Mother's Day is just around the corner, so I thought I'd share my list of possibilities. I never know exactly what to get my mom, so I try to have a big list to narrow down. One thing I wanted but couldn't find was an awesome vegan lip gloss, so if anyone knows of one, let me know. Other suggestions are also welcome, as being me, I haven't actually picked a gift yet.
Skinny Bitch, by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
If your mom doesn't mind the 'B' word and the occasional eff-bomb, this cute, sassy little health and diet book is a must have. Although it's really an all over health book that addresses everything from coffee to cigarettes to medication, the authors advocate for a vegan diet in unequivocal, no nonsense terms without bringing in the complexities of ethics and philosophy. Who wouldn't love a book with a chapter entitled "The Dead, Rotting, Decomposing Flesh Diet." This books was meant for a younger audience, but depending on your mom, she may love it. Did I mention there's also a chapter entitled "Pooping"? If you don't think she's ready to be called an 'asshole' by a book, you should try the companion cook book, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch. Fun, easy, yummy vegan recipes for everyone.
The Ethics Of What We Eat, by Peter Singer and Jim Mason
Whatever your feelings about Peter Singer, this book is a great introduction to why what we eat matters so much. It's one of my go-to gifts for non-vegans, after I gave a copy to my dad last year for Christmas and he actually liked it. The book follows three families practicing three different diets to the store, and then attempts to trace their purchases back to the source. In addition to addressing the ethical issues of eating meat, dairy, etc. it addresses issues like the environment, fair trade, and buying local.
When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals, by Jeffery Masson
This book is one of my favorites so far this year, and with a mother who loves our dogs like children, it's a perfect gift. Animal emotions are something most of us take for granted, but are generally denied by the scientific community as a myth or a mistake. Full of charming, beautiful, touching anecdotes as well as information, this book wraps up with a powerful chapter on why it all matters.
As a chocoholic, I'm all in favor of spoiling people with dark chocolate. Greene & Blacks is one of my favorite brands, with 8 vegan varieties of chocolate. Personal recommendations include Mayan Gold and Mint, although I'm dying to try the Cherry. A couple of these make a great gift basket.
I'm obsessed with Grapefruit right now, and this lotion isn't helping. Plus Andrew Weil is my mom's best friend's ex-husband, so shamless plug for his products! This product is completely vegan, and although some Origins products do contain beeswax and/or honey, nothing they make is tested on animals and they specifically state that the wax/honey is 'cruelty free'. All in all, this is an excellent treat for a mom.
Coconut-Citrus-Blueberry Muffins
I'm a firm believer in the fact that you can say anything with home baked goods. I created these muffins this spring by throwing whatever was in the fridge and cupboards into plain muffin batter, that they've been a huge hit. This is the recipe as near as I can figure: I generally just throw however much coconut, blueberries and juice/zest as I feel appropriate in. Feel free to do the same. The recipe makes a dozen muffins.
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup soy milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice, and 1 - 2 teaspoons of zest
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
Preheat your oven to 375 F. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add soy milk, oil, juice and applesauce, and mix until combined. Fold in the coconut and zest, then fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, and sprinkle a little shredded coconut on top. Pop into the over for 18 - 22 minuets. You'll know their done when a toothpick/fork tine/knife stuck in comes out clean. Remove from the oven and refrain from eating until you've had a chance to share with your mom. They're great with a little faux-sausage or a scrambler.
