This was an exceptional year for cookbooks focused on healthy eating and living. My latest cookbook, Vegan Family Meals, Real Food for Everyone has made several 2011 Favorite Cookbook Lists.

My family and I enjoyed cooking and eating from “other people’s cookbooks.” Same way we like to eat at “other people’s restaurants.” Both are deliciously fun! I’ve come up with my own list of fave cookbooks that I cooked the most from this year. Innovative recipes, gorgeously photographed food, educational information and funny anecdotes made these cookbooks inviting and accessible. I have a great appreciation for my colleagues who put their dynamic energy in both their writing and cooking. Hope you’ll enjoy these books as much as I have.

• Big Vegan: More than 350 Recipes, No Meat/No Dairy All Delicious by Robin Asbell and Kate Sears
“A big book of recipes and information made from joy.”

• Vegan Holiday Kitchen: More than 200 Delicious, Festive Recipes for Special Occasions by Nava Atlas
“Another thoughtful cookbook from an author whose passion I always feel.”

• Spork-Fed: Super Fun and Flavorful Vegan Recipes from the Sisters of Spork Foods by Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg
“Fun colorful book from two fun colorful sisters in my hometown.”

• Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body and Soul by Julie Hasson
“These recipes capture the spirit of the independent Southern diners I grew up eating in.”

• Blissful Bites: Vegan Meals That Nourish Mind, Body, and Planet by Christy Morgan
“Make the recipes in this book and you’ll find eating healthy can be blissful, tasty and delicious too.”

• Vegan’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Inspiration for Cooking, Eating, and Living Compassionately by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
“Not only did Colleen created this beautiful book but she also published a second book this year called the 30-day Vegan Challenge. Hats off to Colleen for inspiring people to look at what and how they eat.”

• Ani’s Raw Food Asia: Easy East-West Fusion Recipes the Raw Food Way by Ani Phyo
“These recipes are as creative and deliciously tasteful as Ani is herself.”

• Candle 79 Cookbook: Modern Vegan Classics from New York’s Premier Sustainable Restaurant by Joy Pierson, Angel Ramos and Jorge Pineda
“Haute couture vegan food done consistently well in both book and New York restaurant.”

• Quick-Fix Vegan: Healthy, Homestyle Meals in 30 Minutes or Less by Robin Robertson
“I don’t know how Robin does it, but once again she’s come up with simple and tasty recipes.”

• The Tipsy Vegan: 75 Boozy Recipes o Turn Every Bite into Happy Hour by John E. Schlimm
“Finally, a vegan book that celebrates indulging in a few cocktails. Don’t worry, it has savory recipes too.”

• Fresh: New Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes from the Award-winning Fresh Restaurants by Ruth Tal and Jennifer Houston
“A second book from the gals from Fresh. If you are ever in Toronto, it is a must visit.”

• Have Your Cake and Vegan Too: 50 Dazzling and Delicious Cake Creations by Kris Holechek
“Who better to learn the art of cake making then from your aunt and great-grandmothers.”

• BabyCakes Covers the Classics: Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes from Donuts to Snickerdoodles by Erin McKenna
“Erin did it again. And boy am I glad Baby Cakes LA is in downtown, miles from my hood. This way I can control my desire for these delightful treats.”

• Vegan Pie in the Sky: 75 Out-of-This-World Recipes for Pies, Tarts, Cobblers, and More by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero
“Anything these two ladies create is always beyond delicious.”

• Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi by Yotam Ottolenghi and Jonathan Lovekin
“A high-end chef and restaurateur celebrating vegetables can’t get any better than this.”

• Super Natural Every Day: Well-loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen by Heidi Swanson
“Heidi is a goddess of naturally good recipes. Her ease in the way she offers us her beautiful bounty is to bow down too. Heavenly.”

• Ancient Grains for Modern Meals: Mediterranean Whole Grain Recipes for Barley, Farro, Kamut, Polenta, Wheat Berries & More by Maria Speck
“Any book about how to cook creatively with whole grains is in use in my home kitchen.”

• Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole
Family Will Love by Sarah Matheny
“A sweet book for a family. The perfect baby shower gift to start out in the right direction.”