When it comes to meal inspiration, I’m a cookbook addict. My amazon wishlist always has at least 2 new cookbooks in it I want to try. Being plant based, I find that I do better when I’m switching up what I’m eating so I don’t get bored. The current book I’ve been testing and making meals from: The First Mess*.

Now, if you haven’t heard of The First Mess, it is originally a blog run by Laura Wright. Filled with loads of plant based goodness,10 minutes on her blog and you’ll be in the kitchen cooking up a storm. But this past year, Laura came out with her first cookbook: The First Mess Cookbook.

Personally, I love recipes that are filled with plants and do everything possible to avoid processed foods. They help me beef up my diet when I’ve been a bit too indulgent. And Laura’s recipes have been filling my kitchen and my stomach for the past several weeks.

If you follow me on instagram, you’ll see I’ve made quite a few. From eggplant bacon to moroccan stew, and cozy lentil soup to spaghetti squash noodle bowls, her approach to food is unique and filed with loads of flavor. Each dish is a twist on something you may already love but it is equally as great if not greater.

Before I bring any cookbook to the blog, I try to ask a few questions. There are so many out there that I think it’s important to filter things to you that are helpful. Here are the questions I ask:

Is it versatile? – Absolutely. From twists on Thai to Italian, there is something for everyone in this book. There is a recipe for just about everything I might want to cook in a week.

Is it different from everyone else? – Without a doubt, yes. Every chef has their thing. Whether it’s a go to spice or grain, you’ll find the more you cook from one person the more you’ll notice it. Laura is great about being seasonally aware of what she’s cooking. The recipes are built so that if you’re cooking from a certain season most of the ingredients are easy to get a hold of.

Is it affordable? – Yes but it depends on where you buy it. As a self announce amazon addict, I buy most of my books there because I know that it’s the best price. If you want a copy, you can grab it here*. Plus, it’s almost half the cover price.

Is it new chef friendly? 100%. I can’t stand when I buy a cook book and the recipes aren’t quite right. I don’t mind adapting recipes but I hate for new chefs to be discouraged if a recipe is written poorly. The First Mess is great for chefs of all levels.

Do I need it in my kitchen? Yes. Go buy it now and thank me later. The quality of the hardback book is genuinely amazing. There are SO many recipes. I’ve found that smoked paprika is a standard for Laura but I’d never used it. I’m learning new things every time I cook from The First Mess*.

So there you have it. My review and newly found love for The First Mess. If you’re newly vegan or a pro, this cook book will inspire you to add even more plant filled recipes into your life.

What’s your favorite cookbook? Or maybe there is one you’d love a review on? Leave me a note below and let me know.

Until next time

Xoxo,

Savannah