I’m talking about a wonderful new book today, Yum Universe, sharing a recipe AND giving one of you the chance to win a copy!
I’ve been reading and introducing others to the Yum Universe website for a long time now and it’s one of the first sites/blogs I started using and cooking from when I went vegan nearly 5 years ago. Everything I love about the site and a whole lot more has been put into this stunning new book of the same name by Yum Universe founder, Heather Crosby.
Almond Pulp Chocolate Pudding-
A great way to use up that leftover pulp when making your own nut milks at home
This is so much more than a recipe book. Heather starts with why you might consider a “plant-inspired diet”, addressing common concerns and bringing some clarity to the huge confusion that exists in the world of diet and health. Though I’m already very committed to this lifestyle, I still found this section fascinating and it definitely reinvigorated my commitment to healthy living.
The “how” section is hugely comprehensive and an amazing resource for everyone, from those who’ve never cooked vegetables to long-time vegans. I’ve picked up so many useful tips I can’t even begin to list them. But what I can say is that the book is helping me cultivate habits which are, in turn, making eating healthily on a day-to-day basis that bit easier. There are complete guides to recommended kitchen equipment and ingredients, storage advice, plan-ahead suggestions and a whole lot more.
Chickpea Flatbread with Blackberries, Balsamic & Thyme-
Heather shares a basic chickpea flatbread recipe and a whole string of variations, all of which sound scrumptious.
I’m looking forward to working my way through them all.
And then there are the recipes! All recipes are vegan (except the very occasional honey which can easily be swapped out), gluten-free and soy-free. I’ve only had my copy of the book for a few weeks but I’ve already made a lot. My pictures in this post only show half of what I’ve tried and everything I’ve made has been fantastic. Even more than the recipes themselves, I love that there are so many variations listed and ideas for making the recipes your own.
Sweet Potato, Kale & Lentil Stew-
This sounds humble and is so easy to put together but produces a seriously tasty meal that I’d happily eat over and over.
Buckwheat Noodle Pad Thai-
This is going to be a regular. It’s one of those dishes that tastes far too delicious to be as easy as it is. Perfect for weeknights.
Heather and BenBella Books have generously allowed me to share a recipe from the book as well as hold a WORLDWIDE giveaway for one of you to win a copy of new book! (See bottom of post)
This Orange Pepita Granola is so good, I know you’re all going to love it. If you haven’t made your own granola yet, this one will have you converted. There are just a few ingredients, a short baking time and, best of all, it’s crispy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3/4 C Maple syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 C Rolled oats
- 1 C Shredded coconut
- 1 C Pumpkin seeds
- 1 C Almonds, roughly chopped
- Zest from 2 navel oranges
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- Pinch ground cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300/150C.
- In a small bowl, stir together the wet ingredients.
- In a large bowl, toss together dry ingredients
- Add wet ingredients to dry and fold well.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (or just one- you can split the batch, baking one half at a time)
- Bake the granola for 20-25 minutes. Granola should look slightly browned and toasted.
- Remove from oven and repeat if you are splitting the batch. Granola will harden as it cools.
Yum Universe is available to order now from Amazon and various other retailers. Check out this page to hear what the author herself has to say about the book and for more information.
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Nicola says
I ordered this book a few days ago after seeing the photos you posted on Instagram! I love Heather’s blog but haven’t actually made many of her recipes yet. Hopefully that will all change when I receive her book. Good job on the photographs, you take mouth-watering pictures Emma!
Coconut and Berries says
Really pleased to hear that Nicola! I’m certain you’ll love it. The kale in miso-dijon sauce is my favourite thing right now 😀
Why not enter the giveaway anyway and if you win you can give the extra copy to a friend?!
Thank you for the lovely comments on my photos too.
Lauren (@poweredbypb) says
Wow all these recipes look and sound amazing!
Coconut and Berries says
It’s a stunning book too! I adore Heather’s pictures as well as her recipes.
Keri Badach says
I am sold…going to buy the book now!
Coconut and Berries says
Fab! I can’t imagine anyone not loving it!
Jessica Eagle says
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway !!! Your picture are georgous and evrything seem sooooo delicious !!!
My biggest challenge is having to make two different menus most of the time since my husband is not vegan. Also, when I feel sad or stressed out, I’m tempted to eat at night…good food, but a bit too much.
Coconut and Berries says
Thank you Jessica. The pictures in the book are even more gorgeous!
