No more excuses for those who "would be vegan except for the eggs".....
351933
Amazing. Smells, and tastes like real eggs. I add garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and pepper. Thank you Follow Your Heart!
3273816
THE COLORED PICTURES ARE GREAT AND I HOPE I CAN EVENTUALLY MAKE A FULL SWITCH OVER.
NO MEAT, JUST CHICKEN, FISH AND DAIRY. I AM NOT RUSHING INTO THIS OR I WILL GET DISCOURAGED.
IF I CAN EAT LIKE THIS IT IS A BLESSING.  I HAPPENED TO HIT THE CORRECT BOOK TO ENCOURAGE ME.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!!
THANKS AMAZON.

MICKEY
223696
Forget the excuses! You owe it to yourself to read "Okay, So I Got Fat" if you're always whining about having no time to prepare the meals that will keep your weight down. Gigi explains how easy it can be to cop out and drive through a fast food eatery, but if you use her method of "gang cooking" multiple meals of the healthy ingredients that are always in your pantry and 'fridge, you can get the system down until it's second nature.

Here's another reason to read "Okay, So I Got Fat": Despite being a vegetarian, my cholesterol numbers were getting to be astronomical and while medication kept them in check, my triglycerides weren't budging. I started following Gigi's recommendations, and my doctor nearly fainted when she saw that I had cut my numbers in half. When I told my doctor what I was doing, she asked if she could give the information about the book to patients who were struggling with their numbers, too.

In sum: Gigi rocks. Buy two copies of her book. Keep one in the kitchen and another for borrowers. Good luck getting that copy back.
2722556
I used to be a vegetarian. I have read most of this information before. However, Mark takes a fresh approach by offering a solution that doesn't idealistically scream for all the world to convert to vegetarianism. Lets get real, it's not going to happen any time soon. When I used to read books by Vegetarian Times and various authors such as Francis Moore Lappe, I thoughts, "It's a great concept, but how are you going to implement it?"  Mark does that. He does an impressive job of presenting the facts without preaching. The information would be compelling even to someone who wasn't already on his side. He is non-judgemental and uses plain common-sense in his approach. He gives simple guidelines rather than a "diet" and states in less than 2 pages exactly how it worked for him, practically.  I have already started to implement his suggestions. They are ideas that you can run with right now. They don't require weeks of planning and researching recipes or setting up a "diet plan".  I haven't tried the recipes yet, but am certain that they will be as delectable as those in his previous publications. Mark has always been good at simple, unpretentious food. Nothing's changed here. I highly recommend this book and its ideas for world change and health change. Good job, Mark!
2743895
I'm actually not vegan but my sister is a newly converted vegan.  I'm actually not even vegetarian, I eat meat.  My sister has been trying a lot of new and interesting recipes and I've been skeptical because no cheese!?  No dairy!?  No meat!?  I went through this book and I gifted it to her and she has made me some of the recipes.  It's pretty good.  Although I'm not allergic to gluten I am gluten intolerant so I really love that this isn't just vegan, it has gluten free recipes.  This is a pretty small book with 26 recipes but if you think about it, that's a new recipe for almost a month straight!  And nobody cooks a new recipe for almost 30 days in a row.  The book also includes some information on symptoms and how you might be feeling if you have a gluten allergy.  I already know the feeling but it would definitely be helpful for people who don't know they are allergic to gluten.  My aunt for example ate gluten her entire life and recently found out she has Celiac Disease.  Overall this is a good book for people who want to explore a gluten free allergy and it has some tasty vegan recipes.

I received this product for free or at a discount. The only requirement was that I give an honest review. There is no reward for a positive review and no punishment for a negative review. This was my honest opinion of the product. I only accept a free or discounted product if I or my family will use the item and want the item. I know that I rely on other reviews prior to purchasing an item and I hope that you found this review helpful.
1316346
Vegan cookbooks are certainly a dime a dozen, it's an old fad that generally pushes the issue of animal cruelty. Speaking for myself as a mammal & omnivore I am not saying my goodbyes to my milk/cheese/meat diet, but during the hotter months I find myself eating more vegetables (I love veggies) but I don't always have the knowledge for a lot of meals. Basically it's peas-mixed-in-mashed-potato or my particular favorite black bean, lima bean & corn dinner.

