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Plant-Powered Families: Over 100 Kid-Tested, Whole-Foods Vegan Recipes
Get your whole family excited about eating healthy!
Veteran cookbook author Dreena Burton shows a whole foods, plant-based diet can be easy, delicious, and healthy for your entire family. In Plant-Powered Families , Burton shares over 100 whole-food, vegan recipes—tested and approved by her own three children. Your family will love the variety of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks, including:
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cinnamon French Toast
No-Bake Granola Bars
Creamy Fettuccine
Sneaky Chickpea Burgers
Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Plus salad dressings, sauces, and sprinkles that will dress up any dish!
With tips for handling challenges that come with every age and stage—from toddler to teen years — Plant-Powered Families is a perfect reference for parents raising "weegans" or families looking to transition to a vegan diet.
Burton shares advice and solutions from her own experience for everything from pleasing picky eaters and stocking a vegan pantry to packing school lunches and dealing with challenging social situations. Plant-Powered Families also includes nutritionist-approved references for dietary concerns that will ensure a smooth and successful transition for your own plant-powered family!
Veteran cookbook author Dreena Burton shows a whole foods, plant-based diet can be easy, delicious, and healthy for your entire family. In Plant-Powered Families , Burton shares over 100 whole-food, vegan recipes—tested and approved by her own three children. Your family will love the variety of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks, including:
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cinnamon French Toast
No-Bake Granola Bars
Creamy Fettuccine
Sneaky Chickpea Burgers
Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Plus salad dressings, sauces, and sprinkles that will dress up any dish!
With tips for handling challenges that come with every age and stage—from toddler to teen years — Plant-Powered Families is a perfect reference for parents raising "weegans" or families looking to transition to a vegan diet.
Burton shares advice and solutions from her own experience for everything from pleasing picky eaters and stocking a vegan pantry to packing school lunches and dealing with challenging social situations. Plant-Powered Families also includes nutritionist-approved references for dietary concerns that will ensure a smooth and successful transition for your own plant-powered family!
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2015
120 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 15, 2017
My Thoughts:
This is one of the best vegan/vegetarian books recipe books I have ever had the pleasure to review! Why? Because the recipes are easy, short and have easily found ingredients! Also, because it is kid tested it means it has recipes that I like, because I can be very picky!
I found that most of the ingredients could be found at my local supermarket (Woolworths) and most I already had in my cupboard! I also found myself buying a lot of Almonds and Cashews for the recipes in this book, and strangely I have been too scared to cook with nuts. I never thought it would really work… was I wrong!!! Cashews and Almonds will be a staple in my cupboard from now on!
I am far from done trying all the recipes in this book. There are just so many that I want to try! The deserts are particularly speaking to my soul! I know this is a book I will keep close for a long time to come and pull out every week for some of my favorite recipes (see below)!
Here is a taste of the recipes in this book:
Cinnamon French Toast
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Sneaky Chickpea Burgers
Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creamy Fettucine
No-Bake Granola Bars
Favorite Recipes that I made:
Ultimate Cashew Cheese
What a recipe! Since becoming vegan I have tried to perfect a ‘cheese’ type of sauce, and I have failed pretty miserably. I managed a decent one with tofu, but never thought of trying Cashews! Until I saw this recipe. It was so easy and only took 15 mins. I was licking my lips, my spoon, the bowl, the pot and gobbled it up with some airfryer fries!
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
I love a good soup, seriously I will try almost any soup. But cauliflower is a particular favorite. I found the idea of a creamy cauliflower soup intriguing, and I was not disappointed! This one called for soaked almonds, which I didn’t think would actually work, but wow was I wrong! And it is perfect timing as winter just started! So excited to make this again.
This is one of the best vegan/vegetarian books recipe books I have ever had the pleasure to review! Why? Because the recipes are easy, short and have easily found ingredients! Also, because it is kid tested it means it has recipes that I like, because I can be very picky!
I found that most of the ingredients could be found at my local supermarket (Woolworths) and most I already had in my cupboard! I also found myself buying a lot of Almonds and Cashews for the recipes in this book, and strangely I have been too scared to cook with nuts. I never thought it would really work… was I wrong!!! Cashews and Almonds will be a staple in my cupboard from now on!