That does sound pretty tough having to create two menus. Maybe your husband will come around to more vegan food with a little time…?
Rosanna says
I love her blog and love her book now!.. Would love to win a hardcopy to give out as a holiday gift to family!.. I’m trying to get everyone in my family in the plant-based bandwagon!
diana @ veggienextdoor says
Challenge: having enough healthy snacks at my office to keep me satisfied during the work week.
Naomi Casiro says
Yay! This book looks awesome thanks!
Becca F says
My biggest obstacle is finding the time to make healthy food! Especially since all three people in my house eat differently
Michelle says
My biggest challenge is trying to eat everything that my body needs in a day or week to be nutritionally balanced.
Thanks for the chance to win - these recipes look really yummy
Coconut and Berries says
Thanks for entering Michelle! I’m sure this book could be help you achieve more balance.
April says
Thanks for the recipe and for introducing me to Yum Universe, it is a blog I did not yet know about! My biggest challenge to eating healthy is always wanting dessert!!
Coconut and Berries says
Oh gosh, I’m the same ! Even if I eat healthier homemade desserts it’s still dessert after all! Glad to introduce you to Yum Universe, I’m surprised it’s not wider known.
Orsi says
Thanks for introducing Yum Universe, the recipes looks and sounds amazing!
Orsi says
Forgot to say: since my husband is a carnivore, the biggest challenge to prepare separate menus.
Coconut and Berries says
Glad I could introduce you! It’s a beautiful site and book.
abbey says
this book looks great, it will go on my Christmas list!
Coconut and Berries says
Great idea Abbey! Not too long to go!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
What an amazing selection of recipes - and by the sounds of it, a really great book. That chickpea flat bread with berries has me very intrigued, and of course I’m always up for a take on chocolate pudding!
Coconut and Berries says
I think you’d like the book Kari! Though there are lots of great recipes on the Yum Universe website too if you want to get a feel for the style before committing to the book.
Vicky says
The book looks fantastic Emma, I would Love to win it!
IMO The biggest challenges to eating healthy every day are time and temptation!
Have a lovely weekend!
Coconut and Berries says
I bet a lot of people share those challenges Vicky! I know you’d love the book.
Cynthia says
My biggest challenge in eating healthily (vegan) everyday is when I can’t cook my own food, especially being at friends houses who don’t know much about the diet! But other than that I have no problem keeping it up! I thrive on healthy living!
Coconut and Berries says
That’s great to hear Cynthia! So pleased you’ve discovered this lifestyle. As I said in my post, the book is suited to those at any stage on the healthy living journey so I bet you’d love it.
Tamsyn says
Gosh, they all look delicious! Looks like a fantastic book :).
Unfortunately right now I have a currently undiagnosed digestive illness which is making eating very difficult, so that’s my biggest struggle with eating healthfully right now.
Coconut and Berries says
Oh poor you Tamsyn! That must be tough. I’m sure a healthy plant-based diet can only be helpful to you. Hope you have some relief soon!
Karen says
Love her recipes. Would love to win the book so I can try more of them!
Coconut and Berries says
So glad you already know Heather and Yum Universe Karen! You’ll definitely love the book.
Catriona says
I’ve been aware of Heather’s blog for quite some time and love her no fuss, anybody can do this attitude. The book looks amazing and I will be making the granola very, very soon.
Coconut and Berries says
That’s exactly the words to describe Heather! That attitude really comes through in the book too. Hope you love the granola!
Angela @ Canned Time says
Big fan of Yum Universe for years now. I can’t wait to see the book!
Coconut and Berries says
If you’re already a fan of Yum Universe you’ll definitely love the book Angela!
Kris Kelly says
Looking forward to giving a few of these recipes a try. Thanks for sharing!
Coconut and Berries says
Do you have a copy of the book yet Kris? Other recipes I’ve made recently from it and highly recommend are the creamy red pepper and broccoli macaroni, kale with miso-dijon sauce and almond cardamom chia pudding.I want to make everything though!
Jess says
What a beautiful cookbook! My biggest challenge is my sweet tooth.
Coconut and Berries says
That’s definitely an issue with me too Jessica! Even if I make healthier desserts from whole foods they are still desserts!
Christina says
As a single person, I struggle to by the correct amount of groceries each week and cook for one so I don’t end up wasting a lot or making too much.
