Favorite Books & Blogs -- Recipes & Farming
I believe in the benefits of healthy food & the positive impact it can have on everyday life. These blogs and books helped me learn the tools and techniques used to create delicious healthy meals at home. And while I daydream about owning land and growing our own food, I live vicariously through those that do. These are just a few of my favorites.
Raw Food
Everyday Raw by Matthew Kenney
This book is such an amazing introduction to raw recipes. It teaches you the basics and gives you the understanding of ingredients that allows you to build a raw foundation. Plus, there are tons of photos to inspire you.
Ani's Raw Food Kitchen by Ani Phyo.
This book is really comprehensive and is better for those who have a basic understanding of raw food and the tools to create it. Once you are comfortable with the basics, this book can really up your game.
Raw Food/Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow by Matthew Kenney & Sarma Melngailis
This book is amazing and the authors do a great job of inspiring you to go raw. You should understand the basics of raw recipes before diving in. The recipes are ones they use in their restaurant and definitely aimed at being decadent and presentable. If I were hosting a raw dinner party, every recipe would come from this book.
Rawmazing (Blog)
When I first got into raw food, the recipes on this site taught me the basics and kept me on track when I was tempted to stray. Simple & delicious recipes with yummy pictures.
Sweetly Raw (Blog)
This raw dessert chef is adorable and really knows her sweets - if you think you need to give up treats to go raw, she will show you just how wrong you are.
Vegan
The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone
This is a great read for anyone who is considering a vegan lifestyle or anyone who is vegan, but thinking of taking it to the next stage. It goes into detail of how animal products put a strain on the earth and harm our bodies and then gives lots of meal plans and ideas for how to change your diet and lifestyle.
The Chicago Diner Cookbook
From the award winning vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Chicago, IL. This book covers just about every course you could want, but their baked goods are heavenly (and animal friendly!). Whether you are vegan, a veggie or a straight up carnivore - this book will give your kitchen a boost.
Manifest Vegan (Blog)
So many beautiful pictures and healthy recipes that are vegan and gluten-free. Plus, she lists the nutritional content like calories, fat, protein, etc. It takes the guess work out of it and simplifies the process. Love that.
Who You Callin' Cupcake
By the Bleeding Heart Bakery in Chicago, IL. Loads of very unique vegan options. Mojito, PB&J, Salted Caramel, Pink Lemonade... just a few of the delicious recipes in this book.
Chocolate Covered Katie (Blog)
This dessert blog is one of my absolute favorites. Katie is a vegan who focuses on using healthy substitutions like applesauce and chickpeas, rather than processed vegan substitutes, to make all kinds of delicious treats. She's wildly popular and if you're on Pinterest, odds are you've seen at least a dozen of her posts.
Farming & Sustainability
Longest Acres (Blog)
This adorable couple has farmed in North Carolina and now they farm in Vermont. They truly care about the Earth and their animals. If you ever find yourself daydreaming about farming, you can live vicariously through her and her beautiful pictures.
Food.Fashion.Farm. (Blog)
Celine is a backyard farmer who posts delicious recipes that are always healthy and almost always vegan. I love her posts on Instagram and her attitude about giving back to the Earth.