meals to nourish your body, nurture your soul, and bring your loved ones together around the table.
In Plant-Based Magic, clinical herbalist and chef Lisanna Wallance unites ancient herbal wisdom and modern nutrition science to help you harness the healing power of plants. With more than 100 entirely plant-based, gluten-free, seasonal recipes designed to support your body’s natural rhythms—boosting energy, aiding digestion, strengthening immunity, and more—you’ll discover a way of eating that’s as pleasurable as it is restorative.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Lisanna Wallance
5 books26 followersLisanna Wallance grew up in New York, attending Barnard College of Columbia University before moving to Paris. She was born with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that causes dysfunction throughout the body. When her symptoms suddenly worsened, she delved deeper into her passion for cooking as a way to help heal herself. She spent years experimenting with her diet, using food, plant and mushroom medicine as a way to regain control over her life.
Her first cookbook, The Natural Witch's Cookbook, has also been published in French (Editions Solar) and German (Riva Publishing). Her book is the culmination of the medicinal knowledge she acquired during her health journey and a sublimation of her suffering to help others.
Lisanna lives in Paris with her long-time boyfriend and splits the rest of her time between Normandy, New York, and Martha's Vineyard.
Her first cookbook, The Natural Witch's Cookbook, has also been published in French (Editions Solar) and German (Riva Publishing). Her book is the culmination of the medicinal knowledge she acquired during her health journey and a sublimation of her suffering to help others.
Lisanna lives in Paris with her long-time boyfriend and splits the rest of her time between Normandy, New York, and Martha's Vineyard.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 22, 2026
3.5 stars
This was such an interesting cookbook to read. It is truly one of the most lovely cookbooks I’ve seen; there are pictures with every single recipe, and they are bright and vibrant. The recipes are all designed to be healing in nature, either with certain herbs or mushrooms added to the recipes or simply buy the nutritional properties of the food ingredients used.
I will say that many of the savory recipes have very few ingredients added for flavor, so I would imagine these to be fairly bland meals. There is also a lot of coconut milk or cream used in at least half of the recipes, and this isn’t something that’s easily substituted, so if you don’t really like coconut like me then this could be an issue.
So if you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire with more niche ingredients for healing, then I think this cookbook could be a good fit.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
This was such an interesting cookbook to read. It is truly one of the most lovely cookbooks I’ve seen; there are pictures with every single recipe, and they are bright and vibrant. The recipes are all designed to be healing in nature, either with certain herbs or mushrooms added to the recipes or simply buy the nutritional properties of the food ingredients used.
I will say that many of the savory recipes have very few ingredients added for flavor, so I would imagine these to be fairly bland meals. There is also a lot of coconut milk or cream used in at least half of the recipes, and this isn’t something that’s easily substituted, so if you don’t really like coconut like me then this could be an issue.
So if you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire with more niche ingredients for healing, then I think this cookbook could be a good fit.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2025
This is a really fun cookbook, and by fun I don’t mean unserious but I do mean joyful. The author chooses the framework of magic to reimagine caring for oneself as a hopeful and playful process. This is especially important because this book works hard to meet the needs of people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or chronic illnesses. If you need gluten-free, low-sugar, nut-free, histamine intolerant, and/or low FODMAP recipes that are also plant-based, this book has ways to meet your needs. That's hard to find but Wallance does it so gracefully!
I only have one bone to pick with the whole thing: Many of the recipes come with a tip along the lines of: “You can just blend all of this into a soup if you have leftovers!” Similarly, almost every recipe comes with the reminder that you can eat it with “protein-rich grains.” I’m sure that’s true, it just loses its luster after multiple repetitions. But, hey! Most people aren't going to read this cover-to-cover like I did.
I also want to give a heads-up to those who are skeptical or have their pseudoscience sensors tingling: This book is NOT anti-science in the slightest! The author does not see magic as an alternative to science. Instead, she seems to see science as a really well-funded, well-understood form of magic. She recommends talking to your doctor, and not in a way that feels like a liability-reducing hand wave. Each recipe comes with information about the role of different micronutrients contained in the recipe. If you're into the science, this could be a good place to start thinking about what's going on on a molecular level. If you’re in that camp, you might also want to support your reading of this book with more research on the specifics — this is a cookbook, so don’t expect everything to come with the citations of a medical journal.
