Monthy Foods Finds

By Alexandra Caspero on February 11, 2015

Monthly food finds! I admit, it was difficult narrowing down my latest food finds as I feel like I’ve been finding so many great products lately. Since I want this column to always be an honest, transparent list of current favorites, I had to weed out the “I likes” and keep only the  “I loves”. Items that didn’t make the cut include this mustard that we brought back from Jamaica along with Trader Joe’s new Sambal Salsa (be prepared to put it on anything you can get your hands on).

The Vegetarian Flavor Bible

I honestly try to limit how many food gadgets/books I put on this list, which I know sounds beyond silly when this month I am featuring two different cookbooks. However, I am not exaggerating when I say that if you like to cook and experiment in the kitchen, you MUST buy this book. It is everything I have ever wanted in a book and more.

If you aren’t familiar with the Flavor Bible series (there’s also an omnivore version), imagine the most elaborate dictionary on food. Each ingredient is broken down by tasting notes, nutrition, food pairings, how famous restaurants use it, combination ideas and more. I really cannot say enough great things about it and really believe that this is the kind of book that inspires cooking. Instead of recipes, this book gives unlimited possibilities. If you love food, you will love this book. Peeled

Peeled Mango Slices

Don’t you just hate it when you go to buy dried fruit, you look at the ingredient list, and you find that it has added sugars, sulfites, preservatives and artificial colors? Drives me nuts! I used to love dried mango and dried strawberries and ate them without a care- until I looked at the package one day and found that my beloved snack had quite a bit of added sugars and sulfites added to it.

Since then, I’ve been searching for dried fruit that is exactly that- dried fruit and nothing else! I stumbled upon Peeled and have been hooked! While I’ve only tried their Much-Ado-About-Mango flavor, I love the individual packs that I can throw in my purse to enjoy as needed. If you love snacking on dried fruit, check out these packs!
Plentymore

Plenty More

Yes, it’s another cookbook, but there is no way I couldn’t share this one with you as well. I am in love with this cookbook <—- No lie. I keep it next to my nightstand to flip through before bed. Even if you aren’t as much of a weirdo about cookbooks as I am, you will want this one on your shelves.

Let me plead the case for Ottolenghi. First off, this is a cook’s cookbook. The recipes aren’t simple or necessarily easy, but that’s also the entire appeal. Ottolenghi has a way with vegetables and prepares them in the most imaginative, creative ways possible. His recipes are unlike anything I’ve ever tried before and some of the best dishes I’ve ever made have been his (I also own Jerusalem and Plenty. Yes, I know I am a cookbook addict). Buy or borrow this book for the Black Pepper Tofu alone! If you want to branch out from “traditional” recipes, check out Plenty More. All of the recipes are vegetarian and a few are naturally vegan, although you could omit the dairy as needed.

Amazingmeal

Amazing Meal Blends

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been all about the convenience lately. January and February seem to be some of my busiest months of the year so I’ve been relying on tried and true favorites along with packable items to get me through long days and weekend trips. While I’ve tried several different smoothie packs, including both the Vega & Arbonne packets, I really love the flavor options from Amazing Meal. Unsurprisingly, the Chocolate Infusion is my favorite, but all of them are great and filling! I’ve been keeping these in my desk for times when I forget to pack something or don’t have enough time to eat a meal but want something healthy. All of the flavors contain a blend of organic protein, greens, fruits, and vegetables. Love that!

Alright, throwing it back to you- I wanna know what you are loving right now!?

The Ultimate Plant-Based Protein Cookbook + Course

(Includes 40+ recipes!)

FREE 7-DAY COURSE + COOKBOOK

Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

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    1. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Healt
      February 11, 2015 AT 10:42 pm

      I actually just bought The Vegetarian Flavor Bible today! I kept hearing about it and finally took the plunge.

      The best cookbook I bought recently is Amy Chaplin’s At Home in The Whole Food Kitchen. It is stunning and so inspiring. I just want to stay home every day and cook my way through it, haha!

      And yes, I love the chocolate infusion Amazing Meal. It makes for a delicious chocolate avocado smoothie!

    2. Aine @ awkwardirishgirlblogs.w
      February 11, 2015 AT 5:25 pm

      I’ve been dying to buy Ottolenghi’s books for ages! They’re so expensive though – I feel like cookbooks are such an investment when there are limitless recipes for free on the internet? I’m for sure going to splurge on them sooner or later though, he puts such an interesting spin on recipes that I haven’t seen anywhere else!

      1. Alex @ DelishKnowledge
        February 11, 2015 AT 7:29 pm

        I totally understand that but I will say- there is nothing like Ottolenghis recipes! They are a little more pricier than other cookbooks but the quality of photos and recipes are worth it. I do think that I love Plenty More over Plenty!

    3. Dana | fresh simple five
      February 11, 2015 AT 12:13 pm

      I love reading these posts each month! I think I need the flavor bible… in both the vegetarian and omnivore varieties — haha! Dried mangoes are one of my favorite snacks too, but so hard to find ones without sugar. Sometimes Trader Joe’s carries them, but they have two varieties, one with sugar and one without — so you got to be careful.

      1. Alex @ DelishKnowledge
        February 11, 2015 AT 7:31 pm

        The flavor bible is incredible! I wasn’t sure I needed another cookbook (which I know is a phrase I say to myself ALL the time) but I am so happy I ended up getting it! I’ve already referenced it half a dozen times and feel likes its going to be my go-to reference book!

    4. The Gist of Fit
      February 11, 2015 AT 10:19 am

      I LOOOOVE good veggie cookbooks!! Totally adding that to my list! Thanks!!
      And ya…it’s weird how fun it can be to read cookbooks…

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