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!!
Looking forward to the cookbook!
Alexandra, this post was from 2018, lol! My book has been out since October 18th, can be found on Amazon! The Vegan 8 Cookbook
Hello Brandi!
Watched you last night in “Eating us Alive” and was so excited to subscribe to your site!
Thank you.
Has your cookbook been out for pre order yet?…or is it already out?
Looking forward to buying it.
Thanks.
Hi Carol! Thank you so much for the support! Nope, it’s not out yet. They originally told me March (last week) would be the pre-order date, but apparently there was big communication because my editor said it’s supposed to be closer to around late May. I’m waiting myself, haha! I will definitely make a BIG announcement about it here on the blog. Thank you for your interest 🙂
It’s already 2018 and I’ve looked everywhere but still can’t find it! I can’t wait to hear when it’s out!! Will you post it on insta or in your newsletter or..??
You’re the best x
Hi Nance! I was told by my publisher that pre-ordering should be February/March so that’s all I know so far. I’ve already turned in my book manuscript back in December and we are going through the editing process and design, but preodering shouldn’t be too much longer now. You will be able to secure your copy when the pre-order happens and then the actual release date will be few months after that I’m told! And YES, I will definitely make a big post about it on here, so make sure you are subscribed 🙂 Thank you so much for your support!!
Every recipe having a photo is a DREAM COME TRUE!!! I love that…we eat with our eyes first! 🙂 I just emailed you about possibly being a tester for you. Thank you for taking the time to create a book, you honestly have so much to share with everyone, and your ability to keep it to 8 ingredient or less makes it a winner for everyone 🙂
Looking forward to your book!
Stacy
Thank you so much Stacy! I received your email and will reply today! 🙂 Thank you for your support!
C’mon. Can we who don’t follow the food industry hyped “gluten-free” craze have a few more recipes than 5? There are definitely some who are truly “gluten intolerant” but for so many new cookbooks to cater only to the few….
Hi Edith, just because a recipe happens to be gluten-free doesn’t mean ONLY gluten-intolerant people can make it. I’d say at least over half of my readers aren’t gluten-free but they make all of my recipes because they love them. I honestly make things gluten-free because I truly prefer the taste and texture of almond flour, oat flour and rice flour in my recipes. They taste just as amazing as the all-purpose versions. So try not to focus on it as being labeled gluten-free but rather just see it as a delicious recipe, because that is always my goal. But making things gluten-free does allow for most people to make the recipe and since I have a lot of readers who are loyal to my recipes want gluten-free, it’s important I provide options to them. However, as I mentioned in the post, even with the gluten-free recipes in the book, I’m listing options on how to just make it with regular white flour. I think there is only a couple in there where almond flour must be used. That is because I don’t use oil in my recipes and the almond flour gives moisture where oil normally does. Also, when I mention that about gluten-free, that is referring to baking desserts, which is not the whole book. Most of the book is savory recipes which just happen to be naturally gluten-free OR can NOT be gluten-free. Nearly every recipe in the book will give regular wheat pasta versions, breadcrumbs or subbing with gluten-free so that most anybody can make them. I hope that helps explain things a bit more!
I literally can not wait for this cookbook. I am so happy that I found your website and am sincerely grateful for all your fabulous recipes. Thank you so much for doing what you are doing and sharing it with the rest of us. You have been a lifesaver to my new vegan diet and lifestyle change.
Thank you so very much Emily, that is so kind of you!!
Brandi, I’m so happy to find you!! I’m on a quest to help my husband stabilize his Alzheimer’s. He’s been in a study & was receiving the actual drug, but being quarantined, I want to help him through diet. That said, he loves Thousand Island dressing. I made your recipe …OMG!!! It’s so delicious!!! It’ll be easier for me to include more leafy greens in his diet. I also sneak spinach & beans in his brownies & avocado in his chocolate pudding. I’m going to try my best to haunt the progression of this disease. I’m looking forward to making many more of your recipes!! Pray that I can do this for him. It’ll take work, patience & perseverance on my part!! Can’t wait for your cookbook!!!!! Thanks for creating great tasting recipes!!! Patti.
Sorry….the word should be….I want to hault…
Hi Brandi,
Congratulations on having the opportunity to publish your first ever cookbook!
I was wondering if most or all of the recipes will be accompanied by photographs of the finished recipe?
I can’t wait to preorder your cookbook!
P.s. A year or so ago, I made your lentil loaf recipe with bbq glaze. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
Very sweet Jermisha, thank you so much! YES! Every single recipe will have a photo! That was something I wasn’t willing to budge on because I know how important it is 🙂 That is so awesome, I love that lentil loaf!
Thanks so much for the prompt reply!