Overall, a scrumptious and accessible cookbook! Get this for the vegan witches in your life. I really like that it's organized seasonally with an abundant supply of gorgeous photos and whimsical graphic design. If I had to make a single recipe, it would 100% be the strawberry lemon bars, but I'm impressed by a lot of the options; I've never before seen a vegan clafoutis recipe and I've never had a cupcake with marzipan filling!
P.S. Thanks for the ARC! #NetGalley
I only have one bone to pick with the whole thing: Many of the recipes come with a tip along the lines of: “You can just blend all of this into a soup if you have leftovers!” Similarly, almost every recipe comes with the reminder that you can eat it with “protein-rich grains.” I’m sure that’s true, it just loses its luster after multiple repetitions. But, hey! Most people aren't going to read this cover-to-cover like I did.
I also want to give a heads-up to those who are skeptical or have their pseudoscience sensors tingling: This book is NOT anti-science in the slightest! The author does not see magic as an alternative to science. Instead, she seems to see science as a really well-funded, well-understood form of magic. She recommends talking to your doctor, and not in a way that feels like a liability-reducing hand wave. Each recipe comes with information about the role of different micronutrients contained in the recipe. If you're into the science, this could be a good place to start thinking about what's going on on a molecular level. If you’re in that camp, you might also want to support your reading of this book with more research on the specifics — this is a cookbook, so don’t expect everything to come with the citations of a medical journal.
Overall, a scrumptious and accessible cookbook! Get this for the vegan witches in your life. I really like that it's organized seasonally with an abundant supply of gorgeous photos and whimsical graphic design. If I had to make a single recipe, it would 100% be the strawberry lemon bars, but I'm impressed by a lot of the options; I've never before seen a vegan clafoutis recipe and I've never had a cupcake with marzipan filling!
P.S. Thanks for the ARC! #NetGalley
March 21, 2026
Lisanna Wallance comes to this cookbook with genuine credentials and a compelling personal story. A clinical herbalist and chef who was born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she turned to food and plant medicine as a way to regain control over her health, and that journey gives the book a hard-won authority that many wellness cookbooks lack.
The result is an ambitious, visually stunning volume that sits somewhere between a traditional cookbook, an herbal medicine guide, and a wellness manual. Organizing the recipes by season is a genuinely excellent choice — it aligns beautifully with some of the world's oldest healing traditions and treats eating seasonally as a form of wisdom rather than a trend. The photography is simply gorgeous, easily among the best in recent wellness cookbook publishing.
One of the book's most thoughtful touches is the way each recipe is linked to a specific therapeutic property. A dish like Golden Cauliflower with Ginger-Scallion Cream isn't just a recipe — it's labeled for inflammation relief, so readers can navigate the book not only by season but by what their body actually needs on a given day. It's an elegant design choice that makes the book feel genuinely functional rather than merely decorative.
Where the book gets more complicated is in the gap between its visual appeal and its practical usability. Serious cookbook lovers tend to apply a version of the same test: how many recipes do you actually want to make? Here, that number can feel disappointingly low. The food itself doesn't always live up to the stunning presentation, and the recipes range from simple to complex. That unevenness is worth noting for anyone who comes to this book while managing a health condition that limits their energy — conditions like ME/CFS, long COVID, or MS, where a complicated recipe on a difficult day simply isn't an option. The book doesn't claim to address that reality, but it's something a prospective reader would be wise to consider.
It's a beautiful book, and for plant-based eaters with the time, energy, and curiosity to dive into seasonal, healing cuisine, there is real value here. But as a cookbook meant to live in your kitchen rather than on your coffee table, it may leave some readers admiring it more than cooking from it.
I'd give this book Three and a Half Stars if I could.
