Book Wishlist

What's on your wish list for books to get for the holidays?

Here are a few that I recommend to give (or ask for):

Everyday Traditions by Nava Atlas

This is a really cool book full of ideas for traditions and rituals for your family. There are suggestions for daily or weekly rituals like family dinner, reading together, family meetings; seasonal rituals like spring planting, summer relaxation, fall festivities and cozy winter traditions; as well as annual ideas for birthdays, anniversaries, and honoring the departed. Atlas also includes a section on friendship rituals including dates with friends, starting a women's book group, and my favorite - the lost art of letter writing. There are so many little tidbits that you'll be inspired to create your own special traditions that your children will remember and want to carry on.

Christmas From the Heart of the Home by Susan Branch

I love all of Branch's books. They are full of recipes, ideas, and wonderful watercolor illustrations. Like Atlas's book, this too inspired me to create traditions and rituals with my family. Everytime I read one of Branch's books, I can't wait to invite friends over so I can try out all her ideas. If you know someone who likes to entertain, this would be the perfect gift - as would any of the Heart of the Home books.

Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook

I heard about this one on a local radio show. The new version is just out and they were interviewing one of the editors. I haven't seen the book but it sounds great. The pictures are supposed to be wonderful. Besides recipes, it sounds like there are lots of craft, decorating, and entertaining ideas. This one is on my holiday wish list. I think there will be lots of fun stuff to make with my kids.

Beautiful Breads and Fabulous Fillings by Margaux Sky

This is a beautiful book with wonderful sounding recipes. The author (chef) is famous for creating the "O" Special Sandwich. The book is full of very original breads like Horseradish-Parmesan Bread and Lavender-Mint Love Bread. She has recipes for sauces, spreads, and sandwich fillings and these amazing breads with the fillings baked right in like Mixed Garden Sandwich Loaf and Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich Loaf. There are also soups, salads, and desserts from her restaurant in San Luis Obipso. This is not vegetarian but there are vegetarian and vegan recipes in here as well as whole grain breads. It's just a fun book to look through because the breads and sandwiches are so beautiful. I recommend this for any bread baker in your life.

Vegan Lunchbox

I really, really want this book. I've been a big fan of the vegan lunchbox blog (http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com) for a long time and I'm so excited that all the recipes are now in a book. I've heard great things about this.

A Beautiful Bowl of Soup by Paulette Mitchell

I was at the bookstore today picking out a few gifts and this book caught my eye. I browsed through it as I was paying for my purchases and every soups looked amazing (the book is full of gorgeous pictures). Best of all, they are all vegetarian and some vegan. To name a few that sound especially good to me: Yukon Gold Potato Soup, Farina Dumpling Soup, Asparagus-Leek Soup, Jalapeno-Corn Chowder, Pumpkin Stew (in a real pumpkin), Indian Cumin-Scented Coconut Milk Stew, Roasted Vegetable Stew (the picture looks incredible!), and Cashew Chili. There are also chilled soups and recipes for garnishes and accompaniments - I have to try the Rosemary Shortbread. So, if you haven't guessed, this book ended up being an early christmas present to myself.


And of course, I hope if you have any moms (or any who are expecting) on your list, I hope you'll think of giving Simply Natural Baby Food or The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook by yours truly (www.simplynaturalbooks.com).

Healthy Holiday Gifts From Your Kitchen

If you want some ideas for healthy (but still yummy) gifts you can give this holiday season, check out my December column of "The Whole Family" at http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/index.htm. Check out the entire December, 2006 issue of VegFamily Magazine at www.vegfamily.com.