Worth It Wednesday: Yummy.

The following is a part of a new feature here. Blogs and the internet greatly influence what I buy and where I shop. Buying something that ends up ineffective is one of my pet peeves - so getting a recommendation from someone honest and real is always a welcome occasion. I avoid being completely materialistic, but consumerism is part of life for most of us. Buying things that work and that you love avoids wasting money and products - I'm sure I'm not the only one who's bought a product that ended up not working and got shoved to the back of the cabinet, unused.

I want to spread the news about wonderful services and products to you all - and for you to do the same. Post this on your blog as well! I'd love to hear about what works for you.

Allrecipes.com is my best friend. It's free, the recipes are rated by other cooks, and there is a recipe for [almost] everything you could ever want. Between that and other recipe sites, I thought I'd never need to buy a real cookbook.

And...then I found VEGAN WITH A VENGEANCE.


Worth: $10-12 on Amazon. (I checked mine out of the library first, because I'm hesitant to buy books - especially cookbooks.

Works For: People who enjoy eating and like to have fun in the kitchen. Isa is straightforward and doesn't get all technical in her recipes - she uses plain language and is hilariously honest. More than just a book of recipes, you feel as though you're hanging out with her in the kitchen. She also simplifies recipes that sound complex - so don't be too scared!

{In case you're worried - it's definitely NOT just for vegans or vegetarians. Although, with recipes called Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Sweet Potato Pie with Three-Nut Topping, Mushroom and Sun-dried Tomato Risotto - you won't even miss the meat!}

What I Love: So many reasons. First of all: each and every recipe I've made out of here has been fantastic. That is so rare - it's often a risk. Not with this cookbook. I've made amazing Corn Chowder, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Maple Walnut Cookies, Baked Cajun Fries, Apple Pie Crumb Muffins, Maple-Mustard-Glaze Potatoes and String Beans. and Mocha Chip Muffins that have all gotten rave reviews and have been insanely delicious. In addition to dozens of creative, useful recipes -there are tons of helpful tips. I've been dying to make the Faux-tess Cupcakes. Yes - that's right - like Hostess Cupcakes. Yum. Little Debbies will always have my heart, no matter how long it's been since I've had them. :)

What I Wish: That I had more time to make the recipes! :) Still not convinced? Try out some recipes here.