We suggest: Vedge: 100 Plates Large and Small That Redefine Vegetable Cooking by Rich Landau & Kate Jacoby

Why?: Being vegan or vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing adventuresome cooking. Rich Landeau and Kate Jacoby have proven that with the success of their Philadelphia epicurean vegetable restaurant, Vedge. Their cookbook is intended for both vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike—perfect for the foodie looking to experiment with new techniques and ingredients. So now, instead of trying to find a high quality vegan restaurant nearby—your vegan foodie friend can host the dinner party instead! The cookbook includes a variety of small plates (French Breakfast Radishes with Nori, Tamari, and Avocado), large plates (Eggplant Braciole), and desserts (Chocolate Stuffed Beignets), so there’s no excuse for not whipping up a feast.

Bonus: If you live in/near or plan on visiting Philadelphia, you can sample some of the recipes firsthand from the masters themselves! Vedge has received a number of accolades since opening in 2012 including “Restaurant of the Year” and “one of the top 10 upscale vegan restaurants in America” by Eater Philadelphia, Zagat, and Shape. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual, Rich Landeau and Kate Jacoby have recently opened V Street, a street food bar off of Rittenhouse Square.