The time has finally come to reveal the big news that I’ve been dropping hints about here and there for awhile! I’ve been keeping this secret for months, but I can finally reveal that I’ve been working on The Vegan 8 Cookbook!! Yay! *Cheesy Happy Dance* So many of you all have been asking me for so long and I’m so happy I can now share the details, haha. I will now have this post to refer to anybody who asks. 🙂
Sorry for the cheesy phone picture. I had just printed out my contract and was too excited to share that I’m holding that baby in my hands.
This post doesn’t have a recipe and for that, I’m sorry, but I figured since I promised to tell so many of you all that when I was working on a cookbook, I’d reveal it, I thought this would be the best way since social media is a bit unreliable sometimes and may not see my social media posts about it.
I am beyond excited to reveal that I have signed with Oxmoor House. Signing with them is a dream come true. Oxmoor is the publisher for all of Southern Living Books, Cooking Light, Sports Illustrated, Time Books, etc. I kid you not, I have Southern Living Cookbooks and Cooking Light magazines in my home and have admired their beauty for years, so to have my first book published by them is very humbling.
I have to admit, this decision didn’t come easily to me. I’m super duper selective and I put it off for quite awhile. I’ve had a few different publishers contact me over the past few years and about a year or so ago I decided I better hire an agent to guide me into unsure waters. I knew that I was naive about the business and when another wonderful blogger recommend getting an agent to me, and she herself has published several books, I listened. Oh boy, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My agent is one of the most hardworking and dedicated people I’ve met and without her, I wouldn’t have the wonderful book deal that I now have today. She has been such a blessing. So, if you are interested in doing a book someday, I can’t recommend enough to get an agent! I also read an article from David Lebovitz on the importance of one too, which just further convinced me. I share this because it helped me immensely and hopefully it can help others, regardless of what type of book.
So, what type of book will it be?? I’m glad you asked! It will be a full-on 100 recipe book featuring a traditional layout. Breakfast, Lunch, Entrees, Sides and Dips, Sauces and Dressings, Soups and Stews and of course, DESSERT. Lastly, a chapter on My Vegan 8 Staple Recipes. This is the only way I wanted to do my first book.
The book will feature almost all NEW recipes while including around 10 of my most popular from the blog and some staple recipes like spice blends and nut butters. I have received many messages about this and feel that my super popular ones, like the Alfredo, need to be in the book.
And of course, the whole book will feature all recipes 8 Ingredients or Less, not including salt/pepper or water or optional garnishes. In other words, just like my blog, lol! So, yes, an entire book where every recipe is no more than 8 main ingredients!! Does that make veganism easy or what?? I’ve already written several recipes but still have a way to go, haha.
Know what else?? EVERY recipe will have a photo, woohoo! So important when wanting to make a recipe to actually see it first, am I right?
Now, let’s make something clear here. Let’s talk dessert! You all know, well most of you who’ve read my blog awhile, know my greatest passion is desserts. The dessert chapter will be AMAZING. It will not be just 8 little recipes. Nope. I’m talking 15-20 desserts. Cakes, brownies, several cookie recipes, ice cream, muffins…the works. Basically, the same thing I do here on my blog. I realize that many people may not love that, but this is what I do and so many of you love that about this blog, so I’m following in the path of my blog for this book. I’ve also seen many readers leave comments on book reviews wishing dessert chapters were bigger or more substantial, so I think it’s important for people to have some great vegan desserts to break out for guests and parties. Simple, easy, comfort food with desserts that always please a crowd, NOT just vegans.
I will be sharing pics of recipes I’m writing on social media to get you all dribbling with drool, so I’m warning ya now. 😉 I also will have a new hashtag on Instagram, #thevegan8cookbook. So be sure to check that out for sneak peaks!
Please let me know below in the comments any questions or comments you have about the book. I’m so excited that I’m sure I have forgotten to mention so many details! The book is set to come out next Fall, so you will all have to be patient. It takes awhile to write a cookbook and produce it, so please be patient with me. Thank you to everybody who has supported me from the beginning and so long and to all of you who make my recipes each day, THANK YOU. This book is for you guys!