I follow Dr. Bialik on Twitter, and learned of Mayim's Vegan Table through her posts. I'm a fan of her Jewishness & Big Bang Theory popularity.  I also know she is a mother of two and as Mothers go, they're the ones to go to about food for finicky eaters ...  Like me ^_^

I was happy to see her goal for this publication was to share her MOM recipes as well as inexpensive simple recipes without a bunch of pretentious ingredients that I've never heard of.  The book isn't about celebrity promotional hype, but a book that provides meals Mayim makes & eat with her boys.

The first chapters are a nice read about her choice to be Vegan. She explains why she made this choice,suggestions about which foods are healthier & which belong to the vegan household. There were additional comments from Dr. Jay Gordon, a pediatrician, as a reference for validity I believe. I found him completely unnecessary. No offense intended. He does contribute to the overall content, but "hey" don't get too preachy about my natural mammalian desire for meat. I also don't care about what's wrong with the milk I drink ... I really enjoy milk ^_^

The recipe instructions are easy & fun to follow. I don't feel as if Mayim's a novice herself, yet the book is fundamentally for any beginner. My opinion really. We're provided with a list of natural ingredients rather than quicky substitutes, although we do go into the Vegan Mayo & Vegan Margarine & Tofu area. I wasn't intimidated by my lack of experience to dive into these, although Kroger's reaped the benefits through their prices. I don't have an alternative grocery to browse.

My first recipe was Mayim's Chocolate Fudge Cake, because YUM, it's fudge cake:

Now I used gluten-free flouring for my own cake, it doesn't take away from anything, although the gluten free makes a heavier cake for the stomach. It called for an egg replacer, which I'd never used. I couldn't tell the difference at all. I substituted my own store bought icing because (again) gluten ^_^ I also served it with fresh cut strawberries & Cool Whip on the side. Yeah, I'm a big cheater. But Mayim's helpful recipe made this easier, and gave me a moist delicious ate-too-much thrill.

Next was a mouthwatering  Spanish Rice.

It was steamed with kidney beans, vegan cheese, fresh diced tomato and corn-grain tortillas. I left out the "store bought salsa" and swapped "whole wheat tortillas" for the corn, because I keep saying I'm gluten-fee, why am I repeating myself? I and my younger brother ate the whole thing straight from the pan (LOL) He refused to believe it was vegan and said it couldn't be "fake cheese" as he called it.

I had hoped the book would offer some suitability for freezing, pre-made mixes as I'm accustomed to using with gluten-free recipes. I really loved that Mayim didn't push to replicate animal produce in a vegan form. Instead her focus is healthy, simple recipes.

Lastly should be my ease to calm the skeptics, because this is a Celebrity book and we've all been swayed by actors taking someone else's methods and making it their own. Rather enjoy this book because it's from a mother of two with access to better resources. Or because this book is more about sharing than making a quick buck. Thank you Mayim.
3998538
Phenomenal! I purchased this after trying Follow Your Heart Vegan Eggs by itself. They were okay, but the egg flavor was faint and I couldn't justify spending $7 for a dozen eggs worth.

After reading Vegan reviews of how they make tofu eggs using black salt, I decided to order this to see if I could get the FYH Vegan Eggs to taste more eggy. I was blown away. THEY WERE DELICIOUS!!! They taste better than real eggs and this is coming from an omnivore. (I just have an egg allergy so I try to stay away from eggs, but I really wanted some scrambled eggs.) I didn't even have to add other seasonings like Adobo or paprika for flavor. They were delicious with the black salt alone.

I used two level tablespoons of the FYH powder and added the ice cold water. I added three shakes of the black salt and mixed it in, then I put the mixture into my ninja chopper to get it smooth and really mix in the black salt. I scambled it up for 5 minutes and I had a nice pancakes and eggs dinner.