Coconut and Berries says
That’s a tricky thing to manage. I’ve been cooking for one for quite a few years now and have finally pretty much got it sussed. The freezer is definitely your friend!
Lee says
Working long hrs it is easy to not cook but to catch something quick on the way home. Not as healthy!! Thanks!
Coconut and Berries says
I know that feeling. I try to do as much ahead of time as possible so when I get home it doesn’t take too long to put together a healthy meal. This book’s great for weeknight meals.
Caroline says
I’ve not come across this book before but it looks fab and I definitely fancy making that granola.
Coconut and Berries says
Glad to introduce you Caroline. Definitely check out the Yum Universe website too! Hope you enjoy the granola
Richa {VeganRicha.com} says
Awesome! i have been seeing great reviews of heather’s book. I just recently discovered her blog and it is beautiful..
Coconut and Berries says
It really is beautiful! You can tell she was a graphic designer in her past life. The recipes are fantastic too.
Yoojin says
my biggest challenge is always craving a sweet treat after lunch and dinner…
the worst is at night, but healthy recipes such as this one are super helpful
Coconut and Berries says
I have a terrible sweet tooth too - you’re definitely not alone! At least I go for healthier homemade options but it’s still dessert!
Ashley p says
My biggest challenge is going to other peoples houses. I always have to prepare my own food and make sure I have enough for extended stays.
Coconut and Berries says
That is a tough one. I’ve only ever really done short stays at other people’s houses so it hasn’t been too hard. I guess planning is key!
Jo from yummyvege says
My biggest challenges are balancing a bit of everything so I eat healthily and having the time to cook! And that’s bearign in mind that I LOVE to cook!
Coconut and Berries says
The lack of time sucks. I’ve just started a full-time job and really miss having all that time to play in my kitchen!
Emily says
my biggest healthy eating challenge is my IBS and struggling to eat a low-FODMAP diet. also chocolate chips are a huge challenge…
Coconut and Berries says
It sounds like you have more challenges to contend with than most Emily. I don’t know a huge amount about FODMAPS but bringing more limits into the equation can’t be easy. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Miss Polkadot says
Even if I don’t win: thank you for introducing me to another great blog. I thought I’d heard the name before but apparently never visited the blog - too many out there to keep up. (:
My biggest challenge is the time aspect. Especially where I live vegan or even just healthy options are hard to come by so it means I have to plan and reserve time for food prep. Actually, I just finished 2.5 + hours of that to have snacks and a few lunches for the week to come on hand. I really like eating homemamde meals but during the week it can be a struggle when I get home later than planned.
Coconut and Berries says
Aw, thank you for entering! Yum Universe is fantastic - I’m so surprised it’s not more widely known.
I’ve started to do a lot of meal prep at the weekends too. Now that I’m working full time I just don’t have the time or the energy during the week to devote to cooking like I did as a student.
ikkinlala says
My biggest challenge is lack of social support. I’m pretty good about cooking healthy for myself, but if my roommate then offers me a cookie I have a hard time turning it down.
Coconut and Berries says
hehe…life would definitely be easier if everyone could get on board with this healthy living thing
Julie says
Wow, these photos look amazing: especially the chocolate pudding and that pad thai! Wow! There are so many incredible new vegan cookbooks coming out every month it seems like! I love it!
Coconut and Berries says
Thank you The photos in the book are even nicer, I assure you!
And you’re so right, it’s very exciting to see so much buzz around veganism at the moment.
Saniel says
My challenge is money there is never enough to get essentials (bread, greens, milk) and then get individual ingredients for certain recipes. It adds up and I can’t afford $200 on food each week. Look the book, follow the blog.
Coconut and Berries says
You definitely shouldn’t need to spend that amount on food a week to eat well. My advice would be to focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables - which are usually cheaper, especially if you can get to a farmers’ market, as well as beans/legumes and whole grains, which can be bought in bulk for better value. There are lots of great ideas for cheap meals in this book!
Lea says
Entered
My biggest challenge is working full time on my feet in a kitchen and then having to come home and do it too. Whole foods are very time consuming- but I love them!
Coconut and Berries says
I’m not sure how I’d be in your position… I love cooking too but all day and night might be a bit much, even for me!
And you’re so right, it does take more time to cook from scratch but it’s definitely worth it!
Melissa K. says
My biggest challenge is not being able to cook right now! Hopefully that will change in the next months, as I move….