P.S. I will be calling on some taste testers as well, so stay tuned for info on that!
So, to recap, all the recipes will be:
- 100 NEW RECIPES, with the exception of around 10 of my most popular recipes and some staples I always use from this blog.
- ALL 8 INGREDIENTS OR LESS, not including salt/pepper/water or optional garnishes. Just like I already do here on this blog.
- VEGAN
- GLUTEN-FREE, except for maybe less than 5 and even with those, I’m hoping to have gluten-free options. And the ones that are gluten-free, I plan to list a sub version on how to make with regular flour since some like to use regular flour. Trying to make it as universal for everybody as possible.
- OIL-FREE, which means, oil is NOT a listed ingredient. This does not refer to the natural oils that are in nuts or seeds, so please understand that is a difference. I only use whole food fats like nuts, seeds or avocados in my recipes. The ONLY exception to that in just a few recipes for baking where I may use nonstick spray for the pan and for pancakes, nonstick spray for the pan. But that’s it!
- COMFORT FOODS, yet healthy. This will not be a book of salads and smoothies. Sorry, that is not my thing. This will be recipes just like I do here on the blog. Pastas, Comforting and satisfying soups and stews, Filling Entrees, Breakfasts that wow your kids and impress your guests. In other words, don’t expect to see green smoothies and fruit smoothie bowls in the breakfast chapter. Nope, there will be Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins, Fluffy to the moon pancakes. Your guests won’t want to leave, lol. And the dessert chapter, forget-about-it. Just reference to my blog desserts for any hint of how this chapter will be, hahaha! Although, I probably can’t technically call the desserts healthy, since they are desserts, but they ARE oil-free and made without any butters or processed oils.
UPDATE: So many of you have asked about pre-ordering, wow, thank you so much! But, we are VERY early and in the beginning stages. I won’t know any of that until next year I’m sure. I’m in the early stages of writing the book, so it will be awhile. Please be patient with me!!
So glad I can finally be outwardly excited!!!! So happy that all that you’ve gone through to get here finally worked in a fabulous deal. I told you it would. Next time, maybe you should listen 😉 HA!! Can’t wait to see your masterpiece come through!!
Bahaha! Yes, girl! Thank you so much for your support friend and I can’t wait to see your book too!! xoxo
My sweet friend!! I am over the moon excited and proud of you!! You have worked SO incredibly hard and nothing makes me happier than to hear the news of this cookbook….which sounds like it’s going to be AMAZING by the way!!! The second it becomes available for preorder I’m there! Just the thought of a variety of 100 recipes created by you sounds wonderful. Looking forward to updates. Oh, and it’s always lovely to see that beautiful face of yours – love the photo!! Big hugs to you and know that I’m doing a happy dance for you! XOXOXO ❤️
Thank you, thank you my wonderful friend!! Yes, you know the journey and I’m so grateful for your kind words. Thank you so much for reading. I know you have taken an internet break and I haven’t wanted to bother you with emails, but I’m always thinking of you! Aww, thank you so much…I was a bit hesitant to post the pic since my hair was a messy bun disaster but I was like, screw it, I’m happy, lol! Thank you Mandy! Need to catch up soon. Love you!
That is so exciting, congratulations!
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog
Congrats again BRANDI!!! That is such exciting news and I know your book is going to be a HUGE hit!! Can’t wait to have it in my hands! Congrats again!
BOOM SHAKA LATA!! This is just so exciting!! Your dessert dedication just makes this much more AAHHHHH! 🙂 Congratulations on such a wonderful experience to share what you love. You have your work cut out for you and you’re going to do awesome. Looking forward to seeing the progress. Can’t wait!!!
Hey there Brandi! I am so happy, happy, happy for you! Truly agree with a comment up above ^ that mentioned your cookbook was the one they’ve been waiting for. Ditto for me! Can’t wait.