I am far from done trying all the recipes in this book. There are just so many that I want to try! The deserts are particularly speaking to my soul! I know this is a book I will keep close for a long time to come and pull out every week for some of my favorite recipes (see below)!
Here is a taste of the recipes in this book:
Cinnamon French Toast
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Sneaky Chickpea Burgers
Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creamy Fettucine
No-Bake Granola Bars
Favorite Recipes that I made:
Ultimate Cashew Cheese
What a recipe! Since becoming vegan I have tried to perfect a ‘cheese’ type of sauce, and I have failed pretty miserably. I managed a decent one with tofu, but never thought of trying Cashews! Until I saw this recipe. It was so easy and only took 15 mins. I was licking my lips, my spoon, the bowl, the pot and gobbled it up with some airfryer fries!
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
I love a good soup, seriously I will try almost any soup. But cauliflower is a particular favorite. I found the idea of a creamy cauliflower soup intriguing, and I was not disappointed! This one called for soaked almonds, which I didn’t think would actually work, but wow was I wrong! And it is perfect timing as winter just started! So excited to make this again.
June 15, 2015
I may not have kids, but I probably eat like them. I'm picky with food, and I just don't want to be overwhelmed by it all... so I was definitely still intrigued by PLANT POWERED FAMILIES, despite the fact that I probably won't be testing out any of these recipes on any kiddos!
I think Burton did a really nice job creating an easy, accessible and fun little guidebook, paying careful attention to the combination of whole, plant based foods into beautifully delicious sounding recipes that should appeal to a wide audience. The pictures are really nice, as are the vivid colors throughout the book, and I was definitely able to bookmark a handful of delights that I will likely incorporate into my lunches in upcoming weeks.
Beyond the recipes, PLANT POWERED FAMILIES also has a great section that breaks down the basics of nutrition, highlighting important vitamins and minerals, as well as natural, whole foods that can provide key benefits to vegans. Additionally, there are tons of tips on ways to keep kids engaged in vegan meal preparation, with a special focus on packing appropriate snacks and lunches for school aged children.
If you're responsible for meal preparation for either kids or picky eaters, or if you're new to vegan recipes and want an accessible guide to get you started, PLANT POWERED FAMILIES is an overall great choice that's sure to get you inspired --- and hungry!
*I did receive a copy of PLANT POWERED FAMILIES for the purposes of providing an honest review. The method in which the work was received does not influence my honest thoughts on the work.
I think Burton did a really nice job creating an easy, accessible and fun little guidebook, paying careful attention to the combination of whole, plant based foods into beautifully delicious sounding recipes that should appeal to a wide audience. The pictures are really nice, as are the vivid colors throughout the book, and I was definitely able to bookmark a handful of delights that I will likely incorporate into my lunches in upcoming weeks.
Beyond the recipes, PLANT POWERED FAMILIES also has a great section that breaks down the basics of nutrition, highlighting important vitamins and minerals, as well as natural, whole foods that can provide key benefits to vegans. Additionally, there are tons of tips on ways to keep kids engaged in vegan meal preparation, with a special focus on packing appropriate snacks and lunches for school aged children.
If you're responsible for meal preparation for either kids or picky eaters, or if you're new to vegan recipes and want an accessible guide to get you started, PLANT POWERED FAMILIES is an overall great choice that's sure to get you inspired --- and hungry!
*I did receive a copy of PLANT POWERED FAMILIES for the purposes of providing an honest review. The method in which the work was received does not influence my honest thoughts on the work.
March 6, 2016
I always enjoy cookbooks by Dreena Burton. Her recipes are always so simple and so tasty. One of the gripes I have had about her other cookbooks is no pictures. I have to have tons of pictures in a cookbook. This book does not disappoint there. Tons of mouthwatering photos are included. The one thing to note is that oil is generally not used in the recipes. I personally do not mind, as I think I tend to use more than I should in cooking. I got this out of the library but I am seriously considering buying this one. I can see this being used a lot in my house.
June 1, 2021
2016: This book is packed with ideas for feeding kids a plant-based diet. There are lots of great recipes. The downside for me is that many recipes call for weird or expensive ingredients like spelt flour, coconut butter, or macadamia nuts. But there are still lots of recipes I want to try!