The result is an ambitious, visually stunning volume that sits somewhere between a traditional cookbook, an herbal medicine guide, and a wellness manual. Organizing the recipes by season is a genuinely excellent choice — it aligns beautifully with some of the world's oldest healing traditions and treats eating seasonally as a form of wisdom rather than a trend. The photography is simply gorgeous, easily among the best in recent wellness cookbook publishing.
One of the book's most thoughtful touches is the way each recipe is linked to a specific therapeutic property. A dish like Golden Cauliflower with Ginger-Scallion Cream isn't just a recipe — it's labeled for inflammation relief, so readers can navigate the book not only by season but by what their body actually needs on a given day. It's an elegant design choice that makes the book feel genuinely functional rather than merely decorative.
Where the book gets more complicated is in the gap between its visual appeal and its practical usability. Serious cookbook lovers tend to apply a version of the same test: how many recipes do you actually want to make? Here, that number can feel disappointingly low. The food itself doesn't always live up to the stunning presentation, and the recipes range from simple to complex. That unevenness is worth noting for anyone who comes to this book while managing a health condition that limits their energy — conditions like ME/CFS, long COVID, or MS, where a complicated recipe on a difficult day simply isn't an option. The book doesn't claim to address that reality, but it's something a prospective reader would be wise to consider.
It's a beautiful book, and for plant-based eaters with the time, energy, and curiosity to dive into seasonal, healing cuisine, there is real value here. But as a cookbook meant to live in your kitchen rather than on your coffee table, it may leave some readers admiring it more than cooking from it.
I'd give this book Three and a Half Stars if I could.
November 20, 2025
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Those looking for more imaginative vegan food (rather than comfort food staples turned vegan) should enjoy this book of fancy meals. The recipes are beautifully photographed and presented and for the most part aren't difficult to make or source ingredients. There is a definite focus on health and I appreciated that the author created recipes for those with gastric allergies/intolerances/diseases, etc. in mind.The book is broken down by Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter recipes and then subcategorized by mains/sides, desserts, potions Each recipe has a title, a health benefit (e.g., energy or protection), sensitivities (e.g., gluten free, sugar free, nut free) and then a description (which includes tips to add protein etc.). Serving size and ingredients are on the left. Numbered short paragraph steps on the right. Below each recipe is a callout box listing the health benefits of the ingredients or their components.
There is a wide variety of recipes and most are photographed. Examples include: Lilac panna cotta (for passion), anti allergy vinegar (for immunity), peach and flower salad (for sun protection), comforting potato and corn soup (for digestion), greens with coconut cream (for euphoria), spiced sweet potato hibiscus pie (for immunity), creamy baked portobellos (for mood balance), antiviral syrup (for immunity), tranquil tea (for deep sleep) and many more.
The theme of the book is that the author suffered from several debilitating conditions that she was able to ameliorate with the 'magic' of plant based eating. It's not meant seriously but rather as a fun way to approach eating and addressing health issues. The recipes themselves are definitely different than you usually come by in vegan books and there is a large variety.
In all, a fun and playful book, beautifully presented. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
November 10, 2025
Lisanna Wallance's lovely new book, "Plant-Based Magic" guides readers to live in synchronicity with nature and use the ingredients nature offers to gain and maintain good health. Wallance's writing is inviting and relatable. She mixes magic and medicine, and with a degree in clinical herbalism, she's qualified to do so but suggests referring to medical professional to resolve specific problems.
For readers who are new to herbalist preparations, the opening chapters give the background of green witchery that includes a glossary of pantry staples, the basics of herbalism, and instructions for preparing infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and powders. Wallance explains the benefits and healing properties of vitamins and micro- and macro-minerals and indicates the foods they’re found in.
