Foodie Fridays: Everyday Happy Herbivore
If you’ve been around this blog long since all the way back to October, you’ll know that I ran a series of posts related to Vegetarian Awareness Month. Why? Because I myself eat a primarily (but not strictly) vegan diet, a change I actually only made within the last year. It was a good chance to…raise awareness…for the realities and benefits of doing such things as restricting or eliminating the amount of meat and dairy in your diet. One of my favourite go-to cookbooks has been Lindsay S. Nixon’s ‘Happy Herbivore’, which makes vegan food so easy and appealing, your cat will even lick his chops at dinnertime (and mine does, natch).
Naturally you can imagine my delight to see that Ms. Nixon had produced another stellar vegan cookbook – this time focused on quicker-than-quick mealtime solutions that don’t take ten hours of planning and cooking. There’s a common misconception out there (one held by me at one point) that vegan cooking takes a lot longer than regular omnivorous cooking. To which I say: you probably spend more time on food prep (chopping vegetables), but you save time because it’s way quicker to whip up a Cauliflower-Pumpkin Curry than a pot roast. Anyway with that in mind, here are five reasons / occasions for why Everyday Happy Herbivore would make a wonderful gift suggestion:
1) The Healthy Dieter – A lot of my friends have been inspired to dip their toes into vegan cooking since I started doing it. Of course not all cookbooks are created alike: there are dozens of ways you can still eat really unhealthy meals even if you’re eating vegan food. Lindsay’s book has complete nutritional information for every single recipe, and every one of her recipes are fat-free or low-fat (Yup, even the decadent Chocolate Mug Cake for one). If your friend is rocking a New Year’s Resolution that involves shedding a few pounds, consider this as a healthy, helpful supplement to her meal planning.
2) The Fear of Meat – As per the above, the other main reason my friends are trying out vegan cooking is to simply recognize that eating meat everyday might not be the best thing for your body. If you want to introduce unintimidating meatless mains – like Moroccan Sweet Potatoes & Chickpeas – to someone’s weekly menu, this is a genus book to do it with. Consider hooking up your prego best friend that’s completely turned off by the scent of meat.
3) Rush Hour Recipes – There are so many cookbooks out there that claim to have recipes on your table in under an hour, under 45 minutes, or under 30. I can honestly say that not only is every recipe in this book geared for 30 minutes or less, it’s actually quite feasible to do. Heck sometimes I had stuff done in 10 minutes or less – like the Wendy’s sweet treat imitator: the Banana Frosty. So if your brother has just moved into his first apartment and is still shuddering at the sight of his kitchen – these low-maintenance, simple recipes will rock his world.
4) Bloggers Unite – Naturally a built-in audience for Lindsay’s book are all the ‘Herbies’ out there that read her blog, the Happy Herbivore. I’m kind of dying just looking at the recipes on there right now…Whole Wheat Gingerbread scones? Heck yes, although it’s questionable whether they’ll be able to top the glazed pumpkin biscuits featured in Everyday Happy Herbivore.
5) Still Don’t Believe Me? – Okay then. Give it a go for yourselves. I’ve got a freebie recipe for you lot to try out. And if you’re not convinced as to the supreme yumminess of vegan cooking, well then…maybe skip reading my blog next October 😉
Apple Fritter Cups
As my friend Sheree` says “These treats just jump right in to your mouth and make you dance!”
1 ½ cup chopped apple (skin optional)
1 c nondairy milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup light brown or raw sugar
2 c whole wheat pastry flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon, divided
nutmeg or ground ginger
Basic Glaze (mix a little non-dairy milk and powdered sugar together until you get a frosting-like consistency)
Preheat oven to 350F. Fill muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
Toss 1 cup apples with a few dashes of cinnamon and a little brown sugar until well coated and set aside (“topping”).
In a small bowl, whisk nondairy milk with vinegar and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ½ to ¾ tsp cinnamon (your choice) plus a dash of nutmeg or ginger, and stir to combine. Whisk in sugar then pour in milk mixture. Add vanilla and remaining ½ cup apples and stir to combine.
Spoon into muffin cups just a tad more than ½-way full. Add “topping” on each. Bake 15-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, make glaze, substituting 1 tsp of liquid with 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional). Drizzle warm fritters with glaze.
Tip: Once the fritters completely cool, the liners will peel off. If you plan to eat them warm, lightly spray the inside of the liner with oil-spray to prevent sticking or forgo the liners and grease your muffin tin or use a nonstick pan.
Per Fritter (without glaze) : 102 Calories, 0.4g Fat, 20.9g Carbohydrates, 2.4g Fiber, 5.5g Sugar, 2.7g Protein
CONTEST ALERT!!! I’ve got an extra copy of Lindsay S. Nixon’s Everyday Happy Herbivore for one very lucky Canadian Gift Guide reader. Follow me this way if you’re ready to get your vegan chef’s hat on:
1) Leave a comment until midnight on February 17th and tell me which of the five scenarios above would most motivate you to try your hand at vegan cooking. Be sure to use a valid email address so I can contact you if you win!