Now I am even that more excited about being able to get a copy of your cookbook! I myself personally love drooling over recipe photo’s. lol
I have a feeling your cookbook will be a huge success! 8 ingredients or less means not having a super long shopping list. 😊
P.s. I also subscribed to your YouTube channel.
Thank you for all that you do by making eating healthy easy and affordable!
Congratulations on your book! That’s so exciting. I love your website, and have gotten other family members hooked on it as well. Once the book is available, I might just turn it into a go to gift for everyone I know 🙂
Congrats again!
Aww that’s so very sweet and makes me happy to hear Lindsay! Thank you so much!
Congratulations! I am new to eating a plant based diet. The recipes I was finding was stressing me out! And I am a cook… Thank you for your time and kindness in making your recipes. I truly appreciate you!
Susan
So sweet of you Susan, thank you so much!
Groovy! So happy for you! Can’t wait to buy it. Now all my favorite vegan recipe artisans will have their own cookbooks. (Now if I could only find an agent to shop my novel around!)
Thank you so much Steve!!
And yes, get an agent!! Will make ALL the difference in the world 🙂
OMG gilr!!!!!! I am so freaking excited for you. And I can’t wait for this cookbook to come out. I am buying it without hesitation. I know it will be the best cookbook I have ever laid eyes on or owned. Your talent amazes me and you deserve nothing but the the greatest success. You and your recipes have a positive impact on this world in more ways then you probably know. I found your blog and you immediately became my favorite blogger. I don’t even look to other recipes blogs. Not saying I never will but you will definitely always be my favorite and my go to. It will feel amazing when you see your beautiful cookbook in print for the first time. I can almost feel the excitement for you. Congratulations!!!!!
Thank you so much girlfriend!!! You are always the most supportive and I’m so thankful for you! You are so very sweet and I really hope it turns out amazing and beautiful…God knows I’m already working my butt off over here, hahaha! If I could give you a big hug right now, I totally would. You are the best. Hope you are doing well with your diet right now! Thinking of you!xx
Congratulations on the upcoming book! That is exciting for you and for all your followers! I have been meaning to tell you for some time that you have a permanent place in the life of my family and close friends. EVERY Thursday evening we all get together and EVERY Thursday I fix your amazing Creamy Roasted Red Pepper sauce. It was an immediate favorite and Thursday evenings just are not complete without it! Thank you!
Every recipe I have made of yours has not disappointed in the least! The latest Cheesy Mexican Tortilla dish quickly became a repeat and will be a frequent tasty supper at my house!
The only thing I could say by means of a suggestion for your book and website has nothing to do with food or recipes, but rather with grammar. If you could change the phrase “8 ingredients or less” to “8 ingredients or fewer” then all would be right with the world. :0) The word “less” is used when speaking or writing about a quantity that isn’t able to be numbered such as….”We received less rain today than yesterday.” or “This recipe calls for less flour than the other one.” The word “more” is used when comparing things that can be numbered such as….”I have fewer flowers this year than last year.” or “This recipe has fewer ingredients than the other one.”
Regardless of the grammar, I still love all your recipes and I wish you great success. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much Alice! That is so wonderful to hear about your Thursdays, so super cool, thank you for the kind words. So glad you are loving the recipes! As far as the “less”, haha, that is too funny. “Less” makes and sounds like perfect sense to me. Fewer, whether it is technically correct or not, doesn’t sound smooth or right to me. I’ve had it that way since day one, almost 5 years now and I definitely am not changing my tag line and catchy phrase for my blog after all of this time. It’s all over the internet as that. I hope you understand that. To me, it’s a tagline, not about grammar 🙂 Also, for me, when I was thinking of how to make my tag line for my blog, I wanted it to be simple, short and flow and “8 Ingredients or less” sounds exactly the way I want it to.
Also, I’ve actually seen many cookbooks say similar “5 ingredients or less” “6 ingredients or less” sold in stores, so it seems they like the phrase as well. I’ve never seen “fewer”. I think the “less” just sounds better and flows better. Short and simple and people get the message. Regardless, like you said, it’s about the recipes and food and I have to keep what I’ve had for all these years. Thank you again for making my recipes!
Brandi, big congrats to you!! I am in awe of your accomplishment. Enjoy yourself.
Very sweet of you Sue, thank you so much!
Congrats my dear!!!! I am so excited for it, and you know I will be first to get my copy, and will be cheesy dancing and creating a nooch snow storm in my kitchen 🙂 xx
Aww thanks my friend! Hahaha, totally made me laugh!
Congratulations Brandy!!!! I knew it was going to happen soon. I’m so proud of you!
You are too sweet Keren, thank you so much!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to have a hard copy of your recipes!
Yay! Thank you so much Crystal!
Congratulations!!!! I will be a tester for you 🙂 I can’t wait to get this cookbook.
Thank you so much Shelly!