So, the last few months you may have been wondering what I’ve been up to. I’ve been posting plenty of recipes, but haven’t been talking much about personal things or our family. Truth is, I have been swamped since September with both work and mama responsibilities, and it’s been challenging to keep up. (My next post I’m going to talk about just that, the mothering ‘balance’, so I hope you’ll be with me and share your insights too.)
On the work front, I’ve been very busy for a few reasons. First, I had plans to start another cookbook. That plan still exists, and I’m in the final stages of a contract. So, I will have news for you soon about my next big book project!
Then, I got this crazy idea in my head back in December, that I could do an ebook. I love it when I get these crazy notions thinking I can “do it all”. Yeah. Crazy lady. It started like this…
Do any of you remember my holiday cookbook promotion? Well, once people started trying these recipes and I was posting details about the promo on facebook, I received a lot of requests to turn those recipes into an ebook. HUH! I never even thought of that! Until someone planted the seed, and off I go running. So, I procrastinated on the idea for a month or so, because I knew it would be a lot of work – with a new learning curve. I just wasn’t sure if I could pull it off (without pulling out my hair)!
Until one day, I get an email from one of my readers, Lynn McLellan. The email subject line reads: Recipe “Feed”back. I open the email nervously, thinking I’ve messed up something in a recipe or two (because that’s what us neurotic cookbook authors think). Was I ever surprised to open the email and see that Lynn had taken photos of EVERY recipe in the Plant-Powered 15 package and shared her feedback on EACH recipe! I was humbled and teary, that she took the time to put all that together for me to read. And, it was a sign to get off my behind already and put this ebook together! If you are with me on facebook, you have seen some of this ‘feed’back, as I’ve been posting examples. For instance, Lynn said this about my “Coconutty Cookies”:
Wow! I couldn’t get enough of these. They taste like little coconut pillows! So light and satisfying. In fact, they were so good I made a second batch right away while I still had the ingredients handy. That’s how fast they disappeared!
Coconut Pillows, eh? Yep, that name stuck!
I asked people on facebook again… should I do this? Do you still want it? Would you buy it? Then THEY told me to get off my behind. So I did. And here it is!
While I’d love to go on about how clueless I was in the beginning working on this project, I will spare you that dull reading. What I will tell you is that I got lucky. Sometimes people come into your life at certain times, and you have a feeling it’s for a reason. That happened when Nicole Axworthy emailed and said she’d like to help me with the photography for this book. I already knew of Nicole’s talents, because she is the co-author of the Tiny Treats ebook with Lisa Pitman (I sang its praises on FB and mentioned it in this post). I LOVE that ebook. The recipes are insanely creative, and the photos are simply stunning. When I bought that book and opened it on my computer, my jaw dropped. So, needless to say I was pretty stoked that Nicole wanted to work with me on the Plant-Powered 15!
Nicole captured every recipe in the Plant-Powered 15, in a full-size photo. One thing I hear from readers most often is “we want more photos of recipes”. I couldn’t agree more. (And, as a side note, my next book will also have photos of every recipe).
So, what types of recipes are in the Plant-Powered 15? To start, all the recipes are whole-foods vegan recipes. And, all the recipes are made without any added oils. That’s what you have been asking for, with emails and facebook comments and tweets and more… that’s what I’m delivering. You can be sure you aren’t losing flavor, though. Many of us know from a culinary perspective that fat is a flavor carrier. You are NOT losing flavor in these recipes. The flavor stays, and some whole-foods fats are included in certain recipes to ensure texture and taste are not sacrificed! These recipes are all also gluten-free if you are able to eat certified gf oats. Not all recipes use oats, of course, but that is the only ingredient that requires mention for gluten-free readers.
Here are all the recipes included in your Plant-Powered 15! (along with a few sample photos)
- Almond Zen Granola
- Pumpkin Seed and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Creamy House Dressing
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Orange-Miso Dressing
- Wonder Spread
- Black Bean Soup with Sweet Potatoes
- Presto Pistachio Pasta
- “SweetBalls” (yes, I said it!)