The inventive, sumptuous, satisfying recipes make "Plant-Based Magic" a wonderful addition to any cook's collection. Tantalizing photos made me want to try every dish. The recipes are divided by season, and within the season by mains and sides, desserts, and potions. Each recipe is defined by the general benefit it offers such as energy, fertility, digestion, detox, vision, euphoria, and lucid dreams to name a few and includes a brief sidebar that details the vitamins, minerals, and compounds the ingredients contain. Unlike some vegan cookbooks that I find intimidating or that require hard-to-find ingredients, Wallance's recipes use ingredients that are easily found. Most dishes call for fewer than ten ingredients and are both quick and easy to prepare.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
For readers who are new to herbalist preparations, the opening chapters give the background of green witchery that includes a glossary of pantry staples, the basics of herbalism, and instructions for preparing infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and powders. Wallance explains the benefits and healing properties of vitamins and micro- and macro-minerals and indicates the foods they’re found in.
The inventive, sumptuous, satisfying recipes make "Plant-Based Magic" a wonderful addition to any cook's collection. Tantalizing photos made me want to try every dish. The recipes are divided by season, and within the season by mains and sides, desserts, and potions. Each recipe is defined by the general benefit it offers such as energy, fertility, digestion, detox, vision, euphoria, and lucid dreams to name a few and includes a brief sidebar that details the vitamins, minerals, and compounds the ingredients contain. Unlike some vegan cookbooks that I find intimidating or that require hard-to-find ingredients, Wallance's recipes use ingredients that are easily found. Most dishes call for fewer than ten ingredients and are both quick and easy to prepare.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Plant-Based Magic includes 120 recipes for mains, sides, desserts, and potions (drinks and vinegars) for spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The cookbook begins with a list of pantry staples and tips, which is useful for those new to a plant-based diet. There is also an introduction to herbalism. Next are the recipes. Each recipe includes a short introduction, an ingredient list, numbered directions, and dietary and allergen information, such as whether the recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, or has no added sugar. Also, each recipe includes the main benefit, such as for energy, strength, digestion, and metabolism. However, I found myself wanting to try the recipes based on what looked good instead of the main benefit. Furthermore, when I was reading the descriptions to understand how the foods provided the benefit, I found myself confused a few times as the explanation was simply stated as "magic". Also, there are no prep or cook times listed. Therefore, you have to read through the directions to see how much time you have to allot to making the recipe. That said, every recipe includes a full color photo, which is a plus as you can easily see what the final dish looks like and decide if you would like to try it. Overall, the recipes in Plant-Based Magic look delicious, and I do think it is a good plant-based cookbook.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review.
October 3, 2025
This is a beautifully illustrated cookbook filled with seasonal healing recipes. Each one has a gorgeous photo and lists two to four “magical” properties like this ingredient helps balance hormones or this ingredient gives a feeling of fullness. Each recipe has a purpose, like cognition, heart support or immunity. There is no nutritional information.
The recipes are all vegan and gluten free. Keep in mind that they tend to use specialty ingredients that can be expensive and hard to find. I was hoping for recipes that included more foraged and home grown ingredients but you need a lot of things like ashwagandha powder and dried blue lotus flowers. A lot of times some of the specialty ingredients are listed as optional, but they tend to be the ingredients that confer the healing benefits, so the main purpose of the recipe is lost without them. While the focus is on healing with food, you need a fair amount of privilege to be able to make most of the recipes, in terms of time, money and energy. That said, it’s very informative and the recipes look stunning.
I read a temporary online ARC of this book for review.
The recipes are all vegan and gluten free. Keep in mind that they tend to use specialty ingredients that can be expensive and hard to find. I was hoping for recipes that included more foraged and home grown ingredients but you need a lot of things like ashwagandha powder and dried blue lotus flowers. A lot of times some of the specialty ingredients are listed as optional, but they tend to be the ingredients that confer the healing benefits, so the main purpose of the recipe is lost without them. While the focus is on healing with food, you need a fair amount of privilege to be able to make most of the recipes, in terms of time, money and energy. That said, it’s very informative and the recipes look stunning.
I read a temporary online ARC of this book for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Plant-Based Magic is an absolutely beautiful cookbook. As someone who loves to eat and try new things as well as suffers chronic pain, I wasn’t surprised this was right up my alley as I’ve started to delve into the witchier side due to my ongoing health journey, and I was glad that the author connects the science as well.