2) Entries are limited to one per person per email address (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around February 18th to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to residents of Canada AND the USA that have reached the age of majority in their province / state. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry Time: For every tweet you post about the Canadian Gift Guide over the contest period that links back to this post, you’ll earn a bonus entry! Be sure to drop your Twitter handle / links to your tweets in the comments below, and use @cdngiftguide in your Tweet.
Canadian Gift Guide 
I tried the apple fritter cups and am convinced to try losing some weight via the Healthier dieter. My twitter handle is @janicour
For me it would be the Healthy Dieter. I usually try to make one meatless meal a week but it may not be any healthier than my meat meals. I’d like to try this out.
Scenario 2 would be the main reason for me to try vegan cooking!
I think I would be willing to try out vegan cooking because I really want to eat healthier and I really like that some of the ideas are 30 minutes or less! That is great for when you get home from work, and are straving.
To be a healthier dieter! I always think i need to eat healthier!
Rush Hour recipes! I’m always looking for these, and will be even more now that my first kid is due in February!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/ErockSpell/status/162940768359677952
The Healthy Dieter scenario would be my motivation.
I`ve never tried eating solely vegetarian style but I do have days that I haven`t eaten meat or many dairy products. I`d be willing to try some recipes for sure.
Those look to-die-for. There’s a vegan cafe on the other side of the city, I have them on FB so I can find out when their baked goods are freshest and journey over. This recipe might save me some gas money 😛 #CGG
Definitely the healthy dieter scenerio!
My husband and I are gradually converting our diets to the healthiest form. Additional assistance is always welcomed. Thank you.
SCENARIO 2
Fear of Meat – I rarely eat meat now. My body rejects it. Id love to try out this cookbook – always looking for new ideas.
i have to admit but i think i’m a #5…when i think of vegan i think dry/tasteless…but i’m willing to try!
I think #3 Rush Hour Recipes — less prep and cooking means more time for other things!
I thin I fit into the Healthy Dieter category. I am trying to be as Gluten Free and Dairy Free as possible to reduce inflammation in my body. I think I would enjoy trying these Vegan recipes. #CGG
I’m a #5
My daughter has been talking about going vegetarian (not vegan yet) because of how animals are treated. This would be a great book to check out.
rush hour recipes. i need all the help i can get, especially if the ingredients aren’t too hard to find IRL!
For me, I would be most motivated to get this book because of the fear of meat. I have been trying to cut back on cooking dinners for my family that use meat. I feel like there aren’t that many meatless recipes that look like they would be easy to transition into so I would like this book for that reason.
The RushHour Recipes scenario would be my motivation. I should also eat less meat. Need some inspiration from this cookbook!
Cheers.
The Healthy Dieter reason would be my main motivation, though I already cook some vegan meals due to the influence of one of my sisters
I need some rush hour recipes since it’s always a zoo around my house!
#1 – for the healthy diet. Although the environmental benefits are great, too!
I’m always looking for good vegan recipes and this books looks great.
i want to be a healthy dieter!!
A healthier and more diverse diet is what I want for myself and for my family. The book looks like a great resource. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
A healthier and more diverse diet is my goal for myself and my family. This book looks like a great resource. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Our family has recently switched to a vegan lifestyle, but with kids I’m definitely looking for quick recipes that are healthy (without the “quick” processed foods). I would love to add this book to my vegan repetoire.
I am already the “Healthy Dieter”, but my mom and step-dad are NOT at all. My step-dad recently had a heart attack, and the thought of a meat-less meal is frightening to him. I’ve held his hand and made a couple vegetarian dishes to his liking. But my mom is the cook… and she’s 8 hours away. She needs the Rush Hour Recipes… BAD. She loves healthy. She loves cooking. She loves NEW recipes that taste great. So yeah, I suppose I’m rooting for two categories: Rush Hour (mom) and Fear of Meat (step-dad, against his will).
i think im definately #2 fear of meat, want leeeeess meat and moooooooore plant based meals. i have a husband and 2 sons, that are very willing to try new things and would like for them to learn that meat is NOT required everyday. 🙂
A healthy dieter is my goal.
They sound and look delicious.
The fear of meat scenerio would entice me to eat more vegetarian
2, fear of meat – all good reasons, though
Think the fear of meat is me. I am a semi-vegetarian myself. I just dont like the feeling of eating meat all the time.
I have been interested in becoming vegan for a while now, but I want to be sure that I’m going about it properly. This book would certainly help me!
I do try vegan during certain cultural holidays and like to add tofu to noodles or veggies.
For me it has to be the Healthy Dieter not because I wish to diet but I want to make a lifestyle change that is good for me and my family.
A combo of healthier eating and get meals on the table fast, especially after a long day at work!
I would be interested for the combination of meatless meals and quick and easy. It’s not always so fun to try to come home late and still get dinner on the table before bed.