- Umami Sun-Dried Tomato and Almond Burgers
- Sneaky Chickpea Burgers
- Mac-nificent
- Coconut Pillows
- Sticky Almond Blondies
- Peanut Butter Munchy Squares
The Plant-Powered 15 is now officially available! You can pick up a copy here:
And you can also link through to purchase on my “Books” page at anytime.
Please come back and tell me your recipe experiences from this ebook. I’d love to know which recipe caught your eye first, what you tried straight away, and which recipes are your favorites!
Stephanie Dreyer says
I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this book. I have been cutting out oil from everything so this book arrives at a perfect time. Thank you, thank you! Just bought the bundle package.
Stephanie Dreyer says
Oops – thought I was commenting on your Salad Dressings new eBook! But, looking forward to reading this one too!!
Deb E says
The black bean soup with sweet potatoes recipe caught my eye and would love to try it.
Wendy says
I’m most excited to try the salad dressings! Once I started to make your Hummus dressing, I couldn’t go back to store bought. Thanks, Dreena!
Lisa says
Hi Dreena,
I’m glad to see the recipes are vegan and GF. I can’t do oats, but know I can switch them for quinoa flakes. My other worries are soy and corn…will there be anything I can eat in your book? Thanks
Emma says
Oh boy… that Mac-Nificant is calling me!!!! EVERYTHING looks incredible, Dreena!
Anne says
Wow, Dreena, I am so glad you posted this on FB! I love LTEV and was wondering/hoping you’d put out another book. Any chance this will be put out in hard copy format? (I still love sitting down and perusing through cookbooks!). Looking forward to trying out the recipes in this book!
Dreena says
Oh great, Anne! Glad you found it and excited to try out new goodies. 🙂 I’m not making this a hard copy book, but currently working on my next hard copy book – “Plant-Powered Families”… so stay tuned!
Brenna says
Oooooohhhh! I wanna try the pistachio pasta!
Dreena says
I’ll be posting about it soon, Brenna, as part of the Vegan Mainstream Cookbook Club!: http://www.veganmainstream.com/vegan-mainstream-cookbook-club/ You can join, there are other chefs involved, and the whole month of August we are talking fresh herbs! Going to be fun!
Jaime says
Hi Dreena!
Finally had a chance to try some of the recipes over the weekend! For the sneaky chickpea burgers, I didn’t have peppers so I substituted them for kale and they turned out great! Thank you for your hard work in putting the ebook together, it is very much appreciated!!!
Dreena says
How sweet of you to say that, Jaime. Thank you! And, I’m thrilled you enjoyed the chickpea burgers. 🙂 Thanks for the note!
Jaime says
Hi Dreena!
Finally got a chance to try some recipes over the weekend! For the sneaky chickpea burgers, I didn’t have peppers so I substituted kale and they turned out great! Thank you for your hard work in getting the ebook done, very much appreciated!!!
Laura Nugent says
I just bought a copy the other night. So far I’ve made your Wonder Spread which we’ve used as a dip for fresh veggies. It’s so, so delicious. And I made your Umami Sun-Dried Tomato and Almond Burgers. Holy cow are these tasty!!! They are action packed with flavor. I’m looking forward to trying your Sneaky Chickpea Burgers, Coconut Pillows
Sticky Almond Blondies soon. Although, I’m planning on making all the recipes as I have time. Thanks so much for the great recipes.
Dreena says
That just delights me, Laura! Your feedback, and also knowing you got at the recipes so quickly!! Can I share your comment on FB sometimes? I can keep your name private if you prefer. 🙂 TY!!
Laura Nugent says
Feel free to share my comment with or without my name, whichever you prefer. Your recipes are so packed with flavor – just love them ( I also own LTEV and love it).
berealyoga says
Just bought, woohoo! Thanks so much for another Dreena hit! 🙂
Dreena says
Great to get that feedback – thank you!!!
berealyoga says
Just bought! Woohoo! What a great idea! xox
Andrea Bevernitz says
I’m printing off the booklet now as I type this thanks to you. I have two other cookbooks of yours and find your recipes just right to my own tastes. Happy am I to now have this e-booklet as well.
Dreena says
So glad to hear that Andrea – hope you find more faves in these 15! 😀
Lisa says
Hi Dreena, Just purchased your e-book, though, not sure where to look for it. I just paid by Paypal, but, I don’t see it anywhere. Do I print it by email? My first time buying such a book so not sure what I’m doing. Help!