If you are a person who is transitioning, you need to try FYH with this Rani salt. You will be so relieved to know you don't have to give up eggs and I'm telling you, this salt makes FYH taste better than real eggs. You know how with real eggs, you have to add SOMEthing for flavor? With this salt, it's like you have an extra flavored egg, if that makes sense.

I notice FYH already has black salt in it. Perhaps they added only a small amount to accommodate everyone. So, it's no nice to know there is a product that can make it eggier.

I can't wait to try an omelet wih onions and peppers.

Rani, please don't ever go out of business! Please warn us if you do so that we can stock up!
1082877
I am so glad I found this book. Robin Robertson proves that you CAN eat an elegant AND tasty vegan meal and still make it an easy meal to put together. This book is full of SO MANY recipes and every single one of them I have tried with HUGE success! I borrowed this cookbook from the library 6 times before I finally bought it - my husband told me just to spend the money and buy it for myself. Being vegan in a meat-eating, cream and cheese and fat-indulging country is not easy, so having this cookbook has been a huge lifesaver! So much useful information and tips are included. Did you know that red food coloring is mostly made from crushed beetles? I didn't until I read this book. How do you stock a vegan pantry? It's all in there. There are many global recipes in the book to help you expand your vegan horizon. Sauces, dressings, pasta, veggies, beans, grains, desserts (yes - VEGAN DESSERTS!!!!!!), grilling, saute'ing, stir frying, pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, breads, smoothies, and most importantly - THE BASICS - all included in this book!  You can't go wrong. I live in a mixed household, myself being vegan, my husband a pescovegetarian, and my daughter who, unfortunately, enjoys the occassional chicken strip while dining out(most definitely NOT in the home). I have easily satisfied every one of us in the house using this cookbook. None of us ever feel as if we are missing anything at our meals. Our favorites: Maple-Pecan French Toast, Not-So-Dirty Rice, Strawberry-Topped "Cheesecake", Three-Nut Burgers and the Cajun Spice-Rubbed Tempeh. I could go on. Sorry, this book does not have pictures, but the recipes are all easy and the pictures just aren't so necessary in this book. You'll see for yourself after your first indulgence! There is just so much USEFUL INFORMATION you just can't find in most other vegan cookbooks. You can't go wrong with this cookbook.
2417526
I made a decision three weeks ago to transition from a vegetarian to vegan diet.  I worked with a nutrition counselor and did a lot of research and stocked up my vegan pantry. And then I stumbled across this wonderful book. I like to cook but I don't like to spend too much time doing it. I found that I have most items called for in the recipes on hand. The Quinoa Kitchari and the Tempeh "Bacon" are both delicious!
2928317
Thank you this is fun. I can't eat eggs and I've tried egg free post gross. But making my own veggies like post a fun and healthy . Thank you
2665969
You know, to be honest I don't always read the author's notes at the beginning of a book. For some reason I started reading the beginning of this cookbook and felt like I totally understood where Liana Werner-Gray was coming from. Sadly, here in America we actually grow up learning how NOT to eat. For most families anyway. Mine was no different. I am not overweight but I've struggled with my fitness and feeling good since I was in my teens. Of course then I could eat anything I wanted, but as I get older I'm learning that definitely does not hold true anymore. The fact that Liana is able to tell her story straight and explain where she came from really set the stage for changing and hopefully NOT going where she has been. Seriously, that's scary!

I'm also very intrigued by the vegan lifestyle, although I live so far away from it. What I enjoyed is that she not only has vegan recipes but meat recipes as well! For people like me who are interested but maybe cannot go all the way to living the vegan lifestyle everyday, these recipes really were great. She also goes into exactly why organic and foods straight from the earth are really the healthiest for us. What I really liked was her tip at the beginning:

  Eat raw with every cooked meal.

To me this seems like a very alluring, and easy to do, idea. Salad or raw herbs with soup were two of her recommendations but if you think about it, this can probably be done SO easily!

