Year of the Vegan! 14 fabulous cookbooks

Best Vegan Cookbooks 2011

We're calling it: Vegan is the hottest eating approach on the planet. Whether you're already vegan or considering a transition to an all-plant-based diet, check out these 14 new cookbooks; you're sure to find something delicious, healthy, and kind to eat.

Visit our vegan/vegetarian section for more on the vegan lifestyle.

Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet

By Joni Marie Newman (Fair Winds)

There is nothing like digging into a burger ... except when you start to think about where the meat came from. Finally, a cookbook that hits the craving head on, with 101 exciting, mouthwatering, globally inspired recipes. I've gotta try the fried State Fair Burger (go big or go home).

Try our Veggie-Flax Burgers.

Big Vegan

By Robin Asbell (Chronicle)

It's hard to believe you'd ever need another vegan cookbook once you purchased this weighty tome, which contains more than 350 "no meat, no dairy, all delicious" recipes from this well-known vegetarian author. She had me at Sesame-Lemon-Shiitake Potstickers.

Try our vegan potstickers.

Candle 79 Cookbook

By Joy Pierson, Angel Ramos, and Jorge Pineda (Ten Speed)

Vegan (and omnivore) diners in NYC practically swooned when this cookbook appeared because now they can drool over this vegan restaurant's elegant and sophisticated vegan fare at home (which is a little less embarrassing). Now you can drool, too, over Chickpea Crepes and Chocolate Mousse Towers. Beautiful photos, too.

Looking for a beautiful chocolate dessert right now? Try our Chocolate Mousse Parfaits.

Hearty Vegan Meals for Monster Appetites

By Celine Steen and Joni Marie Newman (Fair Winds) Ms. Newman, also of "Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet" (see earlier entry), collaborates again on this astonishingly accessible collection of down-home, belly-filling recipes. You simply can't go wrong with Orange Chipotle Wings or Haute Pockets.

Try our Tofu and Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame-Citrus Dressing.

Quick and Easy Vegan Bake Sale

By Carla Kelly (The Experiment) Wow -- do people hold bake sales anymore? I certainly hope so, and if they do, I'll buy anything that's made from this book. You don't need butter, eggs, or cream; this talented baker proves you can make a killer vegan sweet or savory treat that people will pay good money for. I'm going to revisit this in April for Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale, an event started in 2009.

Try our Vegan Marbled Brownies.

Rabbit Food Cookbook: Practical Vegan Recipes, Food History, and Other Miscellany

By Beth A. Barnett (Sasquatch) This is a repeat from my "top 12 of the year" list, just because it's so freakin' adorable, with its sweet illustrations, hand-lettered recipes, and smart, smart commentary about how we got into our current processed-food fix. Plus I'm a sucker for spiral bindings. (Why don't more cookbooks have those?)

Try our Raw Carrot and Celery Salad.

The Raw Truth

By Jeremy A. Safron (Ten Speed) From a raw-food chef and restauranteur (with eateries in Maui and San Francisco) comes this excellent, colorful cookbook that not only offers nearly 200 recipes but provides information for transitioning to this healthy way of life. The Nori Rolls look spectacular and the Cashew Beet Pate sounds delish.

Try our Raw Zucchini Spring Rolls with Lime Cashew Dipping Sauce.

Sweet Vegan

By Emily Mainquist (Kyle) I can't resist including this cookbook again ... it's just that good, and beautiful, and delicious. The photos jump off the page (but sadly, not into the mouth ... guess I'll have to do the work after all). And everything in it sings with flavor. Creme de Menthe Brownies are next on my list.

Try our Creamy Cinnamon Pumpkin Pudding.

The Tipsy Vegan

By John Schlimm (Da Capo Lifelong) Oh, how I love a cookbook that describes itself as "deliciously deviant." The author combines the fun of the liquor cabinet with the flavors of the kitchen to feed your party animals. And how can you not adore someone who starts each chapter with a cocktail recipe to drink while you cook and recipe titles like Bruschetta on a Bender? Cheers to you, Mr. Schlimm.

Looking for a gluten-free beer? Here are some suggestions.

The Vegan Slow Cooker

By Kathy Hester (Fair Winds) There's no reason carnivores should have all the fun (and convenience) of slow cooking. Rather than a big hunk o' meat simmering all day, how about Tempeh and Veggies in Spicy Peanut Sauce, or Better-Than-The-Classic Shepherd's Pie? I love the easy-on-the-eyes design, too, and the designations for soy free, gluten free, etc.

Try our White Bean and Cabbage Soup.

Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body & Soul

By Julie Hasson (Running Press) A surefire favorite (and the last double-dipper from my "best of 2011" list. You've gotta love someone who understands that sometimes you just have to have a perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich ... and provides the vegan how-tos. No animal products and all the creamy goodness of my comfort food classics ... sold.

Or try our Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic.

Vegan Family Meals

By Ann Gentry (Andrews McMeel) This terrific book from the chef of Los Angeles' renowned and hip restaurant, Real Food Daily, is lovely enough for a gift and practical enough to be ensured of many a food stain on its open pages (always the mark of an outstanding cookbook). Gentry also includes really helpful photo-by-photo technique shots. Sesame-Shiitake Tofu Frittata, here I come.

Try our Pantry-Ready Black-Bean Soup.

Vegan Holiday Kitchen

By Nava Atlas (Sterling) A lovely, well-laid-out and gift-worthy cookbook for special occasions, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to Passover, Fourth of July, and potlucks. No more worrying about complaints from your non-vegan relatives! I'm ready for a glass of the "Vegg" Nog right about now.

Try our beautiful holiday dish, Roasted Squash and Pomegranate Seeds on Arugula

Vegan Pie in the Sky

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero These sweet-tooth authors have done it again with this follow-up to their yummy Vegan Cupcakes and Vegan Cookies cookbooks ... and being a major pie lover myself, I think the third time is definitely the charm. Can't wait for summer to try the Pucker-Up Raspberry Pie (secret ingredient: balsamic vinegar!). Or try our Apple, Cranberry and Pecan Galette.

So that's my list. Did I miss a great new vegan book that's become one of your new favorites? Let me know!