Update 2021: We have made a handful of recipes from this book (chunky monkey smoothie, artichoke dip, chickpea soup). We have liked everything we have tried! However, like I mentioned before, too many of the recipes use ingredients that we just don't have around, so we'll probably never try most of them.
Update 2021: We have made a handful of recipes from this book (chunky monkey smoothie, artichoke dip, chickpea soup). We have liked everything we have tried! However, like I mentioned before, too many of the recipes use ingredients that we just don't have around, so we'll probably never try most of them.
April 15, 2023
I don’t always “count” the cookbooks I read, but this one had so much great information about how to prepare vegan foods in new ways and solid advice for feeding picky eaters. Love Dreena’s whole vibe.
July 7, 2015
My biggest complaint would be the fact that many of the recipes are available in other books - so if you have other books of hers you already have a lot of the recipes. That said, she did try and tweak a lot of them to make them easier or provide allergen substitutes. There are a lot of great sounding recipes (I only have one other book - so not too much duplication!) and great pictures. They are for the most part easy with straightforward ingredients which is essential for cooking when you have small children - whether they are picky or not. She has a lot of info for anyone who is just starting their plant powered journey or simply looking for more ideas for lunch boxes, parties or everyday meals.
January 11, 2022
So I bought two bags of hemp hearts just to try a recipe in her book. I'm looking forward to trying at least a few as she has lots of riffs on basic kid friendly foods from muffins to veggie burgers to polenta pizza crust. I have a couple quibbles; one reason I think I found this at my local thrift store is the number of recipes with some less common ingredients, hemp hearts and spelt flour for example. Not as wallet friendly as some things. And I was a little disappointed at the number of main dish recipes there were... just not enough. Overall a good addition to a whole food plant based collection, but definitely not the one I would buy if I could only buy one.
September 26, 2024
I knew this cookbook would be a gold mine: combining vegan, whole-foods, and child aspects of cooking, it's the ticket for many families. I am glad I purchased this one (used), since I flagged so many recipes; many of the key elements of them, e.g. cashews & blender, repeat, so I've got some new pantry staples to help make it happen. The surrounding chapters are also quite good, in particular for newbies, addressing social situations, nutrition, and more. Hint: in general, if you're looking to explore vegan cookery, the publisher BenBella fits the bill for compassion + health, e.g. no utilizing 1 cup of sugar to produce a baked good. Thanks (again), Dreena!
December 17, 2020
I am not a vegan and not ready to become one, but I am interesting in changing some dietary habits. This was a great book for me to pick up and read. The recipes mainly use ingredients I am familiar with and could find at my local supermarkets. I also appreciated that the author was straightforward and honest and didn’t get preachy about her lifestyle choices. Overall, I feel like it is very accessible, and I’m glad I have a longer run with this library check out so that I can try quite a few of the recipes.
August 26, 2018
It is not easy to make the transition but I see the author did it in her twenties. I am twice that age. She also did it with her husband (had a partner) which I have no one. My father and others still want to eat meat, starches, etc regardless of what I want to do. So freewill or will power is not easy neither; therefore, I also need prayer since I cannot clean house and have someone who will bring junk in. I have been able to do meat first, rarely eat fish, dairy is easy (done for years since I am lactose and started this in my twenties). I am glad they made vegan cheese better since this is one of my weaknesses with dairy, or ice cream occasionally, and can get coconut yogurt as well as ice cream treats.
Dreena (my name in short, Drienna or Drina/Drena for short) admits she stopped animal flesh (meat), then eggs, and last dairy. For me, dairy then meat and eggs still doing right now. I like that she has recipes that are NUT, SOY, and even GLUTEN free. I mainly need SOY and GLUTEN free. My stomach cannot handle it anymore, nor the estrogenic foods due to fibroids have grown so large and want to make that change. My hormones have been crazy and calmed the acid reflux once I have been making the changes, and helps the arthritis.
However, it is not easy when traveling, or eating out but will see if they offer GMO free foods.
I'll see if there are recipes to try, and if so, I may just get the book.