Dreena says
Thanks for connecting with my on FB for this Lisa, glad we got it sorted – enjoy! 🙂
Laurie says
This is my first official ebook purchase! I LOVE your LTEV cookbook so much that I knew I just had to get these 15 recipes! I am excited to try them all! I’m especially happy that these recipes only include whole foods without extra oil as that is the way I’m cooking these days. Thanks for sharing your creativity and pure genius!!
Dreena says
Oh cool! Thanks Laurie – glad to know the recipes are up your street! Have fun trying them out. 🙂
shan says
Gorgeous ebook. I love the quote from James Barber. I miss him so.
I am looking forward to trying the peanut butter munchies.
Dreena says
Thank you Shan! I used to love watching James Barber, he was one of my first cooking mentors, even though he didn’t cook vegan or vegetarian really. I remember him saying “if you think a dish needs a little something, add some dried mustard”. He was so authentic and not ‘put-on’. I miss those shows too.
Mattheworbit @ james and matt says
So proud of you. They’re a fantastic bunch of recipes, and I’m glad they’re getting the publication they deserve. People are gonna love ’em. James *LOVES* those blondies (they’re so good), and I’m addicted to that house dressing. OMG, and that Mac-nificent!! Hugs!!
Dreena says
Matt, I’m proud of me too! 😉 Really wasn’t sure I could pull it all together. So glad you have faves in there – that’s a great feeling. Thanks much. xo
Michelle says
Hi. Where do I buy this? Also: Do you offer any soy-free recipes, as well? (or at least give soy-free options? Thanks! 🙂
Dreena says
Michelle, the only soy used in the recipes is tamari or miso in a few, and you can substitute coconut aminos for the tamari, and chickpea miso for regular miso (I like chickpea miso better)! To purchase it, just link through where the “add to cart” is, and it will take you to paypal to purchase – it’s pretty quick/easy. If you still need help, let me know. 🙂
Sandra Smith says
Just bought it! Thanks, can’t wait to try the Mac 🙂
Dreena says
Fab! Thanks Sandra, enjoy!!
ANNA MAY WILSON says
SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE!
ANNA MAY WILSON says
DEAR DREENA, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL EBOOK! I’M A SHUT-IN, SO MY DAUGHTER GAVE ME A PRINTER. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN TO PRINT IT; AND IT IS EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY. I WOULD HAVE PAID MUCH MORE FOR IT. I SAW THE NOTICE ABOUT IT ON PB&J. LOVE IT, AND LOVE THE PICTURES. WE LIKE TO SEE WHAT WE ARE MAKING IS SUPPOSED TO LPPL LIKE.
Dreena says
Thank you very much, Anna May. It was a big project for me, so getting this kind of feedback is meaningful. Send my thanks to your daughter as well. 🙂
Laura Black says
YOU are an AMAZING woman, Dreena! Thank you for always listening to US, and truly caring about others requests. You are a genuine, one of a kind, compassionate human being, that I have had the pleasure and honor to speak with. I am soooooo excited to try out these tasty recipes. Myself personally, I need to venture out and try a new dressing, so THANK YOU for giving me a few to choose from. They look like they will be yummy. That will probably be one of the first items I try. They ALL look fantastic….WOO HOO.
Keep up the great work, and doing what you do BEST (well at least one of the things, because you are a total rock star in my eyes)!! Offering us amazing, healthy, delicious recipes!!
Your friend, and fellow PBJ!!
Dreena says
That is most lovely of you, Laura. It’s my pleasure when I have people so appreciative – like you! I’ll tell my kids you think I’m a rock star. 😉
Ricki says
CONGRATS, Dreena! You know how much I love your recipes–SO delighted to see this ebook! Can’t wait to try all the recipes! 🙂
Dreena says
Thank you, thank you Ricki! Your support means a great deal, I hope you know that. <3
Ruth says
Thank you so much for persevering Dreena! I have ordered the ebook and can’t wait to try the recipes. Where to start….
Dreena says
Thank you for picking up a copy, Ruth! I truly had no clue what I was doing in the beginning, so yes, perseverance does pay off. Hope you love the newbies! 🙂