Overview
“Living Crazy Healthy” is a new plant based cookbook by Jennifer Rossano of NeuroticMommy.com. Jennifer doesn’t just do recipes! Her site is complete with health & wellness and lifestyle. She also happens to be very funny. (There isn’t a chance that I watch her instagram stories without laughing out loud about something.) Most importantly, she keeps it real, and so do her recipes.
100 recipes with really bright and fun photographs. While not every recipe has a photo, the recipes are so simple, that you don’t actually need it. It includes everything from breakfasts (smoothies included!) lunches, dinners and snacks – and they are all really family friendly. In fact, she writes a little tip of how to get your kids involved with the recipe so they feel ownership of it and enjoy eating it!
What’s Included
I love that Jennifer included “splurge alerts”, lunchbox ideas (hello back to school!!) and most, if not all of her recipes are so simple to make. You probably have most items in your house already. I did when I made the featured recipe (Chickpea Salad Sandwich).
She guides you through your new cooking adventure with a list of kitchen tools, equipment and pantry list , which is great for someone who is new to veganism or just wants to make healthier choices of what to have in their kitchen.
Some Of My Favorites
Quinoa Porridge with Blueberry Sauce, Peachy Pina Colada Shake, Berry Grilled Cheese, Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Carrot Dogs, Sweet Potato Mousse, Italian Holiday Soup, and Oatmeal Cream Pies. Honestly, I can see myself cooking through this whole book with my kids because everything is pretty inviting and you can’t beat the easy factor – especially on a weeknight!
What Sets It Apart
This cookbook is not trying to be something it’s not. It’s simply made, plant based food that you want to make with your kids. I also like that the photographs (taken by Jennifer)are bright and fun and will really engage your kids.
The book is printed on paper produced from sustainable PEFC-certified forest/controlled wood source. It’s hardcover, but not overly huge in size – so it works on the counter when working off of the recipe. The recipe ingredients are highlighted in blue – which makes it easier to read when going back and forth for your mise en place. (“everything in place” or essentially, getting all your ingredients)
How It Inspired Me
Jennifer shares a personal story about how she did not grow up with a vegan lifestyle, and how some hardships got her to the point of where she is today. She inspires you to take a look at the vegan diet in a different way and think about the food you eat, while creating new traditions.
How To Buy This Book
Disclosure: Amazon affiliate link. If you choose to purchase from my link, I would earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog while getting a cool book!
Purchase On Amazon
Recipe published with permission
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1/2 tablespoon dried dill weed (I used fresh and it was great too!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup baby kale
- 4-6 slices breas of choice, toasted
- side salad or fruit optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash chickpeas so that there aren't any whole pieces left. Add mayo, oil, grapes, dill, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Spred filling evenly over half bread slices and top each with 1/4 cup kale. Place remaining slices of bread over top and serve with a side salad or fresh fruit.
- KID HELP:
- -When you rinse and drain the chickpeas, let your kid smash them uo with a masher or fork.
- -Have them add in the mayo and seasonings and give it a mix.
- -Assemble the sandwiches together as a team because it's more fun that way!