Coconut and Berries says
Eek! I could not cope with that. Hope the move is soon!
Sharon @ Bit of the Good Stuff says
I’ve heard many great things about this book lately, and your delicious photos have made me even more keen to get my hands on a copy. Such a fab review & giveaway Emma ♥
I don’t really find it a challenge to eat healthy these days because my taste buds actually crave healthy foods. I just make sure the cupboards & fridge are stocked with easy to grab snacks like nuts, seeds, fruits, etc and that I keep a few energy bars in my backpack for emergency snacking when out & about 😀
Coconut and Berries says
It’s really a wonderful book, Sharon. I’m sure it would be a hit in your household.
Great to hear that healthy eating’s a breeze for you! It’s not difficult for me anymore either but now I’m working full time I’m looking for ways to make quicker healthy meals or things I can prep ahead of time.
Shonalika says
Easy-to-put-together but delicious recipes are the best kind! I’m loving the look of that sweet potato stew. The granola looks gorgeous too but I always, ALWAYS overindulge if I make granola. I turn into a single-minded robot with the sole purpose of munching until the entire tray is gone. With the exception of that one very specific compulsion, I don’t face any challenges eating healthily - with my current diet, it just happens automatically
Coconut and Berries says
The stew is so good! Definitely one to make over and over.
I don’t think you’re alone with the granola munchies. I don’t go as far as a whole tray but I can’t help but grab an extra handful after I’ve finished a bowl!
Great to hear healthy eating comes so naturally to you too 😀
Melissa Ratti says
My biggest challenge is knowing how to make spice combinations or sauces that enhance the flavor of healthy, plant-based meals. I love healthy meals, but sometimes they can taste quite bland. I wish I had a foundation of some versatile seasoning blends or easy low/no-oil sauces to top on everything to elevate the taste of the dish.
Coconut and Berries says
This book is PERFECT for you then Melissa! There are sections devoted to sauces, dressings and homemade spice blends, as well as great ideas for using them.
Simona says
Probably resisting the temptation of unhealthy comfort food, especially when in need of a snack!
Coconut and Berries says
When you’re starving anything looks good, doesn’t it ?! Definitely a good idea to be prepared so you always have healthy options on hand.
Sophia says
Those recipes all look amazing!
My biggest challenge to eating healthily is really an issue of time. It can be so hard to cook a nutritionally complete meal after a long day at work, so I sometimes forego all the veggies I know I should be eating in favor of a simple, comforting (but not particularly veggie-laden) main.
My other challenge is definitely chocolate. A little dark chocolate is fine, but I’ve developed a habit of grabbing a little handful of chocolate chips every time I pass my pantry.
Coconut and Berries says
Your issues are the exact same as mine. Sometimes I just don’t have the energy after work to cook and though I still choose healthy foods, my dinners can lack some balance.
And yes, chocolate!
The vegan 8 says
Everything sounds super delicious…especially the lentil soup! I make a couple of lentil soups this time of year each year and I’m obsessed with them. Love how high in protein they are! That granola looks really yummy too with the pumpkin seeds added. I’ve actually never even visited her blog before, guess I need to change that real quick, huh?!! Looks like a fantastic book!
Coconut and Berries says
The soup is so good! It has buckwheat in too so lots of texture as well as all the tasty flavours.
Definitely check out Heather’s site. It’s a wonderful source of info as well as recipes.
Sonja says
I am a fan of Heather’s website and love that you have cooked so much from the book and enjoyed her recipes. I am drooling over your pics especially the pad thai. so yummy looking.
Coconut and Berries says
Glad you know Heather already - more people should! That pad thai was so good! Another one to remember when I’m short on time but still want a tasty, healthy meal.
Linda Ruth says
Biggest challenge to eating healthily is time. These kind of recipes help me meet that challenge - easy to make and using ingredients that I’ve got on hand. Thank you, Emma and Heather!
Coconut and Berries says
Thanks for entering! This book is fantastic for time-saving tips and quick, healthy AND tasty recipes.
Susan Carter says
My biggest challenge is keeping the momentum going Inmy progressing from 30 years of Vegetarianism to being a fully fledged Vegan…thus far I have ditched cow’s milk and associated products but I have much to learn
I know.
Coconut and Berries says
Fantastic that you’ve made the leap to veganism after being vegetarian for so long Susan. Hope you’re feeling happier and healthier for it!
I’m still learning after nearly 5 years vegan!