Although she does have a "do not" eat these are things we've pretty much all heard of before. And she makes it even easier by suggesting other foods to replace those foods she's taken out. Like instead of sugar add fruit to a smoothie, or honey. She has a juicing section that is also very intriguing. I have yet to get into the juicing idea but these recipes actually sound really good and easy. Even my husband would try the apple, cucumber, ginger juice! And that is saying something since he prefers his fruit in beer or pies! This chapter just made me want to go out and get a juicer. Easy and kind of fun! Especially if you have children!

Now, with all this talk of vegan and juicing you may be thinking this is not the book for you, well then you must read the chapter on main dishes with meat which has beef stir fry, lamb, and hamburgers! Anyone can get into the kitchen and make these. They all seem accessible and easy to do. The hamburgers have a lot of spices and if that's not enough, there are also chicken nuggets so even the kids will like these recipes.

I found this really healthy but also really compelling. We all want to eat better but it seems that we let time and life get in the way. There are recipes in here that will not sacrifice your time for great, healthy food.

What I loved most is that she understands that people like to eat dessert and she also planned for that and even adds in desserts you could eat daily! YUMM!!

In short: Want to live a healthier life but still enjoy the way your food tastes? This is the book for you!

Received from publisher for an honest review.
4000481
I was looking for a good cookbook for my parents who are budding vegetarians and purchased this one based on the title alone, having no previous knowledge of Ann, her restaurant, or her other books.  I mistakenly took this to be a book of recipes that could be realized in anyone's kitchen and enjoyed at anyone's table, regardless of their age or location.

I chose not to give this book to my parents.  They live in rural Michigan where it is a serious trek to the nearest Whole Foods, and every grocery store attendant in a fifteen mile radius looks at you funny if you ask for something as normal as vital wheat gluten.  To keep them from burning out on a diet of chick peas, I gave them "<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Supermarket-Vegan-225-Meat-Free-Egg-Free-Dairy-Free-Recipes-for-Real-People-in-the-Real-World/dp/0399535616/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Supermarket Vegan: 225 Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes for Real People in the Real World</a>" by Donna Klein, instead of "Vegan Family Meals".

I kept "Vegan Family Meals" for myself.  I live in St. Louis and have plenty of ethnic groceries and much more "health" food at my disposal, however, I also live 20 minutes away from the nearest Whole Foods or Trader Joes (they only build those in the suburbs).  My husband and I also live on $30,000 a year, which definitely makes smaller health food stores out of the question.

I have already tried a few recipes in this book and have been pleased by the outcome.  My husband loves the melty cashew cheese.  The recipes are a good challenge for my cooking skills and ingredient repertoire.

