THE VEGAN 8 BLOG UPDATE
I have been wrestling with this decision for the past year or so and have finally made one. I’ve been blogging for nearly 9 years (started my first food blog June 2012) and have been running this vegan food blog, The Vegan 8, since October of 2013. I originally created The Vegan 8 because I realized just how many people wanted delicious, but simple and easy recipes that didn’t require a ton of ingredients. I’ve gone over this on my About page. But in short, my concept of 8 ingredients or less recipes (not counting the very basics of salt/pepper/water) began because the recipes that most readers were making were just that, 8 ingredients or less.
I knew that I wanted to reach and help as many people as I could. I knew that my idea was going to help so many, which it has. It has enabled for me to reach hundreds of thousands of people over the years and hear countless testimonies of how my recipes have helped your transition to a vegan lifestyle, get healthier and actually love vegan food.
I’m incredibly grateful to have connected with thousands of you over the years and become friends with several of you. It is a true honor and blessing.
I’ve reached a point now where I feel like my creativity wants to further flourish. A nudging that I can no longer ignore.
My blog has become known as a resource for a few specific niches.
- 8 ingredient concept
- Simple, easy, but incredibly delicious plant-based comfort food
- Oil-free recipes being a big one
- Resource for gluten-free recipes, but them being just as delicious as regular recipes made with traditional flour. This has been one major thing that I’ve heard from thousands-that my gluten-free baked recipes have made you love gluten-free food or helped your kids. Gluten-free baked goods are notoriously known for having awful textures. My years of experience as a baker and commitment to super high standards, has allowed me to create a blog resource for those wanting gluten-free recipes that will wow any eater. I never want people or children to feel like they can’t enjoy a delicious dessert because they cannot have gluten.
- Wholesome plant-based recipes that don’t rely heavily on processed ingredients like fake meats or cheeses. (that you’d buy from the store)
Where I’m at now. I have felt a burning for awhile now to venture out just a bit from my 8 ingredients concept. I receive recipe requests from readers weekly. Some I have to turn down simply because of that. My husband requests recipes as well. Some recipes simply cannot be done at 8 ingredients, without sacrificing my high standards of quality and taste.
For example: Gumbo, Tiramisu, Boston Cream Pie Donuts. These are just examples of requests I’ve received that I have not been able to post due to realizing that they would be impossible to do at 8 ingredients. A true gumbo would need 10-15 ingredients and a Boston cream pie donut has 3 components to it. A Tiramisu is my all-time favorite dessert. That is a multi-layered dessert that would require more than 8.
This doesn’t mean that hundreds of recipes can’t be done at 8, obviously, I’ve been doing it for years, haha. That is the whole reason I started this blog, because I knew I could do it. But this does mean, that certain recipes, cannot. And as I’ve grown over the years as a recipe developer, I want to venture out from time to time.
When I have posted pics of dinners I’ve thrown together, I’ve had requests for the recipe, which I then state it’s more than 8 ingredients, people reply “I don’t care, I want it!” That is a relief to me now.
GOING FORWARD
While I recognize that to many, it was my original 8 ingredient concept that stood out to so many, over the years of building a large reader base, it has been the quality of flavorful recipes that have kept you here. You’ve spread the goodness of your love of my recipes by word of mouth to so many of your friends, family, social media, etc.
So, my plan going forward is to allow myself a little bit extra with some of those recipes that will require a few more, sometimes maybe just 1, maybe 5, who knows, it will depend on the recipe. This way I can share my full creativity with you all. I don’t want to hold back myself any longer.
Plus, one thing that many people have told me over time is that they have followed and made my recipes for a long while and only recently realized the “8” in my blog name meant 8 ingredients and that they were just here for the yummy recipes! Haha.
So, that has made me realize that it is not just my 8 ingredient concept and wholesome ingredients, but the flavors and textures you love about my recipes. Because, let’s be honest, if the recipes were horrible, it wouldn’t matter if they were easy 8 ingredient recipes anyways, right?
DON’T WORRY!
Now, please, I don’t want anybody to panic and think going forward that all my recipes are going to be 10-15 ingredients! No, no, no, no. Most will still be 8 ingredients or less, not counting salt/pepper/water, like always! Because honestly I personally get anxiety over recipes with 10-15 ingredients. Too much work. I like simplicity and ease.
BUT, I have always made an exception to make a recipe with a few more if it’s a great recipe I really want to try. But it’s certainly not a daily thing for me, lol.
This would just be a sometime thing, so I am not changing my blog name or any crazy stuff like that.