Melissa says
My biggest challenge is probably being able to resist eating just chocolate and peanut butter for every meal. I always have those things around and I never get tired of them, for good reason. I just make sure to balance it all out with plenty of kale
Coconut and Berries says
hahaha. That sounds pretty balanced to me 😉
linda says
My biggest challenge is breakfast. I get shaky and 10 hungrier after consuming any hot cereal, tofu scramble is okay once a week or so, smoothies just don’t hold me for more than an hour. I’ve used chia, hemp, kale, nuts, Spirulina, and protein powder in these breakfasts to no avail. It’s very frustrating.
Coconut and Berries says
That does sound tough Linda. Have you tried more savoury options for breakfast? Remember, there are no rules about what you can and can’t eat at specific times of the day! I haven’t delved too far into the breakfast chapter in this book yet but there are lots of fantastic ideas.
Chris says
My biggest challenge is eating healthy on the go.
Coconut and Berries says
Definitely one I think most of us struggle with - to an extent anyway. A case of being prepared as possible.
Mai Tran says
My biggest challenge is keep all food gluten-free. That’s the one and only way to help my digestion.
Vicky says
My biggest challenge is raw chocolate. It’s hard not to eat it at once
Coconut and Berries says
Chocolate is my weakness too- Raw or super dark, I can’t resist it!
Yvonne says
When I come home ravenous, I can’t think straight to make a healthy meal - I just want something delicious, fast!
Also, where I live, it’s sometimes difficult to get a variety of greens and vegetables, and I make the same dinner over and over again so I get bored with it and eat cookies and chips ‘to make up for it’.
Coconut and Berries says
I know that feeling! I sometimes come home thinking I could eat my arm off if I don’t get a meal on the table pronto. I’ve taken to packing a little snack to eat late afternoon - that way I can take a little longer to prepare a healthy, balanced dinner without eating half of it while it’s cooking!
Amanda J. says
My biggest challenge in eating healthfully at home is time/planning. I know what I SHOULD do, but I just can’t seem to fully adopt those good habits.
tamlyn says
Cooking healthy meals me and my husband like is a big challenge. He was raised to pretty much think veg was gross so whilst he has learnt to love vegan food and much more veg, he still has stuff he hates and I love.
Bettina says
The biggest challenge is to make sure both my partner and I get what our bodies both need, and that is often not the same. Only just discovered your website. Wow, so impressed!
Johanna GGG says
can’t say it is a blog I know of but I have seen the book promoted a bit lately and I can see why - those recipes look really good - the how to section sounds interesting too - and I just saw that it is a worldwide giveaway - hurrah!
Johanna GGG says
Oh and just seen the giveaway includes a question - energy levels and keeping lots of fresh vegies in our small fridge are challenges for me
Anna Lee says
I’ve been dying to get my hands on Heather’s cookbook! Her recipes are just fantastic!
Wendy Hatton says
That picture of chickpea flatbread with blackberries sounds unusual but looks totally delicious.
My biggest frustration has been remembering to soak beans/pulses well ahead! I like to use dried ones but a can or two in my pantry has saved me occasionally.
Joy M says
My biggest challenge is my craving for fries! They are so bad for me but sometimes I can’t hold myself back!
Christina A. says
My biggest challenge is always ensuring that I have plenty of healthy options at my disposal at home at all times…otherwise…I eat what is here!
Coconut and Berries says
Exactly! It’s definitely a case of being prepared with the good stuff!
The Vegan cookie fairy says
OMG that granola!!! My stomach is roaring now! Time for second breakfast, it seems 😛
Would absolutely love to win a copy of this book, the food looks to die for!
Coconut and Berries says
Gotta love second breakfast - and a handful of this granola is a perfect snack! It makes your almond milk taste all fruity if you serve it like that too
Debi says
I find the hardest thing about eating healthy is having good food to eat available. And going out to eat with friends! Such a challenge at times. Luckily, more and more restaurants have GF and soy free options on their menu. Thanks for the wonderful recipes!
Coconut and Berries says
The world is definitely changing in that respect! Thanks for entering the giveaway
Marianne says
My biggest challenge is having the time to cook healthy meals.
Lizzi Shaw says
My biggest challenge is not being organised enough, plus my sweet tooth!
Coconut and Berries says
My sweet tooth is definitely an issue too!
Lizzie says
Wow! Your recipes and pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing! - Lizzie