If I ever make it to California, perhaps I will better understand in that context how these recipes are "real food" and "for everyone".
3760036
I really like this cookbook. It gives you a great breakdown of both a vegan and a paleo nutrition plan. The book starts off with a premise that I can fully endorse and that is if you start with healthy meals, no matter what food plan you choose to follow, you'll be on the right track.
Eating healthy meals is the core of maintaining a good body weight, fending off disease and acheiving longevity. Eating healthy meals is also the core behind having enough energy to exercise and get through the day. The introduction of this book does a great job at explaining that everything you ingest affects your brain function.
There is extensive information on what each diet plan requires and the benefits personally and socially for adopting each. One reason (of many) that some people 'go vegan' is for environmental reasons.
There are approximately forty-two delicious recipes given under the vegan plan. Crepes, pancakes, drop biscuits, vegan salads, Indian style potatotes and peas, tacos, sloppy joes and chocolate mint cupcakes are just some of the vegan dishes.
The book then highlights the Paleolithic (or 'Caveman') diet. Fresh produce, meat and nuts are primary to the Paleo diet, and as with any good, healthy plan, processed foods are never, ever considered or allowed. In my opinion, processed foods are disgusting and shouldn't even be mentioned....just my opinion, though.
Chicken Piccata (gluten-free), salmon with asparagus, prk roast, roast chicken and hot dogs (???) are some of the paleo recipes offered.
I was given the opportunity to purchase this book at a discounted price and offer an honest,unbiased review and I accepted because I'm dairy-free righ now and I'm in the process of redefining the rest of my nutrition plan. This book is well organized and detailed. I have not had a chance to try any of the recipes yet, but I will update this review when I do, because I feel the strongest testament to any cookbook is the veracity if the recipes.
I hope this review is helpful to you.
Enjoy!
2022514
I have been looking for a dairy free solution for ages.  Finding a product that wasn't loaded or made of elements I either have NO desire to imbibe or can't, left me frustrated.  I have usually cheated by using milk or cream and then paid for it (discomfort or pain) BUT now I am guilt free.  I am planning on using it so I can again enjoy the cream soups that go so well with fall & winter. PLUS puddings & mashes.  One happy girl!  :)
1618505
Clean and no more broken eggs...what is there not to love.
2141040
For a long time, I have been searching for really good recipes like the ones in this book. I tried to veganize some non-vegan versions with very little success. I was also looking for foods of this nature to make in bulk for work, parties, etc. This food will keep, and you really don't have to worry about temperature variations. A lot of these items are good hot or cold.
Vegan Deli's "Boneless Chickenless Chicken Salad" is an absolute winner, worthy of spreading in a sandwich or just eating on its own. At a recent work party, many were incredulous when I revealed that this recipe is completely free of animal products. I had brought some as part of our potluck dinner and party. There were no leftovers. Many other dishes at my workplace did have leftovers, and I had made more than enough of my dish for the party. So everyone was obviously digging into my contribution.
How's that for proof?
Joanne includes Eastern European fare as well as many other deli delights. I was pleased to find Tunisian and Moroccan recipes along with the delightful things that we all so fondly remember growing up-now veganized! This book proves that simple recipes are often better, and more versatile! I never saw quite the plethora of recipes all under one roof. It was my "holy grail" to find a Vinaigrette coleslaw that worked, and a potato salad that was not boring (not to mention the vegan issue.) This book offered both and then some. Many potato salads are included-believe it or not-one does not even contain mayonnaise! That recipe is a vinaigrette potato salad. Wonderful!
The "Chick Peas and Spinach" with its Middle Eastern flare of lemon and mint, was so addictive it was unreal. As the days went on, it became even better, as flavors mingled. The Spicy Italian Chick Pea soup and fruit soup were also winners, reminding me that next time I will have to quadruple the recipes so that all of my friends can share! The mock tuna recipes and the lox also worked well.
So if you have friends that want to cook ahead and store, or make party food or even lunch foods, check out this book. Joanne Stepaniak proves once again that there's no excuse to avoid being vegan! Get back to your roots and get this book! Even if it's not your roots, you'll be familiar with a lot of the contents and you will enjoy this book.
3017922
I bought this book from a used book store for $1, and I can say it's the best dollar I've spent. This book has changed my life, my outlook on food and what I am putting into my body, and how I can become the person I know I can become, not necessarily skinny, but happy and healthy!!!

For one, I don't like diet books. I don't like diets. For me, they don't work. It's not enough for me to follow a diet routine without knowing WHY I should eat certain foods at certain times. I'd rather understand the background of why I should eat what they are telling me. That's exactly what this book has done. From the first chapter on, it goes through every single food group and states why we shouldn't eat it. It actually starts with smoking, then drinking, then coffee...even medicines! It then bashes sodas, the Atkins diet, eating any kind of animal products (and why with NO detail overlooked) to which brands to buy, and so much more. I don't take these things literally but I do understand the message, in part I know what I should avoid. There are detailed lists in the back of the book of what to eat (for a whole month!) but of course I skim through that part (I guess I don't like to be told what to eat!) though I do admit it is helpful to have.

Anyway the message of the book is ultimately, in order to be healthy you must be a vegan. I have in turn decided to do my own research (which I suggest EVERYONE do) to further learn about the pro's and con's of adopting a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and eating organic foods. While some of the information in the book is contradictory, most of it is spot-on, and I can say if it wasn't for this book I wouldn't even be looking up this information!

All in all, if you can get past the whiny, bitchy tone and the swearing, and the part about the treatment of animals in factories, this book will change your life. I hope this book will at least open your eyes to the truth.