Vegan Italian Cooking with "Mama Tried" and Cecilia Granata

One of the benefits I have enjoyed over the years of writing this blog is that occasionally people will send my cookbooks to try, and anyone who knows me knows how much I LOOOOVVVE vegan cookbooks. Reading cookbooks and daydreaming about what to make is so enjoyable and relaxing. When I am able to set aside some free time to just sit and unwind, nothing is better than leisurely flipping through a cookbook and letting myself be inspired by all of the wonderful ideas other people have had and shared.

Some months ago, I was sent a fabulous little cookbook and I feel I must apologize for taking so long to write about it. There is this wonderful independent press out of Portland called Microcosm Publishing, and over the years I have enjoyed a number of  their DIY and vegan cookbooks. I really love the kinds of books they publish, as well as their fresh, creative style.This particular cookbook is by Cecilia Granata and is called Mama Tried - Italian Cooking for the Screwed, Crude, Vegan, and Tattooed. It is chock-full of fabulous tattoo art illustrations and really great recipes for making delicious Italian meals.

I am including a video of the author talking about her book and her cooking so you can see for yourself how amazingly lovely, adorable, and utterly charming she is. And how appetizing her food looks! If you are anything like me, you will find yourself wishing you could eat everything she is making in the video! Don't be surprised if you find yourself very, very hungry after watching this clip.

As I mentioned, the book is filled with great recipes to help you make some truly delicious meals, and I know I will return to it for inspiration time and time again. I recently made a fantastic pasta dish served with a side of  her "Seitan Scallops in Lemon Sauce," and it was quite tasty.  It got me thinking that I should try that same recipe again with the scallops from Sophie's Kitchen Vegan Scallops and I think it would be quite wonderful.

Today's post is a shout out both to the company I really love,  Microcosm Publishing, and to Cecilia Granata, for her unique and tasty book of vegan Italian recipes. I hope you will give Mama Tried a try and that you will enjoy it as much as I do!