Letter to the Reader

THE

VEGAN COOKBOOK

Dear Reader,

When I first decided to give up eggs and dairy, I asked every vegan I knew for their advice. One sentiment always stood out: “Learn to cook.” I had always preferred cooking leisurely meals on weekend mornings and special occasions, and couldn’t imagine making dinner after a long day at the office.

So I made it into a fun game. Every time I went grocery shopping, I tried a new food or ingredient to see what it could be transformed into. The supermarket carried so many foods I never knew existed, as I’d always walked right past the tahini and tempeh!

Now, after nearly a decade of vegan living, it’s my turn to pass on acquired wisdom. Having a few quick meals in your cooking repertoire that you can whip up in a flash will certainly make your life as a vegan much easier. Fall in love with a quick stir-fry or satisfying pasta dish that you can make over and over again on those busy nights.

But just as important, enjoy the process and celebrate your vegan diet. As a vegan, you personally save the lives of approximately eighty-three animals a year, reduce your carbon output by an average of 3,000 pounds, and conserve 1.4 million gallons of water a year. Now that’s something to be proud of.

I may not be able to bring peace to the Middle East, but I can bring peace to my table.

And I’m so glad you have chosen to do the same.

Jolinda Hackett