The photographs are beautiful and I loved that there was one for each recipe. Like, honestly, I don’t pick up cookbooks without pictures. I appreciated learning about the way herbs and mushrooms assist our health. I love to eat them already, but didn’t know much about their benefits. The vitamin index in the back is also helpful. I bookmarked a bunch of recipes (which are laid out by season - yay!) so I can’t wait to try them.
My two dislikes: so many radishes (not a deal breaker since I can just leave out or sub them) and that there isn’t a total time listed for how long a recipe takes to make. Hoping the final copy has it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for the digital copy to review!
The photographs are beautiful and I loved that there was one for each recipe. Like, honestly, I don’t pick up cookbooks without pictures. I appreciated learning about the way herbs and mushrooms assist our health. I love to eat them already, but didn’t know much about their benefits. The vitamin index in the back is also helpful. I bookmarked a bunch of recipes (which are laid out by season - yay!) so I can’t wait to try them.
My two dislikes: so many radishes (not a deal breaker since I can just leave out or sub them) and that there isn’t a total time listed for how long a recipe takes to make. Hoping the final copy has it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for the digital copy to review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I preordered the hardcover immediately after finishing this. Plant-Based Magic is hands down the most beautiful witchy herbalist cookbook I have ever encountered. Every page feels intentional, grounded, and infused with care for both plants and people. This is not just a collection of recipes. It is a ritual, a guide, and a love letter to plant based cooking through a magical lens.
The photography is stunning and earthy, the recipes feel nourishing and approachable, and the herbal wisdom woven throughout makes this book feel like something you keep on your altar as much as in your kitchen. You can feel the author’s deep respect for plants, seasons, and intuition in every chapter.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lisanna Wallance for the eARC. This is a book I will return to again and again, and I cannot wait to have the hardcover in my hands. Highly recommend to anyone drawn to plant magic, herbalism, and soulful cooking. 🌿✨
The photography is stunning and earthy, the recipes feel nourishing and approachable, and the herbal wisdom woven throughout makes this book feel like something you keep on your altar as much as in your kitchen. You can feel the author’s deep respect for plants, seasons, and intuition in every chapter.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lisanna Wallance for the eARC. This is a book I will return to again and again, and I cannot wait to have the hardcover in my hands. Highly recommend to anyone drawn to plant magic, herbalism, and soulful cooking. 🌿✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Plant-Based Magic is a wonderfully cultivated vegan cookbook filled with farm-grown magic and nutrient-packed recipes. As someone with a few different health issues, I really appreciated that the author created recipes for those with various genetic conditions and autoimmune diseases in mind. There is a photo to go along with every recipe showing the finished result, which has made my visual appetite satisfied.
This book is categorized by season with sub-segments focusing on mains/sides, desserts, and potions. There is a health benefit for every recipe that is shown in conjunction with its title. A few of my favorite highlighted benefits are stress relief, inflammation relief and mood balance. The recipes are made up of easily accessible ingredients with quick, clear and easy-to-follow instructions. The added "Magical benefits" and "Tip" sections break down the ingredients' vitamins and minerals while showing how to boost their potential with additional ingredients.
Lisanna Wallance's dedication to researching and understanding her own genetic condition and the symptoms that go along with it are shown in the specific ingredients she uses in these recipes. This is an immediate staple in my kitchen and has given me some relief with just a few simple recipes. The Turmeric Ginger Ale "for inflammation relief" and Tranquil Tea "for deep sleep" have been added to my daily routine and are so delicious!
Thank you Lisanna Wallance & NetGalley for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is categorized by season with sub-segments focusing on mains/sides, desserts, and potions. There is a health benefit for every recipe that is shown in conjunction with its title. A few of my favorite highlighted benefits are stress relief, inflammation relief and mood balance. The recipes are made up of easily accessible ingredients with quick, clear and easy-to-follow instructions. The added "Magical benefits" and "Tip" sections break down the ingredients' vitamins and minerals while showing how to boost their potential with additional ingredients.