Very exciting, and congratulations! Looking forward to updates…
BRANDI!!!!!! Ahhh!! I am so excited to hear this amazing news, I wish I could be there happy dancing with you! And stealing a bite or two of all the yummy things because I’m sure you’ve been baking and cooking and testing like crazy lately–100 new recipes, WOW!! Just gotta ask though, is that a nutritional yeast free *cheesy happy dance*? Lol just kidding and still dreaming about that casserole of yours 🙂 I am truly thrilled for you and so happy you are happy with the publisher and the concept and just the whole exciting project. It will be an incredible book, that I already know, and I cannot wait. Also the fact that you dedicated an entire paragraph here to discussing the dessert situation in this beautiful book to be just makes me 10 times more excited about it 🙂 Congrats my friend, you deserve it and deserve all the beautiful support you’ve already received here too <3
Aww, thank you so much my sweet friend!! Lmao, totally a cheesy nutritional yeast dance, hahaha! Yes, you get me girl…all about the dessert!! I honestly wish the whole book was dessert, LOL! It will be so much easier for me than 🙂 Thank you so much Natalie!
Congratulations! That is wonderful news! Best of luck to you.
Congrats Brandi! As a fellow aspiring author who is about to search for an agent, your words are timely and wise. I know very well the hard work and commitment in writing a book! I’m praying to get a contract this year as well. Can’t wait to buy your book!
I’m SO glad to hear that it was helpful Cyd! Yes, yes, an agent to me is a must! I learned so much from her and how things can go, so I’m very grateful to have my agent. Good luck to you as well on getting a contract, how exciting!
Happy, happy, joy, joy…. for you and all the people who will be benefiting from the wonderful recipes in your upcoming cookbook. I plan to be one of them! Congratulations Brandi! I wish you all the best as you create your “baby” and I’m oh-so-eager for the delivery date! XO 🙂
I’ll be ordering!
Hi Brandi~
I’m not a “social media” person, but HAD to tell you I am eagerly awaiting your cookbook. I pretty much have your 1st cookbook (ha ha) because I’ve printed so many of your recipes already! Can’t wait to try your new ones! I know they’ll be great! Also, I’d like to be a “tester”…. if that’s a thing.. If not, I’ll just patiently wait for the cookbook.
All the best,
Laura
ps please write fast. ; )
Thank you for Sharing.. Congratulations!!!!! How exciting..
Congratulations Brandi, that’s such exciting news!! I can’t wait to see the end result and party with you 🙂 Good luck with the recipe creation & writing!
YES!!!! I’m so happy for you! I’m one of the many that’s been waiting for this. Best news I’ve read lately!
I’m so excited for you! (and me haha). I’m a part of several fb vegan groups and your website is one of three that I am constantly recommending to people. I will be buying more than 1 copy of your book when it comes out, can’t wait to give it to friends and family as gifts! You will sell thousands of copies, I’m sure of it 🙂
Congratulations! That is awesome!
You are one of my Go To sutes when I am searching for recipes. Will be looking forward to the book.
FINALLY!!!! I am ecstatic to hear this and so happy for you!! 😄😄😄
Congratulations!! I’ve been hoping for a while that you would do a book…..really looking forward to seeing it 🙂
This is wonderful news! Congratulations! I am looking forward to buying it as soon as it is available. I love, love, love your recipes! I have printed off so many and it will be wonderful to have them all in a book and much more convenient. Wishing you much success.
When is the book available to order and how can I get it? I’m not very high tech but tell me what I have to do to buy it. Very soon I hope. I tried your two giant muffins recipe and it was wonderful. Best wishes for great success. Thanks.
Thank you so much Carol!! We are VERY early and in the beginning stages. I still have most of the book to write and I won’t know any of that until next year I’m sure. I’m in the early stages of writing the book, so it will be awhile. Please be patient with me! I’ll definitely make a big announcement and keep updates with you all along the way. Thank you so much for your support!
This great, waiting to try recipes from your book. Good job!
I just want to say that you are amazing. I truly believe that people are put on Earth to share their special gifts, and you have the gift of bringing people together over delicious, healthy food. Much love your way! <3