May 10, 2008
This afternoon I went out to run some errands, and ended up at Borders checking out Vegan cookbooks. I wanted to buy one, but I could not decide. So, I am asking all of my blog readers to help me out! I went in to the store looking for ED&BV, but they did not have it. Here’s what was there that I am interested in: Garden of Vegan, How it All Vegan, Dolce La Vegan, VWAV, Vive Le Vegan, The Everyday Vegan, and Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. Vote for one of those, or ED&BV because I can always order it 
I would love everyone’s opinions! After browsing I made my way to the gym for a somewhat short workout (30 minutes running, 5 minutes stairmaster). I cut it short today because it was 2:30 and my stomach was growling. I just couldn’t continue, so I left and I fixed the problem by eating lunch! I needed something quick, and what’s easier than PB&J?! I had my sandwich with strawberry preserves on sprouted wheat with sides of an orange, kiwi, and 4 oz plain soy yogurt mixed with 1/4 cup pumpkin, cinnamon, and a tsp agave. Yummy! The pumpkin yogurt looks like a bowl of peanut butter! I wish that much peanut butter could be healthy!! Lunch was 582 calories, 22 g fat, 19 g fiber, and 23 g protein.
For dinner, I planned to make Mac Daddy from Veganomicon. Frankly, I was a little disappointed. I wasn’t expecting it to taste exactly like the real deal, but it tasted a little funky to me. I cut back on the oil by half and the salt. i just sprinkled some salt on top. I also used water instead of vegetable broth because it was more convenient. For those of you who have made this before, do you think these alterations could be the cause of my not so good result? I was very sad to experience my first disappointment with V’con. 
With my 1.5 cup portion (about 1/5 of the recipe) I had some red cabbage salad. I ate an apple soon after during the Penguins game! THEY WON!!!! Hooray!!! I’m getting so nervous. My dinner plus apple was 807 calories, 13 g fat, 29 g fiber, and 46 g protein.
PS-sorry for the bad camera phone pics
May 10, 2008 at 1:30 am
Oh well - nothing is perfect, is it?
May 10, 2008 at 7:56 am
As for books, you’ve pretty much got my list of “to-buys” right there! But I do highly recommend ED&BV, it has so many unique, fabulous recipes- and they’re all super easy, and most are very quick as well! I can not wait to get my hands on Veganomicon, I think I might be picking it up today!
As for your dinner, I definately think you probably lost a good amount of flavor/sodium (which, believe it or not can make or break a cheezy dish) omitting the veggie broth if it were one of the main “spices”. Cutting back on the oil shouldn’t have been a problem, I’m sure it’s the salt that did it!
(and a giant bowl of peanut butter? that would be absolute heaven!!)
May 10, 2008 at 10:21 am
Can’t go wrong with PBJ and fruit!! Yum!!
Either get ED&BV or Vive Le Vegan - I have all of those cookbooks that you mentioned but I use those two the most!! Highly recommended :0)
Sorry that your dinner was disappointing :0( There’s always next time!
May 10, 2008 at 10:31 am
I have Garden of Vegan, How it All Vegan, Veganomicon, and Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. My absolute favorite is How it All Vegan.. I have made tons of stuff from there and sometimes think they are are geniuses! You would love it! I just got Garden of Vegan recently but so far I am very impressed! I don’t know if this is a common opinion but I don’t like V’con! I feel like the recipes call for so many ingredients and try to imitate meat tastes. How it All Vegan and Garden use all yummy ingredients without attempting to fake certain tastes. I hope that makes sense… As for Vegan Cupcakes I would only get it if you are sure you will use it a lot. I have only used it I think twice! But the recipes are very tasty.
I also made Mac Daddy and was extremely disappointed! The taste was horrible, I’m not sure if it was the nutritional yeast or what. The texture was also weird. How it all Vegan has a Bean & Cheese Casserole that kind of has a macaroni & cheese taste and is delicious!
Hope this helps!
May 11, 2008 at 9:44 am
I was disappointed last night too, but for a different reason. Can you guess what it was? (Hint: it has to do with one of our shared passions)
On the brighter side, your lunch looks beautiful– I especially love how you fanned out the fruit so artistically.
May 11, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Thank you, everyone, for your recommendations and help on the mac daddy! I really appreciate it, and you all definitely helped me make a decision!
ED&BV here we come!!!! When I have my leftovers I will try adding a little bit of salt!
ChocolateCoveredVegan-
Poor Stars 
It’s only been two games though, so they can still do it!!!!
I’m sorry