Lisanna Wallance's dedication to researching and understanding her own genetic condition and the symptoms that go along with it are shown in the specific ingredients she uses in these recipes. This is an immediate staple in my kitchen and has given me some relief with just a few simple recipes. The Turmeric Ginger Ale "for inflammation relief" and Tranquil Tea "for deep sleep" have been added to my daily routine and are so delicious!
Thank you Lisanna Wallance & NetGalley for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Excellent guide to kitchen witchery for those on a vegan path.
The first section of the book serves as a primer on plant-based eating, herbalism, kitchen magick, and potion-crafting.
Part two is the recipes. They're organized by season and beautifully photographed. Each recipe was chosen for a specific purpose: Caramelized Onion, Potato, and Bean Gratin for strength; Baked Asparagus with Almonds for fertility, etc. Wallance takes particular care to explain the nutritional benefits of the ingredients and why they were selected, in addition to breakout boxes detailing the magickal properties. There are the usual assortment of entrees and sides, as well as desserts, beverages, and some specialty item like salad dressings and tinctures. All measurements are given in metric and imperial.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
The first section of the book serves as a primer on plant-based eating, herbalism, kitchen magick, and potion-crafting.
Part two is the recipes. They're organized by season and beautifully photographed. Each recipe was chosen for a specific purpose: Caramelized Onion, Potato, and Bean Gratin for strength; Baked Asparagus with Almonds for fertility, etc. Wallance takes particular care to explain the nutritional benefits of the ingredients and why they were selected, in addition to breakout boxes detailing the magickal properties. There are the usual assortment of entrees and sides, as well as desserts, beverages, and some specialty item like salad dressings and tinctures. All measurements are given in metric and imperial.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
April 18, 2026
Reading cookbooks is one of my favorite things - I love to bake, I occasionally enjoy cooking, and this book made me want to try so many recipes that the very, *very* small handful of the particular recipes I’m particularly looking forward to making to is nothing compared with how many recipes in this cookbook I legitimately want to make more of. Add to that the colorful vibrant platters, and a clean layout.
- Rose and Peach Cupcakes
- Balancing Chia Lemonade
- Turmeric Ginger Ale
- Whole Roasted Pumpkin
- Golden Cauliflower with Scallion-Ginger Cream
- Greens with Coconut Cream
- Buckwheat and Fungi Risotto
- Beet-Leek Quiche
- Broccolini with Puréed Eggplant
- Squash and Parsnip Soup
- Eve’s Apple Torte
Given my own massive interest in these recipes, this is a title I’ll be getting for my own cookbook collection.
Plant-Based Magic is a definite recommendation from me!
Thank you to The Experiment and NetGalley for the temporary PDF
- Rose and Peach Cupcakes
- Balancing Chia Lemonade
- Turmeric Ginger Ale
- Whole Roasted Pumpkin
- Golden Cauliflower with Scallion-Ginger Cream
- Greens with Coconut Cream
- Buckwheat and Fungi Risotto
- Beet-Leek Quiche
- Broccolini with Puréed Eggplant
- Squash and Parsnip Soup
- Eve’s Apple Torte
Given my own massive interest in these recipes, this is a title I’ll be getting for my own cookbook collection.
Plant-Based Magic is a definite recommendation from me!
Thank you to The Experiment and NetGalley for the temporary PDF
October 21, 2025
This is such a beautiful cookbook! Filled with 120 vegan and gluten-free recipes, this book contains gorgeous images paired with clear instructions to make each dish. I love when a cookbook has an image of the finished dish! It gives me something to work towards, although mine rarely turn out so beautiful.
My favorite part is probably how it is organized. I love how it is broken up by season and then by course with added notes of how each recipe might benefit you (for energy, for glowing skin, for restful sleep, etc.). Additionally, each recipe lists some of the "Magical Benefits" and what vitamins are included to explain the benefits of the dish.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate more vegan and gluten-free recipes into their lifestyle!