I just felt that I wanted to share this with you all and get your thoughts. You readers are the most important thing to me when it comes to blogging.
Additionally, in my next book, I have these exact same thoughts. I will not be advertising my next book as “8 ingredient only” recipes. But rather, many 8 ingredients will be but several will not be. It is so unbelievably frustrating to get reviews on Amazon from people who failed to read the multiple places in the book where I noted that my recipes did not include salt/pepper/water in the 8 ingredients, or obviously anything listed as optional, because, well, it’s optional! Some left me awful reviews hurting my overall rating because they didn’t count properly or read. As an author and a person that works very hard and puts my whole soul into my work, it’s incredibly upsetting. I do not want to go through that again with another book.
MY PROMISE
This small progression of my recipes is simply because of my commitment to not only myself, but also to you because I care so much to give you what you want and ask for. If I didn’t care so much about providing all that I could, I wouldn’t even bother to change anything at all. But I feel sad when I have to turn down a recipe request because it’s not one that could be done at 8 ingredients of high quality.
My recipes will still all be vegan, mostly gluten-free and oil-free, like always. That is not changing. That is who I am and what I love creating. Just some once in a while will have a couple/few of extra ingredients, so I hope you are all okay with that. It will make me happier and feel more free to let my creativity flourish to share with you all. I need to be true to what my heart is tugging at for awhile now.
I feel like change is a must in life if we want to grow, and while this may seem like a small change or a big change to some of you, it has been weighing heavily on my mind since I’ve been writing 8 ingredient only recipes for, well, going into my 8th year now. And they will still almost always have that, but with some extra fancy ones thrown in the mix now!
Love you all so much and thank you for all the support you’ve shown me over the years. I can’t express my gratitude enough.
Bring it on!!!!! You are already an A+. Why not be an 8+?? Always looking forward to seeing what you have next. Thanks so much for making our trip down the wonderful plant lined path.
Spread your wings! The way you write your recipes, not the ingredient number, is what has made me a better cook. If more ingredients means you can share more recipes with us, then please, don’t hold back! I highly doubt you would ever add an unnecessary ingredient. Several of your recipes have become staples in our mostly non-vegan household, I’ll try any number of ingredients you throw our way!
Tiramisu… can’t wait!
I love your recipes, big or small. I love them all. And your book is on my counter 24/7 because, well, I use it 24/7. What’s most important to me is that your recipes are vegan, gluten free (I’m celiac), and oil free. That is what I look for in all recipes I make. Thank you for updating us. I will continue to follow your site, your IG, and your book! But also, I’m looking forward to another book by you!!!!! Can’t get enough of your recipes!
Me too, Jen! Having recipes that are vegan, oil free, and gluten free is what is most important to me (my girls and I have Celiac). The Vegan 8+ is gonna be amazing!
Oh my goodness… if I had known it was 8 ingredients or less, I would have tried your recipes. I subscribe to so many sites and because I hate to cook, I end up making just a few easy recipes over and over. Now I’m going to try your site. I am so sorry that your recipes have been published without giving you credit. I will never do that. Before I can recommend your site, I need to make them, but from all the comments, I know I’ll love them. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for making it easy. Starting tonight!!
You are so very kind Peggy, thank you for the sweet comment! To get you started, some reader faves are Best Vegan Garlic Alfredo, Amazing Vegan Baked Ziti, Best Vegan Queso, Vegan Lentil Soup, Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Bake, Buckwheat Chili. You can just type any of those in the search box.
This is EXCITING! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store!
Love your recipes regardless of the # of ingredients. I was drawn to “no oil”, so I don’t have to look at substitutions. I’m in for any of your recipes. Let your creativity fly free!
Thank you so kindly Donna!!
I agree! Thank you for creating and sharing such yummy recipes. Carry on! ♡
I will love your blog and support you no matter what direction you take! Oops, as long as it’s a vegan direction!!! 🙂
Thank you for all the effort and love you put into your blog. I utilize it at least once a week and have done so for years.
Haha, oh yes, not changing that at all!!
Brandi, I’m so happy you’ve decided to do this! You’re right, the majority of us are here because your recipes are so amazingly delicious & a few more ingredients from time to time aren’t a big deal. I can’t even remember the first recipe of yours I made almost 2 years ago, but I know what kept me coming back (and buying your cookbook) was the flavor! You have an amazing gift for flavor! My favorite phrase in your post was “in my new book”. I can’t wait to see what you have in store!
You are a treasure. Thank you for all you have done, and will continue to do. I am so thankful for your willingness to share your knowledge, talents, recipes, humor, and life stories. Your recipes are fantastic, and I’m happy you’ve found a way to continue to inspire and challenge yourself. I’ll always be here as long as you are!
