For starters, you need to know that I’m not the best of cooks. But I do love to read cookbooks, and on occasion, I have been known to turn out a delicious meal, as long as the recipe was easy. Patience is not one of my virtues. Because it contains simple recipes and for many other reasons as well, I put the Porridge Sisters Cookbook of Hearty Vegan Fare right up there at the top with the best of all vegan cookbooks. An added benefit: If you are into gossip and stories about show business, nearly every recipe page contains an anecdote or two that will have you chuckling while you cook.

The recipes in this book are mostly classic favorites turned vegan. I made the Nut Loaf with Savory Gravy, and the flavors were wonderful. Along with the usual suspects, there are some unusual ingredients, such as dried apricots, cabbage, and green beans in this loaf. And I kid you not: It was the best nut loaf and gravy that I’ve ever eaten. The Savory Gravy is easy to make yet complex, with delectable flavors. The creamy and delicious Mashed Potatoes with Garlic & Rosemary paired really well with the Savory Gravy. And the Sesame Kale recipe is a nice change from your average kale stir-fry. It’s made up of kale, onions, carrots, almonds, and sesame seeds and is as delicious and easy as it is pretty.

I also made the Mexican Bean Stuffed Peppers. Let me tell you, these are not your mother’s stuffed peppers. They’re full of beans, corn, tomatoes, and rice and have some heat from red pepper flakes (which are used liberally in many of the book’s recipes). It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly but is sure to impress your dinner guests.

I wanted to make one of the desserts as well and, of course, chose Mayme’s Eggless Chocolate Cake, because who doesn’t love chocolate! Again, it’s an uncomplicated recipe that anyone could make. The cake was moist and chocolaty, and I decided to go the extra mile by turning it into a chocolate-strawberry shortcake, which was also very easy. I whipped up some coconut-milk whipped cream, topped it with strawberries, and ended up with a very fancy-looking dessert that really took no time at all. Look at me—the noncook!

I must say, this delightful cookbook is a keeper! The recipe for Nut Loaf with Savory Gravy will please everyone at any vegan Thanksgiving or Holiday dinner. I promise you that it will be the hit of the feast and that no one will miss the meat. Happy cooking, and happy eating—for all of us.

Check back on Friday for great ideas on whipping up a terrific vegan meal in an instant from Porridge Sisters’ co-author and PETA supporter Frank Cullen. And thanks, again, to Frank and Donald for such a terrific cookbook! You can order your own copy online through Amazon.

By Scott Anderson, PETA Foundation Senior Vice President of Development.

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