Skinny Bitch in the Kitch: Kick-Ass Recipes for Hungry Girls Who Want to Stop Cooking Crap (and Start Looking Hot!)

I bought this book after reading Skinny Bitch. I have to admit that it's taken me several months to get on board with the Vegan diet and to try some of the recipes. What really changed my mind was Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman. So far I've tried the Guacamole (EXCELLENT!) and the tofu ricotta (ALSO EXCELLENT!). I wouldn't have this as my only Vegan cookbook but it's a good supplement.

THERE WAS TO MUCH SWEARING, I'M NOT A PRUDE BUT THIS KIND OF LANGUAGE WAS UNCALLED FOR TO GET THEIR POINT ACROSS. I WON'T BUY ANYMORE OF THEIR BOOKS. THEY HAVE A NEGATIVE APPROACH, I WASN'T IMPRESSED AT ALL!

I got this book from the library and while I am not a vegan, still managed to make and enjoy a few of these recipes. I am a cookbook whore (as you can probably tell, I don't mind their f*@&ing language) and this is a small, basic cookbook that serves well for those times when you are uninspired and are tired of meat, but can't think of what to make. I made the Club Sandwich with vegan turkey, vegan bacon, vegan mayo, etc. and was pretty impressed at how close it is to the real thing but without the heavy greasy feeling afterwards. No, this will not teach you how to cook or give you super exotic haute cuisine, but expand your library of basics if you're looking for a meat-free alternative.

First let me say that some of the other reviewers aren't exactly fair. This is a vegan cookbook. It's not fair to use this review space to share opinions about the entire vegan lifestyle. You knew it was a vegan cookbook, so don't complain that none of the recipes call for meat or that you think not eating meat is unhealthy.

That being said, I think this is a great cookbook for vegans and non-vegans. There is a consistent use of faux meats and cheeses, so if you are not comfortable with that, this is not the cookbook for you. Yes, some of the recipes are simple, but it seems like the book is also about inspiring vegan cooking ideas rather than just recipes for complicated dishes. This is really great for new vegans or new cooks. It's also great for non-vegans who want healthier alternatives to their favorite meat and cheese meals, but are not sure where to start. However, the recipes are not lost on more advanced cooks or vegans because some of the dishes (most of the soups and appetizers) can become very complicated.

Some of my favorite recipes are:

Cream of Broccoli Soup
Macaroni and Cheese
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Corn Bread Muffins
Basic Fruit and Nut Muffins
Fruit Crisp
Stuffed Mushrooms
Potato Skins

I can basically survive very happily on these meals and I feel as if they are decadent. I am a vegan who has struggled to give up dairy products and these recipes don't make me feel like I'm giving up anything. My parents, whom have high cholesterol, also greatly enjoy the recipes and my mother's cholesterol has gone down 30 points. Finally, my fiancé, who REFUSES to even look at a meal without meat, loves everything I make from this book and now says I'm the best cook he knows. He especially likes the casseroles and the mashed potatoes.

Cute book. Not a LOT of recipes, but enough for some little things. Cute gift to give.