I just want to incorporate healthier options so I would be interested related to 1. I am never going to call myself a dieter again….so the healthier lifestyle foodie 😉
Scenario 1 or 2. We have become plant-based for the sake of my husband’s health, and it has had profoundly positive effects, we love it! I love any new info, books and recipes that help in our health quest.
fear of meat we are slowly getting more and more away from cooking with meat… would love this book for some inspiration!
It would be the rush hour recipes! While I doubt I will ever be vegan or completely vegetarian, I do eat a mostly vegetarian diet while at home, but often have trouble coming up with ideas that are quick and easy and healthy.
I’ve been trying out the vegan diet and vegan cooking because it’s a cleaner diet. My new boyfriend is vegan and we have so much fun trying out new recipes together. I feel better about my body and overall health when I eat this way. We’re very busy as we are also very active. Cooking a full meal can take all day. I’d love a copy of that cook book! It would give me something healthy and balanced that I can make and maintain my on-the-go lifestyle. Thank you for the recipe. I can’t wait to try it out!
Fear of Meat! I have always been taught that more protein from meat sources is the best, but after watching Forks over Knives and Food Matters on Netflix, I’m not so sure. I’d love a copy of the cookbook!
Forks Over Knives = what inspired me to start eating Vegan as well!
I’ve been getting into vegan recipes because of allergy issues actually. I can be sure there’s no dairy! I also love experimenting and learning new food skills so I don’t get bored cooking. I have many friends that fall into category number 1, I would definitely give them a good vegan cookbook!
Having diabetes and highblood pressure, I want to loose weight and get healthy. I’ve been told Vegan eating is the way to go! Why not start now….. Would love a book.
I’m a #2. I have a surprising number of friends who are saying good bye to meat and going vegan. I am at a point in my life when I am ready for a smart healthy change. I would be so happy twin a copy of this great cookbook, I love to cook and am totally new to vegan cooking, this would help a great deal.
First, I’m willing to try it because of health reasons. Blood pressure and diabetes plague my meat and potatoe eating relatives, and I don’t want to follow in their footsteps( healthwise). In addition, As a student studying to be a therapist, it’s hard to find time to even eat! Therefore, a cookbook aimed for busy people will help me and my roommates get our daily dose of veggies. I’d also like to be able to have vegan recipes I can actually follow. So I am not known as hummus girl at the potlucks.
I’m interested in healthy eating! Although my family loves meat, I am finding myself eating less of it and loving the way I feel! Looking for new recipes to convince the family we don’t need meat (or at least so much of it).
I think it’s healthy and a great way to lose weight.
Rush hour recipes would be a motivation. My husband was a vegan for many years but myself, I am Too French and a chef! So going only vegan is not in my vocab! I go days without eating meat! But I do appreciate good recipes! Would love to try these for my family!
#3 really motivates me because i’m still a college student, so any time i have is really limited…
#3 Rush Hour Recipes, but I love all kinds of vegetarian foods, lentils especially! red is my favorite..
Mine is #1 and #3. Want to eat healthy but if it’s not quick I probably won’t be as inclined. Would love to give these recipes a try:)
I really want to make the change to a healthier lifestyle–I have been learning more about being a vegetarian and always researching tasty but easy recipes.
The rush hour recipes (3) are what intrigue this girl. I log in about 80km/week running and need quick food for my family! 🙂
I love au natural food.
I tried the muffins. Loved ’em and want more!
I collect healthy cooking recipes.
Definitely for a healthy diet! I was recently diagnosed with being a pre-diabetic but doctor said I just need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise to lower to blood sugar level. My fiance and I always try to eat healthy, fresh vegetables and we rarely eat meat (he was raised a vegetarian). We tried the apple fritters, convinced it was tasty and want more! My in-laws are vegans so maybe I can impress them with my cooking from this book!
Healthy dieter, that would be me. When I skip meat I also tend to skip healthy – dinner could be popcorn or a loaf of crusty bread and a small tub of kalamata olives. I’ve recently been on the hunt for more meat-free dishes that have protein and veggies and whole grains. I’m really enjoying trying out new recipes!
The healthy dieter would best describe my motivation! I also need meat-free recipes for fasting/Lent in the Orthodox Church.
i am already vegetarian and looking to add more vegan options to my meal plan…this cookbook would be the perfect way to do that! thanks for the giveaway!
Definitely Rush Hour Cooking! As a college student, time management is ESSENTIAL. Since starting, I have already found myself eating healthier and cutting out more meat than I regularly consume. I find myself just afraid to cook it because of the care you have to take and the salmonella possibilities…yikes. Yet, I found myself not really missing meat. One of my roommates is vegan and the dishes he concocts in our kitchen always smell super yummy. I would love to be able to make some of my own!!
Yummy. I love apples.
Great taste.
Apples….the fruit of life/
The frist fruit…and the best.
Is there anything better tasting for breakfast?
I love new recipes. taht are creative….and healthy.
Great smell are coming from my kitchen now.