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Vegan At Times: 120+ Recipes for Every Day or Every So Often
An all-new collection of more than 120 recipes that are so delicious and easy to make, you might forget they’re vegan, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Deceptively Delicious, Double Delicious, The Can’t Cook Book, and Food Swings.
Jessica Seinfeld isn’t a committed vegan. Her husband and her children aren’t, either. Instead of convincing you to become vegan or shaming you for eating meat, she simply wants to show you how easy it is to be a vegan, at times, by cooking flavorful, affordable, and robust plant-based meals whenever you want—whether that’s every day, once a week, or just once in a while.
With her reassuring and accessible style, Jessica shows you step-by-step recipes for sweet and savory breakfasts, comforting and healthy meals for lunch and dinner, delicious snacks that can be whipped together quickly, and essential sauces and dressings—all tailored to home cooks. She also demonstrates how to create a basic vegan pantry filled with the essential items to keep in stock, explains what kitchen equipment you’ll want to have on hand, gives sample menus for combining recipes, and tells relatable stories from her adventures in vegan cooking with her family.
Jessica Seinfeld isn’t a committed vegan. Her husband and her children aren’t, either. Instead of convincing you to become vegan or shaming you for eating meat, she simply wants to show you how easy it is to be a vegan, at times, by cooking flavorful, affordable, and robust plant-based meals whenever you want—whether that’s every day, once a week, or just once in a while.
With her reassuring and accessible style, Jessica shows you step-by-step recipes for sweet and savory breakfasts, comforting and healthy meals for lunch and dinner, delicious snacks that can be whipped together quickly, and essential sauces and dressings—all tailored to home cooks. She also demonstrates how to create a basic vegan pantry filled with the essential items to keep in stock, explains what kitchen equipment you’ll want to have on hand, gives sample menus for combining recipes, and tells relatable stories from her adventures in vegan cooking with her family.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 23, 2021
113 people are currently reading
5055 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Seinfeld
14 books129 followersJessica Seinfeld is the author of four New York Times bestselling cookbooks: DECEPTIVELY DELICIOUS, DOUBLE DELICIOUS, THE CAN’T COOK BOOK, and FOOD SWINGS.
In October, Jessica will release her fifth cookbook, VEGAN AT TIMES. The book focuses on relieving the pressure and shame that is frequently associated with veganism and instead shows how easy it can be to be a vegan, at times, by cooking flavorful, affordable, and robust plant-based meals whenever you want.
Jessica is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Good+Foundation, a national nonprofit that uses a multi-generational approach to address family poverty. Good+Foundation’s ground-breaking model meets the short-term needs of mothers, fathers, and caregivers and helps families create pathways for long-term, self-determined success. For over 20 years, the organization has provided goods to encourage families to attend programs that support mothers and create a healthier, happier environment for children through a focus on father engagement.
In October, Jessica will release her fifth cookbook, VEGAN AT TIMES. The book focuses on relieving the pressure and shame that is frequently associated with veganism and instead shows how easy it can be to be a vegan, at times, by cooking flavorful, affordable, and robust plant-based meals whenever you want.
Jessica is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Good+Foundation, a national nonprofit that uses a multi-generational approach to address family poverty. Good+Foundation’s ground-breaking model meets the short-term needs of mothers, fathers, and caregivers and helps families create pathways for long-term, self-determined success. For over 20 years, the organization has provided goods to encourage families to attend programs that support mothers and create a healthier, happier environment for children through a focus on father engagement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 23, 2023
“Vegan at Times”….by Jessica Seinfeld …..was a great hardcopy investment for me….
BECAUSE…I’m using it….
I’ve already made some yummy foods
….healthy - high fiber - easy to make - breakfast cookies -
….butternut squash and quinoa soup
….old school salad
And….
…. Morrocan chickpea stew
….The next meal I plan to make is stuffed sweet potatoes with red cabbage slaw and spicy peanut dressing.
There are 120 recipes….(not time consuming, or overly complicated), great photos, and a wide variety of choices.
Really a beautiful ‘hands-on’ cookbook ….
Whole food vegan recipes with a little finesse.
BECAUSE…I’m using it….
I’ve already made some yummy foods
….healthy - high fiber - easy to make - breakfast cookies -
….butternut squash and quinoa soup
….old school salad
And….
…. Morrocan chickpea stew
….The next meal I plan to make is stuffed sweet potatoes with red cabbage slaw and spicy peanut dressing.
There are 120 recipes….(not time consuming, or overly complicated), great photos, and a wide variety of choices.
Really a beautiful ‘hands-on’ cookbook ….
Whole food vegan recipes with a little finesse.
June 30, 2022
I wasn’t sure I’d read this book. I don’t often feel enthusiastic about celebrity cookbooks. It wasn’t a priority for me, but when I went to pick up a book at the library it was right on a featured shelf so I decided to borrow it. I’m thinking though that I might be burned out for now on reading vegan cookbooks.
This is a really great cookbook though. Most of the recipes look delicious, there are color photos for all of the recipes, most of the recipes have a reasonable number of ingredients and use regular easy to find/make ingredients. Most seem easy to make. It’s a beautiful book and gift worthy book.
The author’s approach is not to tell people how to eat and she is not vegan herself, but all these recipes are vegan and I think most of them will appeal not only to vegans but also to lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores. I agree with the author that this is particularly true for the desserts and the pasta dishes. There are short essays that appear throughout the book. In addition to the photos of the recipes/foods there are some of photos of the author and one of her cats on the table with the food. Ha!
I usually list recipes from each section that are ones I’d like to make. Here there were too many to list. There were some ingredients I don’t like including vinegar and coconut in a few recipes but unlike most vegan cookbooks I wouldn’t HAVE to tweak the vast majority of the recipes. Many of them look tasty so I wouldn’t have to change them, even though I usually do play with recipes and rarely make them as they are written.
Most (not all) of the breakfast recipes are sweet and quite a few could be in the desserts section. I tend to like savory breakfasts, at least most days, so I noticed this.
I usually read cookbooks cover to cover but in this case I did not read the index or most of the directions for the recipes (I did read all the ingredients) and I only skimmed the sample menus two page section in the back.
Contents: Introduction, Pantry, A Dried Beans How-To, Chapter One: Breakfast, Chapter Two: Mealtime, Chapter Three: Quick Fixes, Chapter 4: Dessert, Chapter Five: Essential Sauces, Dressings, Etc., Sample Menus, Acknowledgments, Index
This would be a good book for someone not vegan but interested in vegan eating, for themselves or for guests, but because the food does look great it’s a fine cookbook for vegans too and for anyone wanting to try some recipes that happen to be vegan.
This is a really great cookbook though. Most of the recipes look delicious, there are color photos for all of the recipes, most of the recipes have a reasonable number of ingredients and use regular easy to find/make ingredients. Most seem easy to make. It’s a beautiful book and gift worthy book.
The author’s approach is not to tell people how to eat and she is not vegan herself, but all these recipes are vegan and I think most of them will appeal not only to vegans but also to lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores. I agree with the author that this is particularly true for the desserts and the pasta dishes. There are short essays that appear throughout the book. In addition to the photos of the recipes/foods there are some of photos of the author and one of her cats on the table with the food. Ha!
I usually list recipes from each section that are ones I’d like to make. Here there were too many to list. There were some ingredients I don’t like including vinegar and coconut in a few recipes but unlike most vegan cookbooks I wouldn’t HAVE to tweak the vast majority of the recipes. Many of them look tasty so I wouldn’t have to change them, even though I usually do play with recipes and rarely make them as they are written.
Most (not all) of the breakfast recipes are sweet and quite a few could be in the desserts section. I tend to like savory breakfasts, at least most days, so I noticed this.
I usually read cookbooks cover to cover but in this case I did not read the index or most of the directions for the recipes (I did read all the ingredients) and I only skimmed the sample menus two page section in the back.
Contents: Introduction, Pantry, A Dried Beans How-To, Chapter One: Breakfast, Chapter Two: Mealtime, Chapter Three: Quick Fixes, Chapter 4: Dessert, Chapter Five: Essential Sauces, Dressings, Etc., Sample Menus, Acknowledgments, Index
This would be a good book for someone not vegan but interested in vegan eating, for themselves or for guests, but because the food does look great it’s a fine cookbook for vegans too and for anyone wanting to try some recipes that happen to be vegan.
Read
November 27, 2021Help. My eyeballs have rolled so far into the back of my skull that they might be irretrievable. Honestly, I am so sick of people creating misinformation around veganism whilst pandering to the intelligence of human beings who have the ability to make a complete change for themselves, transitioning fully into a plant-based diet if they so wish (and please note that I've said a plant-based diet).
I need to say this:
VEGANISM IS NOT A DIET.
I repeat:
VEGANISM.IS.NOT.A.DIET.
I don't care what your reason is for going plant-based, whether it be for your health, the environment or just to look cool, occasionally eating meat, but for the love of god, PLEASE don't claim to love animals and be vegan if you're going to pay for the abuse and abhorrent treatment of them the other five days of the week.
I understand this might be confusing, or even seem discouraging, but semantics are important when people are out here trying to defend animals and maintain actual legitimacy within our movement. Then, ridiculous cookbooks like these come along and further invalidate the movement by incorrectly using words.
I need to say this:
VEGANISM IS NOT A DIET.
I repeat:
VEGANISM.IS.NOT.A.DIET.
By definition, veganism is a ethical and moral stance against all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives as far as practicably possible.
I don't care what your reason is for going plant-based, whether it be for your health, the environment or just to look cool, occasionally eating meat, but for the love of god, PLEASE don't claim to love animals and be vegan if you're going to pay for the abuse and abhorrent treatment of them the other five days of the week.
I understand this might be confusing, or even seem discouraging, but semantics are important when people are out here trying to defend animals and maintain actual legitimacy within our movement. Then, ridiculous cookbooks like these come along and further invalidate the movement by incorrectly using words.
March 20, 2024
I won my first Goodreads giveaway!
Disclaimer: I am vegan, all the time, and this book isn't marketed to me. I agree with many of the other comments here that this should be titled, Plant-Based, at Times, because being vegan is much more than diet consumption. Come at me if you want, but that’s how it is.
That being said… The recipes in this book look delicious! I am particularly looking forward to the Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Stew and Mexican-Style Grilled Street Corn, among others. I’ve tried the crepes and the roasted sweet potato and chickpea recipes- both were very good!
The recipes, ingredients, and required equipment seem manageable. The active cooking times appear to be 45 minutes or less (many under 30) and I didn’t see any obscure ingredients that would require going to multiple grocery stores. Looks simple enough, which is what I look for in a recipe! The author even includes sample meal plans in the back to make life extra easy for a new plant-based eater or vegan-curious.
The short written chapters in this book are not really vegan-friendly, so I'd recommend this book to those who are vegan-curious or wanting to eat more plant based as opposed to those who are vegan. The author makes a couple generalizations that are bothersome i.e. chapter called “How To Not Be an Annoying Vegan.” Vegans are not monolithic and should not be treated as such.
Despite the annoying discourse, this seems like a great collection of easy, plant-based recipes and would probably be a good book for people looking to eat more plants! This book comes at a perfect time as I’m trying to introduce some new recipes into my life in 2022. Looking forward to trying more.
Disclaimer: I am vegan, all the time, and this book isn't marketed to me. I agree with many of the other comments here that this should be titled, Plant-Based, at Times, because being vegan is much more than diet consumption. Come at me if you want, but that’s how it is.
That being said… The recipes in this book look delicious! I am particularly looking forward to the Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Stew and Mexican-Style Grilled Street Corn, among others. I’ve tried the crepes and the roasted sweet potato and chickpea recipes- both were very good!
The recipes, ingredients, and required equipment seem manageable. The active cooking times appear to be 45 minutes or less (many under 30) and I didn’t see any obscure ingredients that would require going to multiple grocery stores. Looks simple enough, which is what I look for in a recipe! The author even includes sample meal plans in the back to make life extra easy for a new plant-based eater or vegan-curious.
The short written chapters in this book are not really vegan-friendly, so I'd recommend this book to those who are vegan-curious or wanting to eat more plant based as opposed to those who are vegan. The author makes a couple generalizations that are bothersome i.e. chapter called “How To Not Be an Annoying Vegan.” Vegans are not monolithic and should not be treated as such.
Despite the annoying discourse, this seems like a great collection of easy, plant-based recipes and would probably be a good book for people looking to eat more plants! This book comes at a perfect time as I’m trying to introduce some new recipes into my life in 2022. Looking forward to trying more.
December 9, 2021
This book is so pretty! I loved the gorgeous, large-format photos of many delicious-looking foods and the fact that the meals vary in complexity (I need to be realistic, we’re not doing any complex, multi-step meals on a busy work night).
Interestingly, the author offers short essays in between the recipe section, describing her approach to plant-based eating. While Seinfeld eats plant-based most of the time, she does not do so every day of her life (although all the recipes in this book are vegan). Her approach is likely to be more welcoming and less intimidating to mainstream readers than those books which may seem, rightly or wrongly, more dogmatic. After all, as far wiser writers have pointed out, the factory farming system isn’t going to be toppled by the small percentage of us who are full-time vegans. Rather, it’s going to be forced to make major changes when the omnivorous mainstream decides enough is enough and they begin pivoting more toward sustainable options. Cookbooks like VEGAN, AT TIMES definitely help people make kinder and more healthful choices.
[An aside: Seinfeld’s advice on “how not to be annoying” may rub some vegans the wrong way, but I’d counter that if it does, it’s time to take a hard look at your own advocacy style. Nothing makes me cringe quite like vegans who turn off others with hostility and insults—I’ve honestly wondered if some of the “activists” on social media are actually being paid by the meat industry! Speak up for animals, but do so with compassion and tact, and understand that there are some people who will react to you with anger no matter how kind you are--and that’s their issue, not yours. Just don’t give them justification to get super defensive!]
But anyway, you don’t have to become an activist or change your personality at all to eat more plant-based foods. You’re still helping the animals, the planet, and yourself. Appealing cookbooks such as this one will help readers do just that!
Interestingly, the author offers short essays in between the recipe section, describing her approach to plant-based eating. While Seinfeld eats plant-based most of the time, she does not do so every day of her life (although all the recipes in this book are vegan). Her approach is likely to be more welcoming and less intimidating to mainstream readers than those books which may seem, rightly or wrongly, more dogmatic. After all, as far wiser writers have pointed out, the factory farming system isn’t going to be toppled by the small percentage of us who are full-time vegans. Rather, it’s going to be forced to make major changes when the omnivorous mainstream decides enough is enough and they begin pivoting more toward sustainable options. Cookbooks like VEGAN, AT TIMES definitely help people make kinder and more healthful choices.
[An aside: Seinfeld’s advice on “how not to be annoying” may rub some vegans the wrong way, but I’d counter that if it does, it’s time to take a hard look at your own advocacy style. Nothing makes me cringe quite like vegans who turn off others with hostility and insults—I’ve honestly wondered if some of the “activists” on social media are actually being paid by the meat industry! Speak up for animals, but do so with compassion and tact, and understand that there are some people who will react to you with anger no matter how kind you are--and that’s their issue, not yours. Just don’t give them justification to get super defensive!]
But anyway, you don’t have to become an activist or change your personality at all to eat more plant-based foods. You’re still helping the animals, the planet, and yourself. Appealing cookbooks such as this one will help readers do just that!
March 19, 2022
I got this book for Christmas and even though I am not a Vegan, I LOVE it! Everything that I have made so far has been delicious and EASY. I also appreciate that all of the ingredients are readily available at your regular supermarket. This book is great for those who are new to Vegan cooking- I've been impressed with how filling, flavorful, and satisfying the recipes are. To those who are upset by the title because the author is not a strict Vegan, I say maybe lighten up a bit? If this book gets more people eating plant-based meals that's good for our health as well as the planet. And who knows, maybe someone starts out a part-time Vegan and becomes so enamored with these recipes they commit to being a full-time Vegan at a later date...
December 27, 2021
I agree with other reviewers that if you eat meat sometimes, you're not really vegan. However, I do like the author's no judgement attitude, and think that encouraging people to eat more plant based meals is always a good thing, for so many reasons.
She does rely on some fake meat products (Violife cheese, lots of non-dairy milk) - if you're eating meat sometimes anyway, I'd prefer the actual product in those cases. But many of her salads and dressings are good. The broccoli pesto is amazing - my family had no idea it wasn't regular pesto and it's a lot better for you. In general, her pasta recipes are strong. The deserts are good, but since they're not much healthier for you than the regular desert, I'm not sure why you'd have a vegan chocolate cake if you weren't morally against having a regular chocolate cake. Unless you eat cake every day (I'm assuming it's a 2-3 times a year thing).
So, it's a good book if you're looking for family-friendly meatless meals. You'll get a lot of good ideas here. And Seinfeld is the kind of cook I think I'd love to meet and talk food with. But philosophically, this book is coming from a slightly weird place.
She does rely on some fake meat products (Violife cheese, lots of non-dairy milk) - if you're eating meat sometimes anyway, I'd prefer the actual product in those cases. But many of her salads and dressings are good. The broccoli pesto is amazing - my family had no idea it wasn't regular pesto and it's a lot better for you. In general, her pasta recipes are strong. The deserts are good, but since they're not much healthier for you than the regular desert, I'm not sure why you'd have a vegan chocolate cake if you weren't morally against having a regular chocolate cake. Unless you eat cake every day (I'm assuming it's a 2-3 times a year thing).
So, it's a good book if you're looking for family-friendly meatless meals. You'll get a lot of good ideas here. And Seinfeld is the kind of cook I think I'd love to meet and talk food with. But philosophically, this book is coming from a slightly weird place.
December 3, 2021
Looking for healthy recipes for you and the planet? Classics like flaky biscuits for breakfast, sloppy joes for lunch, bolognese for dinner, and chocolate pudding for dessert? This new cookbook is packed with all your favorite classics, along with recipes I already know will be new favorites for me, like the potato and caramelized onion tart and the peanut noodles (though not at the same meal!). Best of all, every meal is plant based, so you know it's good for you and the planet, whether you're a permanent vegan like me, or eat plant based just a couple times a week.
February 24, 2022
Controversial, but I do not care! Had to buy it when I realized I bookmarked almost every recipe and wasn’t even halfway through the book yet! <3
November 30, 2021
No thanks.
December 8, 2021
One of the best vegan cookbooks I’ve come across. I loved the assessable ingredients used in her recipes. The pictures are masterfully photographed which is appealing. Jessica breaks the cookbook into sections which makes finding what you want convenient. What can I say each recipe is simple to follow and I like that feature. All in all this one is a winner. There are some new to me variations on things I like to make, so that was a plus too. This would make a wonderful gift for that vegan in your life, can’t praise it enough!! Nothing exotic here!
January 9, 2022
Like many people, I am trying to eat healthier.
Seinfeld encourages eating a vegan diet but at the same time says it is okay to have meat.
She also encourages gradual change.
The meals look appetizing but also have ingredients available in most grocery stores.
She also has taken into consideration peoples’ budgets.
I will definitely trying some of these recipes.
For reading challenge - book with less than 2022 reviews!
Seinfeld encourages eating a vegan diet but at the same time says it is okay to have meat.
She also encourages gradual change.
The meals look appetizing but also have ingredients available in most grocery stores.
She also has taken into consideration peoples’ budgets.
I will definitely trying some of these recipes.
For reading challenge - book with less than 2022 reviews!
January 2, 2022
An amazing cookbook for anyone who wants easy, uncomplicated ingredient vegan meals. Most are super simple and quick to prepare and really caters to my personal picky eating self.
February 23, 2022
One of my mid-teen's friends gave this cookbook as a birthday present, knowing that our teen has had a shift in how things taste "that makes meat taste like gasoline." The gift-giver called this her "favorite cookbook," which speaks very highly of it.
I've already gone through a couple other vegetarian books, and this one seems to fit in with those. I put sticky notes on about 8 recipes that sound promising and yet unlike recipes we've already gathered, and my review might go up or down as we try out these new ones.
My only concern is that this looks like an expensive cookbook, and it wasn't second-hand, which is how I tend to get most of my books - cookbooks and fictional books, alike. (There is the old joke that some people consider cookbooks to be works of fiction because whenever they try the recipes, they don't turn out like that. But, no, I have higher hopes than that for these.)
The interesting ones I found were Spice Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas, Italian White Bean and Farro Soup, Mushroom Bolognese, Sweet Potato Tacos, Creamy Cannellini Bean Rigatoni, and Smoky Bean Chili. In fact, I think I'll try the Mushroom Bolognese soon with some leftover mushrooms that I have. Sloppy Joes and Black Bean Burgers sound good, later on, for summer.
Looking through the reviews, I found that a sizeable number of the reviewers complained about the book's title and some of the essays in it, complaining that Jessica Seinfeld wasn't a serious vegan, or perhaps not a vegan at all to be a "Vegan, At Times" like her title suggested. (Can one be a vegan without doing it for moral reasons?) I can understand that being precise with words can be important, especially when this is an important issue to so many people. However, we weren't really desiring to become vegan ourselves, just to get through a difficult time with a change in taste. And who knows? We may even keep or repeat some of these recipes even if/when the teen's sense of taste returns to normal. We might end up preferring this kind of food. So I suppose we aren't merely "Vegan, At Times," we're more along the lines of "Vegetarian, At Times," which would probably please these other reviewers even less.
The section on "How Not to Be an Annoying Vegan" pleased these reviewers even less. I read that and thought, "Eh? Okay," on to the next thing. But I actually found the strong responses to it kind of funny.
I've already gone through a couple other vegetarian books, and this one seems to fit in with those. I put sticky notes on about 8 recipes that sound promising and yet unlike recipes we've already gathered, and my review might go up or down as we try out these new ones.
My only concern is that this looks like an expensive cookbook, and it wasn't second-hand, which is how I tend to get most of my books - cookbooks and fictional books, alike. (There is the old joke that some people consider cookbooks to be works of fiction because whenever they try the recipes, they don't turn out like that. But, no, I have higher hopes than that for these.)
The interesting ones I found were Spice Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas, Italian White Bean and Farro Soup, Mushroom Bolognese, Sweet Potato Tacos, Creamy Cannellini Bean Rigatoni, and Smoky Bean Chili. In fact, I think I'll try the Mushroom Bolognese soon with some leftover mushrooms that I have. Sloppy Joes and Black Bean Burgers sound good, later on, for summer.
Looking through the reviews, I found that a sizeable number of the reviewers complained about the book's title and some of the essays in it, complaining that Jessica Seinfeld wasn't a serious vegan, or perhaps not a vegan at all to be a "Vegan, At Times" like her title suggested. (Can one be a vegan without doing it for moral reasons?) I can understand that being precise with words can be important, especially when this is an important issue to so many people. However, we weren't really desiring to become vegan ourselves, just to get through a difficult time with a change in taste. And who knows? We may even keep or repeat some of these recipes even if/when the teen's sense of taste returns to normal. We might end up preferring this kind of food. So I suppose we aren't merely "Vegan, At Times," we're more along the lines of "Vegetarian, At Times," which would probably please these other reviewers even less.
The section on "How Not to Be an Annoying Vegan" pleased these reviewers even less. I read that and thought, "Eh? Okay," on to the next thing. But I actually found the strong responses to it kind of funny.
May 22, 2022
This is a veganism gateway book, in the best kind of way. A book for people who want to dip their toes in by trying out some vegan recipes. You won't find any ingredients that are too wild and off-the-beaten path. The ingredients are approachable and so is (for the most part) the prep time, and ther results speak for themselves.
Seinfeld writes from the perspective of someone who is mostly vegan, and supportive of veganism as a lifestyle choice, but not evangelical about it. As someone who is vegan(ish) myself, I greatly appreciated the opposite-of-preachiness that you find here. I was initially skeptical of veganism myself mostly because (some of) the vegans I knew were so superior and absolutist about it. The truth is, everyone (anyone!) can, with a little support, make a small difference in not contributing to Big Meat and reduce their footprint without sacrificing flavor or happiness. Some of these people may go on to choose to be fully vegan, and some may not--but every bit helps, so why not welcome people in instead of shame them?
