Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway - Vegan for the Holidays

Today's featured book is the festive Vegan for the Holidays by Zel Allen.


This is a happy little book that covers the holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. Zel introduces each chapter with a reflection on the holiday featured in the chapter. The book has some Thanksgiving classics like Williamsburg "Pumpkin" Pie and mashed potatoes with her own unique twist: Onion-Chardonnay Gravy. Her version of the holiday classic, Egg Nog: Brandied Holiday Nog is a rich delicious creamy treat. It rivals it's eggy counterpart without any of that pesky cholesterol. It was a little early to break out the nog, but I'm certainly glad I did. I do recommend making sure your ingredients are cold, or at least let the nog chill before serving.


If you are one of those people who needs some inspiration during the holiday season, this book has some fun and original recipes and ideas. The author shares how her food brings her loved ones to the table every holiday. Maybe she can inspire your loved ones to do the same.

Here's your chance to add a festive holiday book to your collection! Leave a comment about a dish you just can't imagine living without during the holidays by midnight MST tonight, Thursday, 10/24/12. Winner will be announced tomorrow (US Shipping only please). 

17 comments:

  1. I agree- pumpkin pie! I tried to make one last year with flaxseed and it did NOT work!

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  2. Some type of casserole & stuffing! Also, something sweet like holiday cookies!

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  3. Nice review! I hadn't even heard of this book before this.

    I was always a bit of a holiday humbug until I started cooking. I try to make new things every year, but when I eat with my family, my mom always makes an amazing shepherds pie. I can't imagine winter holidays without it.

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  4. I love potato latkas and Israeli donuts during Hanukkah. For thanksgiving, I love roasted root veggies and savory bread pudding.

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  5. Cranberry bread, pumpkin pie, and Christmas cookies. I need my holiday sweets! :)

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  6. Stuffing is the one that jumps to mind, the dish I love so much and feel like something is a bit missing when I don't have it. Candied sweet potatoes are a close second...

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  7. I love stuffing, I would be happy if that was all we had for the holidays!

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  8. Definitely stuffing! But this year, I'm making the Polenta Stuffing from Appetite for Reduction. That stuff is SO GOOD.

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  9. Stuffing, I absolutely love stuffing. I haven't perfected a vegan stuffing yet though so I'm still looking for the perfect recipe.

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  10. Pralines! (I know it's not a dish, but, well...). I made them for the first time a few years ago, when I came home with a big bag of fresh pecans from Tennessee. Now I can't imagine not making them over the holidays!

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  11. I cannot imagine missing out on dressing. I veganized my mom's recipe and just love it!

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  12. Cornbread dressing/stuffing makes the holidays.

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  13. I bet this is a fabulous book...Zel Allen and her hubby run the Vegetarians in Paradise website which is just overflowing with veggie-loving helpfulness and recipes! Thanks for featuring it!
    My can't-live-without are chickpeas...gotta have 'em in some hearty form. We've done Home-style Vegan Meatloaf, Asparagus and Chickpea Casserole, Chickpea Tacos, Hummus Pizza. We're not traditional when it comes to holidays. :)

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  14. Pumpkin pie with whipped cream! The pie part is easy; it's homemade vegan whipped cream I'm still working on :)

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  15. I really love stuffing, but only during the holidays.

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  16. Mashed potatoes are my can't-live-without, but it's easy to make those vegan. As far as non-vegan goes, definitely turkey/chicken pot pie.

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