Reader,

I hope you are taking some time for yourself this season.
It's natural when the days are short to want to treasure daytime and get cozy as the sun sets.

Winter Solstice Recipe

Soon it will be the longest night of the year - December 21st. I created this recipe in the winter of 2020. These dark chocolate orbs contain activated charcoal to bind toxins and can help with gas and bloating from holiday meals. A lone macadamia nut is a tasty surprise and also a reminder that we all hold a special light within. All natural ingredients, no baking needed.

Click here for Winter Solstice Space Orbs

My 2025 Cookbook Picks

Here are the cookbooks that have been my friends this year. If you are looking for a last-minute gift for a foodie or veg curious friends, I think these books would be very much appreciated.

​Mastering The Art Of Plant-Based Cooking is a tome! Over 300 recipes with basics on how to make staples, spice blends, and different versions of your favorites.
I have one block of Miyoko's Vegan Butter left (I'm so sad that the company who took it from Miyoko and gave her such a hard time couldn't keep it afloat and wouldn't let her buy it back!!!)
Joe has included a Soft Spreadable Butter recipe from Miyoko for making your own. It's easy to do and has no palm oil like most vegan butter on the market now. This book is perfect for beginner vegan cooks and also for those of us who want to learn something new. I learned about Nikkei cuisine (Japanese/Peruvian food) and also how to make Advieh, a Persian spice blend that has rose petals.

Looking for a way to simplify your meal prep but still eat in a balanced way? A Grain, A Green, A Bean is full of inspiration that's easy to follow. Gena is a registered dietician and nutritionist and she gives you great combinations from around the world. While there are whole grain bowl recipes, there are also combos that include bread, including sandwiches (one of my favorite ways to get these 3 things!) I feel anyone could love this book and we can all eat more greens and vegetables.

I loved Joanne's 1st book so much that it's stained with sesame oil and doenjang. I preordered her latest book, the Korean Vegan Homemade and it has not disappointed me. Here's what I've made so far: Radish Kimchi, Mak Kimchi (easy cut cabbage version), Oi Sobagi (stuffed cucumbers), Firecracker Broccoli, Cabbage & Doejang Stew, Army Stew (pic is on the cover), and Korean BBQ "Meatballs". The gamechanger for me was using her recipe for Fishy Sauce and also using plum syrup instead of sugar or brown rice syrup. It gave the fermented items a nuanced flavor you won't find in other vegan Korean recipes. Plus, I love Joanne's stories. I felt encouraged to add more of myself when I was writing my cookbook.

And I couldn't leave my cookbook out!
Sometimes I look through it and am amazed that it's something I created and published this year. It really is surreal still to see it in print.

What are your favorite cookbooks for the year? Reply to this message!
I'd love to hear from you!

$25 for 2025

While Plant-Based Pacific is on Amazon and makes a great gift, just know that they really take a HUGE chunk out of the book, after the cost of printing. They have put my book on sale for the time being. Ordering the book directly from me gives you the opportunity to have the book signed by me! I'm happy to mail it as a gift as well!

Plant-Based Pacific Cookbook on sale

You can also leave reviews on Amazon.com! Think of leaving a review for Plant-Based Pacific. If you don't like Amazon, consider leaving a short note on Goodreads. That would be such a sweet gift to me!

Thanks so much for your support!

I'll be sharing a fun app I enjoy and some new things I'm starting in the cold of January 2026. Until then, enjoy however you celebrate December, whether it's with family, friends, fur-babies or even if it's just quietly sitting with yourself in awe of Nature on the shortest day of the year.