BE MORE VEGAN

A food consultant, health coach, and blogger offers resources for a vegan diet.

This cookbook outlines the basics of veganism—a lifestyle that eschews the use of animal products—and includes a short overview of animal welfare and environmental motives behind this choice. Webster focuses on the benefits of making more mindful rather than perfect decisions, i.e., being “more vegan” as opposed to an all-or-nothing approach. Advice on nutrition, suggestions for food substitutions, a list of pantry essentials, and brief basic cooking tips precede the recipe section. From soups to pasta to curries, these plant-based dishes (containing no meat, eggs, or dairy) cover a range of tempting options for all tastes, and each recipe is accompanied by a bright, colorful photo. No boring salads to be seen here: The creative selections include a harissa falafel burger, hoisin jackfruit burritos, and millionaire’s shortbread for dessert. While the instructions are clear, some recipes are more advanced; homemade sauces and dressings abound, and many recipes require a food processor. A glossary includes useful terms, explanations of cooking techniques and less-familiar ingredients, and recommendations for further reading and resources. The bright, clean design with cheerful graphics in shades of pink, green, and blue help make this an inviting read. Those seeking in-depth reasons for going vegan will not be sated, but for anyone already interested in this topic, this is a fine choice.

Has broad appeal for teens and adults interested in plant-based cooking.