This is right up there with my very favorite cookbooks, period. I gambled on buying a copy and it's been worth it several times over. We've tried out most of the recipes in the book, and I think there was only one so far I didn't love, and even that was fine. I live with one vegan-open partner and two vegan-skeptical children and while I wish I could say every recipe was *universally* beloved, my partner enjoyed them all and our two toughest customers were at least tolerant of all so far and both are extremely choosy eaters. I haven't dipped into the desserts yet, but I have a feeling the reviews are going to quickly go up from there.
My favorite is her vegan macaroni and cheese recipe, which has become my go-to macaroni and cheese, and every one of her sauces (the vegan ranch stands out as a particular highlight) is so solid, we've whipped them up as spreads for all kinds of recipes, even (gasp) an occasional non-vegan one, but I know she'd be the first one to forgive us.
Seinfeld writes from the perspective of someone who is mostly vegan, and supportive of veganism as a lifestyle choice, but not evangelical about it. As someone who is vegan(ish) myself, I greatly appreciated the opposite-of-preachiness that you find here. I was initially skeptical of veganism myself mostly because (some of) the vegans I knew were so superior and absolutist about it. The truth is, everyone (anyone!) can, with a little support, make a small difference in not contributing to Big Meat and reduce their footprint without sacrificing flavor or happiness. Some of these people may go on to choose to be fully vegan, and some may not--but every bit helps, so why not welcome people in instead of shame them?
This is right up there with my very favorite cookbooks, period. I gambled on buying a copy and it's been worth it several times over. We've tried out most of the recipes in the book, and I think there was only one so far I didn't love, and even that was fine. I live with one vegan-open partner and two vegan-skeptical children and while I wish I could say every recipe was *universally* beloved, my partner enjoyed them all and our two toughest customers were at least tolerant of all so far and both are extremely choosy eaters. I haven't dipped into the desserts yet, but I have a feeling the reviews are going to quickly go up from there.
My favorite is her vegan macaroni and cheese recipe, which has become my go-to macaroni and cheese, and every one of her sauces (the vegan ranch stands out as a particular highlight) is so solid, we've whipped them up as spreads for all kinds of recipes, even (gasp) an occasional non-vegan one, but I know she'd be the first one to forgive us.
February 9, 2022
I love her attitude- no surprise that she's married to my favorite comedian - to not be "an annoying vegan." The fact that a cookbook is ruffling their feathers only proves the point. She's trying to eat more plants and encourage others to do the same. There's no harm in that. I've tried a few of the recipes, with only one apology to my family. They're mostly good recipes- even Jerry's favorite!- but nothing truly exceptional that I couldn't find on Pinterest. Still, a worthy collection and an approachable way to try more plant-based recipes.
April 29, 2022
I want to try so many of the recipes!
July 6, 2023
Lots of great recipes!
May 9, 2024
I had a good time!
June 25, 2023
This cookbook contains a good selection of home cook–style meals—all your ordinary stuff, just made “vegan.” The focus is on plain old grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, and veg, occasionally with plant-based meat and cheese alternatives. Including comfort foods and healthy staples, it’s a great cookbook for the plant-based-curious or family members of vegans, especially those who are doubtful that vegan food is great.
Vegans are certainly not the target audience here. I have to echo the “plant-based instead of vegan” sentiments of other reviewers. Veganism is an ethical philosophy, not merely a dietary choice. There is no way to be vegan-ish (is it okay to be racist if you only do it “at times”?), but I do encourage others to explore plant-centric eating.
Diving past the title, I was particularly inspired by some unique things this book contained, such as coffee blended with fruit into a smoothie bowl, aquafaba used in the breading of eggplant cutlets, and spaghetti and meatballs where the meatballs resemble falafel but add mushrooms and veggies to the chickpeas.
The Quick Fixes chapter is fun and practical. It has barely-even-time-consuming snacks. A fantastic idea, mostly, though some “recipes,” like the avocado with hot sauce in a tortilla, felt sad.
My recommendation is to use this book for its recipes and skip the essays in between. Aside from a couple helpful pages on vitamins and minerals, the author’s vegans-act-holier-than-thou diatribe is painful and redundant. No wonder people are turned off from not killing animals when vegans yell at and sermonize you, she says, and if she ever ate vegan, she would keep it to herself. Ironic that she sees her actions as superior while denouncing a supposed superiority complex in others. No one needed the pick-me veganism to be published.
I’ll be trying a few things, like the Creamy Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Tomatoes, and then ditching this book back at the library.
Vegans are certainly not the target audience here. I have to echo the “plant-based instead of vegan” sentiments of other reviewers. Veganism is an ethical philosophy, not merely a dietary choice. There is no way to be vegan-ish (is it okay to be racist if you only do it “at times”?), but I do encourage others to explore plant-centric eating.
Diving past the title, I was particularly inspired by some unique things this book contained, such as coffee blended with fruit into a smoothie bowl, aquafaba used in the breading of eggplant cutlets, and spaghetti and meatballs where the meatballs resemble falafel but add mushrooms and veggies to the chickpeas.
The Quick Fixes chapter is fun and practical. It has barely-even-time-consuming snacks. A fantastic idea, mostly, though some “recipes,” like the avocado with hot sauce in a tortilla, felt sad.
My recommendation is to use this book for its recipes and skip the essays in between. Aside from a couple helpful pages on vitamins and minerals, the author’s vegans-act-holier-than-thou diatribe is painful and redundant. No wonder people are turned off from not killing animals when vegans yell at and sermonize you, she says, and if she ever ate vegan, she would keep it to herself. Ironic that she sees her actions as superior while denouncing a supposed superiority complex in others. No one needed the pick-me veganism to be published.
I’ll be trying a few things, like the Creamy Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Tomatoes, and then ditching this book back at the library.
February 24, 2022
I’m sure I won’t be saying anything new, or better, than some of the other reviewers, but I will share my thoughts. As a person who is trying really hard to eat a plant-based diet much more frequently, I thought the title was interesting. I agree with many others that the title conjures some pretty emotional reactions, especially, I imagine from true vegans. It is a commitment and life style choice that is non-negotiable, which I respect. For those of us who want to either eat more plant based, or are trying to transition to veganism, books like this (and “movements” like Veganuary) help point us in the right direction, offer support, and give us insight into a very different way to eat/cook. That being said, I think commentary about your own vegan experiences should be edited and considered as far as its impact on others who ARE vegan and committed if you’re writing a vegan cookbook. I like the author and have looked at her other cookbooks, but this is one I bought because it’s filled with simple recipes that are very doable. I like that most ingredients are easy to get, or already in your pantry. One thing that is hard is that a lot of foods needed to cook vegan recipes are very expensive so if you don’t care for the food, or the recipe, the cost can be frustrating if you don’t like the expensive ingredients. I find that these recipes are so much more accessible because many ingredients are already staples. I think this is good book for those who want to feel successful in getting plant based recipes in their meal rotation.
****Update I changed my rating to 4 stars because many of these recipes are tasty and are becoming staples in my rotation. (After a month of using the book! Maybe it’ll get 5 stars soon👩💻)
****Update I changed my rating to 4 stars because many of these recipes are tasty and are becoming staples in my rotation. (After a month of using the book! Maybe it’ll get 5 stars soon👩💻)
February 5, 2022
I got this book from a co-worker during a holiday book exchange, so I think it's important to understand that I didn't choose this book for myself. While the recipes inside the book are interesting, as a vegan who chose to become vegan for "I don't want to kill animals" reasons, it is a little grating to read at times.
Apparently, Jessica Seinfeld has a following -- I didn't know anything about her, so I really wasn't grabbed by her personality (nor was I encouraged to continue to seek her out), but some of my colleagues saw which book I received and exclaimed how much they like her. Can't please everyone, I guess.
I have pretty "meh" feelings toward this book. Yes, there are lots of tasty vegan foods out there and yes, some of them are found in this book (I presume -- I haven't tried cooking any yet, just enjoyed reading through the recipes). But I think this book is best for someone who is just interested in eating food without meat and cheese in it occasionally. For a vegan, it's probably not a good choice.
It doesn't go into why people are vegan. The author isn't vegan. I honestly have no idea why she even used the word "vegan", except perhaps to ride the coattails of a movement that is becoming increasingly popular.
Terms like greenwashing and cultural appropriation don't really apply to this book, but it's definitely dancing in the same category.
I guess all of this is to say that, yes, the recipes look healthy and decent. And, hey, I'm glad that someone is talking about veganism positively. And yes, if one person becomes vegan ("at times" -- that is to say, they sometimes eat a vegetable without smothering it in animal products), then cool.
But I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this book. There are tons of other fantastic vegan books out there with a point of view and passion. This is just...fine.
Apparently, Jessica Seinfeld has a following -- I didn't know anything about her, so I really wasn't grabbed by her personality (nor was I encouraged to continue to seek her out), but some of my colleagues saw which book I received and exclaimed how much they like her. Can't please everyone, I guess.
I have pretty "meh" feelings toward this book. Yes, there are lots of tasty vegan foods out there and yes, some of them are found in this book (I presume -- I haven't tried cooking any yet, just enjoyed reading through the recipes). But I think this book is best for someone who is just interested in eating food without meat and cheese in it occasionally. For a vegan, it's probably not a good choice.
It doesn't go into why people are vegan. The author isn't vegan. I honestly have no idea why she even used the word "vegan", except perhaps to ride the coattails of a movement that is becoming increasingly popular.
Terms like greenwashing and cultural appropriation don't really apply to this book, but it's definitely dancing in the same category.
I guess all of this is to say that, yes, the recipes look healthy and decent. And, hey, I'm glad that someone is talking about veganism positively. And yes, if one person becomes vegan ("at times" -- that is to say, they sometimes eat a vegetable without smothering it in animal products), then cool.
But I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this book. There are tons of other fantastic vegan books out there with a point of view and passion. This is just...fine.
January 6, 2022
This is another one of those cookbooks that went straight into the Amazon cart when I was only about a third of the way through my copy that I had checked out from my library. I eat this way, for the most part, so there are a lot of yummy looking recipes that I almost always have the ingredients for on hand. I'm most excited to try the Cold Peanut Noodles (pg. 116) and the Kale Quinoa Salad With Sriracha Dressing (pg. 95) for my work lunchies, and the Creamy Polenta With Roasted Mushrooms And Tomatoes (pg. 99) and Stewy White Beans (pg. 91) for dinner. There's also a Chocolate Dipped Oranges (pg. 200) treat that I wouldn't say no to! This whole book was a win for me and I can't wait to get my copy in the mail.
July 4, 2022
This has become one of my favorite cookbooks of all time, and I have A LOT. I’ve made the grilled veggie skewers with ginger scallion relish, the roasted garlic pesto, the sweet & tangy cauliflower lettuce cups & the creamy rigatoni - all of them were delicious. I can’t wait to try the other recipes. As someone who enjoys eating vegan, I really appreciate the creativity and simplicity of her recipes.
December 11, 2021
Just got this book as a free giveaway from Goodreads for an honest review. I am not vegan, but try and eat more plant based. This book is perfect for people like me. I've already planned a few meals. The best part (for me) is that the ingredients aren't obscure. I can easily find everything at my local grocery store.
January 26, 2022
I literally want to make everything. I like the premise of this book bc I like to eat plant based but not all the time. I also really enjoy cooking plant based. The recipes seem very practical with grocery items you don't have to search around for.
Love the easy straight forward pantry list and sample menu ideas.
Love the easy straight forward pantry list and sample menu ideas.
November 23, 2024
You can't be vegan some of the time. I think Jessica Seinfeld is confused.
December 31, 2021
So you’re…not vegan? lol. Worst book ever
January 9, 2024
Given the authors’s advocacy of genocide I will have to discard my copy of this book. I cannot have the work of someone as Ideologically impaired as the author on my bookshelf.
January 25, 2025
This is great for those who are casually plant-based. All the recipes in it are in fact vegan, but the author is herself a person who admits she will enjoy a good steak every once in a while. I wholeheartedly agree with this philosophy. With veganism there can definitely be a mentality of all or nothing and judgement if people are not ready to commit to this massive lifestyle change. Meet people where they are at and you are bound to make more people willing to try it, and gradually transition to less animal foods and, hello, a small change in a bunch of people still collectively reduces our meat consumption as a society.
Enough of that, on to the recipes!
This was laid out really well with cook times and good photos of each dish. Most of these things could be cooked on a weeknight and with no hard-to-find ingredients. I made the following so far:
Yogurt with Warm Blueberry Compote (easy to make, tasted fine)
Sweet and Tangy Cauliflower Lettuce Cups (delicious, good sticky sauce)
Cold Peanut Noodles (quick and easy, very tasty)
Potato Taquitos with Guacamole (really good, could increase the spices on the filling, but I’d make it again)
Tomato Soup with Sourdough Croutons (one of the best tomato soups I’ve had and way less fussy to make than some other that call for roasting fresh tomatoes)
Baked Beans (good but won’t likely make again. It took too many hours for my personal time to tastiness ratio)
“Meat” was he one thing that disappointed me. Something was off about the way the spices presented. It could be my mistake in how I cooked that day but it seems like the spices didn’t fully incorporate and they were like a paste on the surface layer.
Enough of that, on to the recipes!
This was laid out really well with cook times and good photos of each dish. Most of these things could be cooked on a weeknight and with no hard-to-find ingredients. I made the following so far:
Yogurt with Warm Blueberry Compote (easy to make, tasted fine)
Sweet and Tangy Cauliflower Lettuce Cups (delicious, good sticky sauce)
Cold Peanut Noodles (quick and easy, very tasty)
Potato Taquitos with Guacamole (really good, could increase the spices on the filling, but I’d make it again)
Tomato Soup with Sourdough Croutons (one of the best tomato soups I’ve had and way less fussy to make than some other that call for roasting fresh tomatoes)
Baked Beans (good but won’t likely make again. It took too many hours for my personal time to tastiness ratio)
“Meat” was he one thing that disappointed me. Something was off about the way the spices presented. It could be my mistake in how I cooked that day but it seems like the spices didn’t fully incorporate and they were like a paste on the surface layer.
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