Dreena (my name in short, Drienna or Drina/Drena for short) admits she stopped animal flesh (meat), then eggs, and last dairy. For me, dairy then meat and eggs still doing right now. I like that she has recipes that are NUT, SOY, and even GLUTEN free. I mainly need SOY and GLUTEN free. My stomach cannot handle it anymore, nor the estrogenic foods due to fibroids have grown so large and want to make that change. My hormones have been crazy and calmed the acid reflux once I have been making the changes, and helps the arthritis.
However, it is not easy when traveling, or eating out but will see if they offer GMO free foods.
I'll see if there are recipes to try, and if so, I may just get the book.
November 29, 2018
Love it. I use this recipe book daily. Not every one has turned out perfectly for me but my success rate is a lot higher than other vegan cookbooks. I love the family aspect to it too. There are ideas how to handle special situations with your kids and food. All of which we've encountered and the extra help never hurts.
May 9, 2018
Didn’t know this book had oil free recipes. This is the first cookbook I read which has oil free recipes. Not sure how easy or tasty it is to cook without oil. Might have to give one of the recipes a shot.
July 14, 2020
Essential cookbook for vegan families!
Dreena Burton breaks it down in easy to understand and utterly delicious recipes. Her recipes will delight kids and adults alike. She demonstrates that there are scrumptious vegan recipes that are also healthy and nutritious for kids.
Dreena Burton breaks it down in easy to understand and utterly delicious recipes. Her recipes will delight kids and adults alike. She demonstrates that there are scrumptious vegan recipes that are also healthy and nutritious for kids.
January 15, 2018
Excellent plant-based resource. Working my way through the recipes. Love the "Sweetballs", a nut/oat/sweet potato "meatball" recipe. Well-done Dreena Burton!
August 25, 2018
Disappointed didn't find many recipes to try
February 5, 2021
SO many great recipes! We especially love the granola recipe. I’m excited to try the coconut flake bacon! Great muffin and pudding recipes too.
August 16, 2022
Idk some of the recipes r not hitting it for me
March 13, 2024
See my review at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/plant-po...
November 10, 2025
One of my favorite kid-friendly, clean-eating recipe books! Great photos, info, and recipes!!
December 1, 2025
One of my favorites! Every recipe is a winner
April 18, 2017
In my opinion you pretty much can't go wrong with a Dreena Burton cookbook if you are vegan or considering becoming one. Her recipes are usually very healthy, easy and delicious. Sure there are exceptions, like her use of liquid smoke at times, which I find disgusting. But she does have some of the best healthier dessert options out there and they're usually really fast to make. One of my all-time go-to recipes is included in this cookbook with slight changes: Banana Bread. No oil and only a little maple syrup for a sweetener! It is delicious too, I make it all the time. While this is not my favorite Burton book, it is a worthy addition to a vegan household.
Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review. (They may regret this.) Any and all quotes were taken from an advanced edition subject to change in the final edition.
Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review. (They may regret this.) Any and all quotes were taken from an advanced edition subject to change in the final edition.
May 29, 2021
Just finished reading through this book for the second time. It is one of my all time favourite cook books. Picture with every recipe (or just about!) and “normal” food for someone who hasn’t grown up eating plant based. Highly recommend it for anyone starting to eat more plant based. It won’t scare you away like some cookbooks!!
May 11, 2016
Thank you, Dreena, for continuing to offer plant-based recipes! I may be hopeless in the kitchen but I do appreciate your commitment to a vegan lifestyle. Hooray for plant-based diets - healthy for us, essential for the planet.
September 23, 2015
This is a Fabulous recipe book for everyone. Beautiful mouth watering photos of meals you will have to try. Also a healthy nutritional reference guide.!!!!! THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRSTREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK!!!!!
February 19, 2016
So far, so good. We've tried a few recipes and are pretty satisfied with the results. I look forward to trying a few more soon! I like the idea that we can eat healthy and still have it be filling/satisfying for our growing munchkins.
June 24, 2015
Great ideas. I have picky kids with lots of food allergies so not sure how we're going to move to a vegan diet, but this gives me some great ideas nad recipes.
October 12, 2015
Fabulous plant-based cookbook with realistic recipes to feed my family.
April 13, 2016
Made two things - one everyone liked, the other I liked okay/the others didn't like at all
November 27, 2016
This is a cookbook worth owning.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews