A huge factor for a lot of people when deciding to transition to a vegan lifestyle is giving up dairy products, specifically cheese.
No longer will you be able to have pizza covered in mozzarella, or sprinkle any parmesan over your Bologna.
There are vegan versions of cheese out there, but most just taste stale or boring.
So how are we supposed to combat this?
Some people out there who use their cooking know-how and expertise to discover and create realistic cheese substitutes which taste great and are free of the dairy.
But you might not be one of those people.
Let’s face it, we’re all busy, we just want something that’s quick, easy and tastes good.
So that’s where I come in!
Today I’ve got 3 really amazing vegan cheese cookbooks that will totally change you’re mind on just how great vegan cheese can actually be.
Let’s get started…
1. Artisan Vegan Cheese
From Everyday to Gourmet
by Miyoko Schinner
This book comes from gourmet restauranteur and vegan expert Miyoko Schinner.
In Artisan Vegan Cheese, Miyoko shares her secrets to making the perfect homemade vegan cheeses which retain all of the flavors of their dairy cousins.
Miyoko guides you on how to tease artisan flavors out of nuts and plant-based ingredients.
Within the vegan cheese cookbook, she shows the process of making a wide variety of cheeses, from soft, creamy cheese to sharper cheese.
She also adds in some extras such as vegan sour cream, yogurt, and crème Fraiche.
She also provides recipes in which to incorporate these cheeses, such as Caprese and mac and cheese.
This is an excellent book for those in the beginning stages of vegan cheese making.
These recipes are surprisingly easy to make and yield authentic, tasty and nutritional cheeses. The book includes methods to make the following:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Cashew Cheese
- Chevre
- Mascarpone
This cookbook is an excellent addition to any kitchen, whether you are vegan, vegetarian or just want to include a healthy cheese option into your diet.
2. The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook
Delicious Dairy-Free Cheeses and Classic “Uncheese” Dishes
by Jo Stepaniak
This book aims to help you enjoy your favorite cheeses without the worry of animal products, dairy or cholesterol problems.
Including methods to make a host of cheeses and recipes such as:
- Gooey Grilled Cheez
- Crock Cheez
- Tofu Boursin
- Gee Whiz Spread (aged cheddar variation)
- Cheez-a-roni
The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook is perfect for those who are starting out as vegans and want those familiar cheesy flavors with their favorite dishes, as well as any conscious cook who would like to incorporate these into their diet.With a variety of cheeses ranging from thick, spreadable cheese to sharp cheddar – this vegan cheese book is a great all round addition to a vegan kitchen.Even more the more skeptical amongst you, it may be worth having an open mind with these cheeses – the taste may surprise you!
3. The Non-Dairy Evolution Cookbook
A Modernist Culinary Approach to Plant-Based, Dairy Free Foods
by Skye Michael Conroy
The Non-Dairy Evolution Cookbook is jam packed full of recipes and helpful tips on making all of your favorite dairy products, from butter to milk, to creams and cheeses – this is a full dairy lover’s guide to veganism.
Using ingredients such as cashew nuts and tofu, there are endless possibilities.
Some of the foods you’ll learn to make include:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Whipped cream
- Cheese sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Marshmallows
- Coffee creamer
With such a diverse range of foods, this is a kitchen essential for any vegan home.Each recipe contains easy to read, detailed instructions which will make it so easy to make healthy, nutritious dairy-free products.This is a great book for those who suffer lactose intolerance but still want to experience that creamy taste which comes from dairy.It’s not only for vegans but also for anyone who wants to cut dairy out of their diet for health reasons.
As you can see from the recipe cookbooks above, there are some great chefs out there who have made the transition to a non-dairy diet much easier to handle.
With recipes for so many different foods, it’s no wonder more and more people are turning to an entirely vegan lifestyle.
If you are trying to go vegan but find it hard to give up dairy, try out one of the vegan cheese cookbooks mentioned above and your vegan journey will be much easier.
Just remember, you don’t have to be perfect.
You’ve spent an entire lifetime eating animal products, so it won’t be easy to go cold turkey.
Just eliminate products from your diet when you find a better vegan alternative.
And without a doubt, the cookbooks in this article will definitely make it much easier for you to make that transition away from dairy products.