Thank you to NetGalley & The Experiment for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite part is probably how it is organized. I love how it is broken up by season and then by course with added notes of how each recipe might benefit you (for energy, for glowing skin, for restful sleep, etc.). Additionally, each recipe lists some of the "Magical Benefits" and what vitamins are included to explain the benefits of the dish.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate more vegan and gluten-free recipes into their lifestyle!
Thank you to NetGalley & The Experiment for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2025
I absolutely ADORED this cookbook! I was drawn in by the title and the idea of plant-based recipes. As someone that’s been trying to eat healthier recently, but also considers herself a foodie, I’m not one for boring recipes. I like a lot of flavor and variety.
There was so much this book delivered on. I loved that it was organized into seasons. I liked that it included not just main and side dishes, and desserts, but also “potions”: drinks for all different kinds of effects such as immunity and inflammation relief, even some for libido! The pictures were beautiful, I love having a visual to base off of when following a recipe. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how much was included, and I look forward to using it quite often!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Lisanna Wallance for the ARC!
There was so much this book delivered on. I loved that it was organized into seasons. I liked that it included not just main and side dishes, and desserts, but also “potions”: drinks for all different kinds of effects such as immunity and inflammation relief, even some for libido! The pictures were beautiful, I love having a visual to base off of when following a recipe. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how much was included, and I look forward to using it quite often!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Lisanna Wallance for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a beautiful book and a cool, unique concept. The recipes themselves remind me of French country cuisine. I appreciated the seasonality of recipes and that they had simple instructions and short lists of ingredients. I also found many of the flavor profiles interesting and new-to-me which is a wonderful and rare experience. Here is an example: honeydew basil salad for hydration (summer section) honeydew, cashew cheese, basil, and a lime-agave-apple cider vinegar dressing.
Unlike the majority of “anti inflammatory” type books around I feel like these recipes actually would help debloat, depuff, and reduce inflammation. Every meal is something you could imagine a celebrity eating at a very expensive LA spa or wellness retreat except it is practical, affordable, and something you could make too. 🥗
Thanks netgalley
Unlike the majority of “anti inflammatory” type books around I feel like these recipes actually would help debloat, depuff, and reduce inflammation. Every meal is something you could imagine a celebrity eating at a very expensive LA spa or wellness retreat except it is practical, affordable, and something you could make too. 🥗
Thanks netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was skeptical about another "wellness" cookbook until I realized Wallance is a clinical herbalist backing up every recipe with real nutritional science. The 120 seasonal recipes aren't gimmicky—they're thoughtfully designed around what different plants actually do for your body.
What grabbed me was how the book explains the why behind seasonal eating. Not just "eat spring greens" but why specific nutrients in spring vegetables support your body at that time of year. The icons for low-FODMAP, nut-free, and low-histamine options make it practical, especially if you track nutrition like I do.
Already made the Maple-Roasted Roots for immunity and the TranquiliTea actually helps with sleep. The recipes feel doable, not like you need to forage in a forest. A solid addition to anyone's wellness cooking library.
What grabbed me was how the book explains the why behind seasonal eating. Not just "eat spring greens" but why specific nutrients in spring vegetables support your body at that time of year. The icons for low-FODMAP, nut-free, and low-histamine options make it practical, especially if you track nutrition like I do.
Already made the Maple-Roasted Roots for immunity and the TranquiliTea actually helps with sleep. The recipes feel doable, not like you need to forage in a forest. A solid addition to anyone's wellness cooking library.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don't believe in magic, but I believe in yummy vegetarian food, and this colorful book delivers!\\
This cookbook promises to heal both body and soul, which is great because my soul has been subsisting on takeout for months, and it shows.
With 120 seasonal recipes, you'll finally have an excuse for why you can't make that summer dish in January. The title "Plant-Based Magic" perfectly captures that moment when you realize chickpeas can actually taste good, and it feels like actual witchcraft.
Lisanna Wallance is here to save us from our sad desk salads and transform us into the kind of people who know what to do with kohlrabi.
By the time you finish cooking through this book, you'll be so smug about your plant-based lifestyle that your friends will start hiding from you at parties!
DISCLOSURE: I received a free digital review copy from the publisher.
This cookbook promises to heal both body and soul, which is great because my soul has been subsisting on takeout for months, and it shows.
With 120 seasonal recipes, you'll finally have an excuse for why you can't make that summer dish in January. The title "Plant-Based Magic" perfectly captures that moment when you realize chickpeas can actually taste good, and it feels like actual witchcraft.
Lisanna Wallance is here to save us from our sad desk salads and transform us into the kind of people who know what to do with kohlrabi.
By the time you finish cooking through this book, you'll be so smug about your plant-based lifestyle that your friends will start hiding from you at parties!
DISCLOSURE: I received a free digital review copy from the publisher.
November 5, 2025
As a vegan and a picky eater, this book is to die for.
So, so, so many fun recipes included and laid out in a digestible way. I love how Wallance takes the time to not only explain the contents of her dishes, but the ingredients on the molecular level. As someone with dietary restrictions, I learned so much about which foods could cause inflammation or help with pain. That's what I appreciated the most - I could understand why Wallance selected the ingredients she did.
It's a lovely book, organized by seasons, and I've already picked several recipes to try out.
Thank you to Net Galley, Lisanna Wallance, and The Experiment for sending me an ARC!
So, so, so many fun recipes included and laid out in a digestible way. I love how Wallance takes the time to not only explain the contents of her dishes, but the ingredients on the molecular level. As someone with dietary restrictions, I learned so much about which foods could cause inflammation or help with pain. That's what I appreciated the most - I could understand why Wallance selected the ingredients she did.
It's a lovely book, organized by seasons, and I've already picked several recipes to try out.
Thank you to Net Galley, Lisanna Wallance, and The Experiment for sending me an ARC!
November 13, 2025
A very healing sort of a book both spiritual and nourishing. A new meaning to food being magical but also for finding a true place in nature and surrounding yourself in all its beauty and groundings. I found this book a very refreshing read from what I normally read and also incorporates recipes for medicinal purposes and quick easy recipes for busy days or nights. I found this book to be exactly what I was expressing and I wasn't disappointed. I'm really glad I had the chance to check this out for myself and experience the magic from within.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2025
Thank you The Experiment and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this fantastic book! This beautifully illustrated book is broken down by season and then by course and has food remedies for almost everything that ails you. I liked that it provided what each recipe was for as well as that all recipes are vegan and gluten free. I am looking forward to trying the recipes and would be recommending this book to all my friends and family.
November 24, 2025
This is a really beautiful book, the pictures of the food is amazing. I have a limited diet, and there are lots of cookbooks that do not suit me. But this cookbook had so many recipes that not only fit my diet, but I could see myself trying. I have never made a tincture before, and I am intrigued to try one out. This is a great cookbook for someone that is vegetarian/vegan and gluten free.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a witch who eats a plant-based diet and loves the power of food as medicine, I think I am exactly the target audience for this book. The photos are beautiful, and the recipes are well-crafted. I love how much thought went into the properties and medicinal value of the ingredients. A great book for anyone who eats plant-based food and wants to cook for their spiritual and physical wellness.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
Delightful, beautifully pictured food from nature that can help support your physical and mental health. I can't wait to try some of these recipes.
Delightful, beautifully pictured food from nature that can help support your physical and mental health. I can't wait to try some of these recipes.
April 12, 2026
Beautifully arranged, clearly written, and obviously thoroughly researched - plant-based recipes focused on healing. Lots of herbal info. Gorgeous, but also - do I want to make all these recipes? Not necessarily - some seem quite fussy. But what a lovely cookbook.
October 15, 2025
I really enjoyed learning from Lisanna’s experiences. I also really liked the few recipes I tried, especially the lemon artichoke pasta and the rosemary clementine cake!
December 3, 2025
Very nice book, several recipes I know I’ll be making. Beautiful photos.
Read
July 8, 2026Not for me
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews