Lauren Ulm is the amazingly creative young woman who created one of the most beautiful food blogs on the net. Her photography is breathtaking, her artistry is apparent, and her recipes are solid and reliable.  She has generously shared her talents with the universe on her blog, and now has moved into book publishing, so it is no surprise her first cookbook is a work of art.  I always appreciate cookbooks that have photos of the recipe on the same page as the recipe, but her cookbook unsurprisingly takes it to the next level – the recipe is superimposed on a full-page photo, for glorious, beautiful effect. Each page is high gloss and the cover is no less appealing. The dimensions are a tiny bit smaller in width, making it easy to handle. Despite its high quality color and photos, the price is about the same or slightly less than most of the cookbooks (paperback) that are out there. (For a view of her creativity, check out these cupcakes she made for her knitting group.)

Beautiful Presentation and Clear Directions Make Vegan Yum Yum a Delight

If you are familiar with Lauren’s website, you will be aware of the lengths she goes to explain every step of the recipe making process, including series of photos. That is true in her cookbook as well, with numerous photos documenting just how to wrap dolmas or onigiris. And Lauren has included many ethnic recipes in the mix, such exotic recipes as Miniature Napoleons with Eggplant Creme, Thai Tea with Fresh Coconut, and Chana Samosa. The organization is super easy, with Breakfast and Brunch, Main Dishes, Appetizers, Salads, Side Dishes and Light Meals, Soups, Pasta, Desserts, and Drinks, ending with Sauces, Dips and Spreads.

When I first picked up this cookbook, I looked at it appreciatively, then put it back on the shelf. I did not see much that I thought I would actually make. Whenever I receive a cookbook (or look to purchase one), I usually peruse the book in search of appealing recipes as a starting point. Generally, I like to try at least three recipes before I decide how much I will use the book and how much I will appreciate it. For Vegan Yum Yum, the first recipe I tried was Weekend Pancakes Made Easy. It is, as duly noted, a super easy recipe, blender ready in only minutes, and near perfection in texture and taste. In fact, it was so quick and easy we enjoyed these tasty treats on a regular weekday with time to spare in scooting off to school.

Exotic Vegan Recipes and Just Plain Comfort Food Combine in Lauren Ulm’s Book

Next was Dal Makhani, a rich and comforting food that has just enough spice to keep it interesting, but not so much that it won’t appeal to a wide audience. Containing red lentils, raw cashews, cinnamon, cardamom and many other ingredients, this one came together more easily than I expected and not a speck was left. Served with cashew creme, it almost tastes a bit decadent. Like the Weekend Pancakes, it will be a regular at our house. The Banana Bread with Spelt turned out beautifully and was a real hit with our favorite banana bread enthusiast, age ten. But for my taste, it was a tiny bit dry – Lauren warns us to add a little liquid if we are not used to using spelt. This one was more bread, where I prefer banana breads that are very moist and bit more like a moist brownie.

Another interesting take on a traditional tomato soup is Spicy Tomato Chickpea Soup. This one has a plethora of great spices and the chickpea give it some heft and substance, not to mention a good dose of protein, too. Currently, the British Lemon Maple Scones with Clotted Cream (Earth Balance and Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese) are in the mix. This recipe covers three pages, with four glorious photos showing the reader how they should look, how they are cut, and how they are glazed. I can already imagine how they will taste, these sweet biscuits with a sweetened creamy center and fresh berries on top – and to think I once walked away from this book. Shame on me.

Vegan Yum Yum is Worth a Second Look

This is the one when I want something different, or exotic, or spectacular. This is for moods. This is that treat I give myself for getting a podcast out the door and or give the family just because I love them. If you never cook, this is the one to have on hand just to enjoy the photos and to show non-vegans how the other half (okay, 1%) live. At least pick it up and look at it. Now really look at the recipes – see, they aren’t all that difficult are they? And with Lauren Ulm at the helm, who knows what miracles you might create?