Phew! I was worried you planned to stop posting! I support adding more than 8 ingredients if it means you can share even more great recipes. Keep up the wonderful work!
Thank you so much Susan! That means so much to hear. Haha, yes, I’ve realized I scared many of y’all into thinking that with my intro, sorry about that!
I think this is exciting, and I look forward to those gumbo and tiramisu recipes!!
Do what you need to do. I’ll be with you all the way.
I will still make your recipes no matter how many ingredients because any I have made have been easy and tasty. Can’t beat that ! Keep up the great recipes and we’ll be right there with you in our hearts (and stomach). Thanks for all you do !!!
Thank you for your commitment to the 8 ingredients. I have loved every recipe that I’ve tried of yours. That being said I will totally support your creativity and if you want to make something with a few more ingredients that’s fine with me, and if I don’t want to make it I don’t have to. I love what you are doing and your commitment to whole healthy food, no oil and even gluten free is something I know I can depend on in your recipes. Keep up the great work!
So perfectly said, thank you so much Janet!
Expanding your already-fabulous flavor palate to share with us can only be a good thing!
The “8” in your blog title can now stand as shorthand for “ate!”. TheVeganAte…cuz the food’s certain to be ate in my house if it’s your recipe, Brandi.
Thank you for sharing your incredible skills!
Haha yes! That’s another reason I chose it because it also sounds like ate! So I’m glad you brought that up, thank you so much Deedee!
Brandi,
When I tell you I am personally elated and happy for you after reading your email hun! Yes we love the 8 ingredients, and yes we would also like to see what other gifts God has been brewing up for you in the kitchen! I knew when I first found you, I would love your cooking and so does hubby and son! Although I haven’t cooked everything in The 8 ingredients cookB, I’m getting there! Now WHEN WHEN will we get this new cookbook YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! And can you please go ahead and put that GUMBO on the first page PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! You would think I’m the one about to start this journey but it goes to show you Brandi we LOVE LOVE YOU TO THE HEAVENS! I too get discourage with 1000 ingredients ha ha lol! So I guess again that’s why we love you! BUT show us your NEW 2021 AND bring it on! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! for new RECIPES! We love you Brandi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I too never knew that the “8” meant 8 ingredients! I love your site and recipes and I’m excited for you and us as readers/followers to get more fantastic food ideas! All the best to you 🙂
Good for you!👍🏻❣️
I support you as always and look forward to more 8++ingredients as well as what I call, “man-simple” 8-ingredient-recipes. Keep up the amazing passion and work you do, and I’ll never stop following your creations and direction.
Best of luck and vegan-love in the New Year! 😘
Jfk
That is so very kind John! Thank you so much and I love the “man simple”!
I have raved about your recipes to others that are changing their dietary habits. My Vegan 8 cookbook is quite tattered & loved. I am looking forward to getting some more advanced recipes. I sure hope a new cookbook is in the makings!
Looking forward to more of your terrific recipes Brandi. I’m here for your creativity, not your short ingredient list! Keto up the great job you do, and thanks for persevering.
That means so much Sue! I’m honored to hear that!
You go girl! You have completely changed my life and brought fun back into my cooking! You go with your gut (no matter how many ingredients it demands!) and don’t let anyone tell you different!
Aww Heather, that means the world to hear!
Congratulations on going with your gut feeling and moving forward! You have an amazing, informative blog and website, this will add to the deliciousness we already have to choose from. You’ve been an inspiration to many people. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, I am truly grateful and please know that you are appreciated!
I love your recipes and will continue to make them even if they have a few more ingredients. I was so worried that you were going to stop blogging and that would be bad! All the best. Your recipes have been a lifesaver on my oil-free plant based journey!
Looking forward to more of your creative and delicious recipes! You’re the best!!!
I’m not going anywhere! 8 or 88 ingredients (well, maybe not 88) but I’m here for all the goodness you provide, Brandi! Thanks for the update and I look forward to whatever 2021 brings!
Haha yes 88 would be a bit much, lol! Thank you so much Jodi!
I’m relieved! I thought you might be deciding to stop what you’re doing! And while your recipes are my first “go-t0” when I’m wanting to make something, I do use other recipes that call for more than 8 ingredients, so certainly won’t mind that happening here either! So yay! Keep the good stuff rolling! You won’t lose any viewers, I promise. I recommend your site to people all the time, and will continue to do so.
Haha nope not going anywhere! Thank you so much Marcia!!