New Vegan Books

The Delivery: Species Matters, edited by Marianne DeKoven and Michael Lundblad; The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick by Gene Stone; and Full-Filled by Renée Stephens
Staff Pick: The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick

The DL: It's no secret that those who eat a plant-based diet have strong immune systems, but even we are not impervious to catching the common cold every once in while. That's why we're intrigued to find out what secrets Gene Stone (a fellow plant-based eater!) shares in this new book. However, we're selfishly hoping Secrets does not include a chapter on how you shouldn't eat cupcakes and cookies within cookies. We here at VegNews are closing up shop for the holidays, and that includes our daily posts here on This Just In. From all of us here at VegNews, we wish you happy holidays and a safe and prosperous new year! We'll see you again on January 2, 2012!

Vegan Marshmallows and Cupcakes Galore

The Delivery: Apple Spice, S'mores, and Cookies 'n' Cream cupcakes from Karolynh's and a holiday care package from Sweet & Sara filled with marshmallow-peppermint bark and holiday marshmallows
Staff Pick: The S'mores cupcake!

The DL: The only thing better than a delivery from Sweet & Sara is a delivery from Sweet & Sara followed by cupcakes! These delightful gems were hand-delivered by Karolynh herself, and will be promptly devoured post-blog post. Want some holiday treats for yourself? Head over to the VegNews Holiday Store, where you'll find the best-smelling holiday candle in creation (it's This Week's Must-Have, after all), myriad vegan chocolates, and one-year gift subscriptions to VegNews for 25-percent off!

A Vegan Care Package

The Delivery: A care package from Texas VegFest including gourmet popcorn from Cornucopia in Toffee and Garlic & Herb; Thunderbird Energetica energy bars in Cherry Walnut Crunch, Cashew Fig Carrot, and Cacao Hemp Walnut; and Chimayo Chile Pecans from Hail Merry
Staff Pick: The Garlic & Herb popcorn

The DL: Miss the days of the huge holiday tins filled with caramel, cheddar, and classic popcorn? We did—until we laid eyes on this gem. Garlic, herby goodness in perfectly popped popcorn? Beats a tin of fake buttery stuff any day. We could not be more thankful to the wonderful folks at Texas VegFest for this holiday care package (complete with adorable polar bear greeting card), and are excited to dig into to all of these Texas-made goodies. We might be a few thousand miles from the Lone Star State, but we're still feeling the love!

A Cookbook, Music, and Granola Bars

The Delivery: A galley of Let Them Eat Vegan! by Dreena Burton, Joy Askew's album Drunk on You, and dark chocolate mint granola bars from Earnest Eats
Staff Pick: Let Them Eat Vegan!

The DL: Let them eat vegan? Heck yeah! How could you eat anything else when vegan recipes like Chipotle Avocado Cream, White Bean Sweet Potato Pasta, and Chai Peanut Butter Ice Cream exist? And lucky for all of us, all three (and 197 others) are ripe for the cooking in Dreena Burton's new book. We can't wait to dig deeper. Let Them Eat Vegan! is available March 15; In the meantime, pick up one of our top 10 vegan cookbooks of 2011 for some right-now deliciousness. Now, can someone send us a cake or something? We're hungry.

New Book and a Vegan Treat

The Delivery: Everyday Enlightenment by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa and Nut Goodie Bars from VN copy editor Anne Callery
Staff Pick: The Nut Goodie Bars

The Goods: A copy editor who can make sweets so good the entire container is gone by lunch? Now that's our kind of gal. Anne's treats are buzzed about all year long, so it's no surprise that these were inhaled along with our morning coffee and tea. You'd think after cookie taste tests on Friday and the VN Holiday party on Saturday (think a five-course meal at a gorgeous San Francisco vegetarian Thai restaurant) we'd be off the sweets, but we're in it for the long haul—or at least through New Year's Eve. Want to get your hands on some of our favorite sweets? Head on over to the VegNews Store and grab our hand-picked box of vegan chocolates. Hello, Peanut Butter Truffle!

Vegan Quorn Burger

The Delivery: Quorn’s new vegan burger
Staff Pick: The burger!

The DL: When we first heard that Quorn came out with a vegan burger, we couldn’t wait to try it—but after a huge South Indian lunch and taste-testing cookies from the Holiday Cookie Contest, we’re stuffed. We can’t wait to reveal the mouth-watering winning recipes next week, so keep your eyes on VegNews.com, stock your shelves with baking ingredients, and dig out those holiday cookie cutters. You’re in for a treat!

Decking the Halls

The Delivery: Pretty red poinsettias and a festive mini tree
Staff Pick: The flowers

The DL: When we walked into the office and found our desks decked with poinsettias, we knew the holidays had officially arrived. We’re currently in the midst of the VegNews Holiday Cookie Contest and judgement day is tomorrow. Check back next week for our picks for the best seasonal recipes. As for tonight, tune in to our Twitter chat starting at 6PT for some last-minute holiday baking tips. Special guests Allison Rivers Samson, Hannah Kaminsky, and Beverly Lynn Bennett will be on standby for your cookie-related questions.

Herbal Supplements

The Delivery: Vegetarian “Healthy Gut” herbal supplements from Kroeger Herb Products Co. Inc.
Staff Pick: The herbal supplements

The DL: Herbal supplements can aid a poor diet, but nothing impacts health like eating plates full of nutrient-rich veggies, whole grains, fruits, legumes, and other whole foods. In fact, unexpected foods like taro root and dark leafy greens contain important cancer-fighting properties, in addition to other crucial nutrients. For more information on plants that do the body good, check out 5 Foods to Eat Now. With flu season upon us, there’s no time to waste!

Dry Shampoo and a Diet Book

The Delivery: Non-veg book The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet by Barbara Rolls and Sevi Maranta dry shampoo
Staff Pick: The shampoo

The DL: This shampoo looks like a great save for those seemingly endless travel delays around the holidays. You never know when you might need to crash in an airport chair, sans shower facilities, during long layovers or flight cancellations. Speaking of winter getaways, we’ve got the scoop on five fabulous veg-friendly ski chalets around the world for some seasonal fun. Staying stateside? Check out the beautiful Catskill Mountains in Upstate NY for a change of pace—think adorable rescued animals, scrumptious veg food, and kitschy hotels. With so much to do, there’s no reason to let the cold weather keep you in hibernation this winter.

Cookbooks and Wayfare Products

The Delivery: Non-veg cookbook Kitchen on Fire by Olivier Said and Chef Mike C., The Sexy Vegan Cookbook by Brian L. Patton, and an assortment of Wayfare cheeses, puddings, and non-dairy products
Staff Pick: The Sexy Vegan Cookbook

The DL: This cookbook looks like a great way to start the new year (and who doesn’t want to feel sexy while they’re cooking?). Speaking of cookbooks, VegNews publisher Joseph Connelly has just posted his list of the Ten Must-Have Vegan Cookbooks of 2011, so check it out if you’re still looking for the perfect gift for the resident foodie in your family. As for everyone else, there’s no better place to turn than Etsy, and we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Think chocolate marzipan caramels, ninja soap, and gorgeous jewelry. Amazing!

Flaxseed Blends + New Skinny Bitch Book

The Delivery: Linwoods ground organic flaxseeds and Skinny Bitch: Book of Vegan Swaps by Kim Barnouin
Staff Pick: Skinny Bitch: Book of Vegan Swaps 

The DL: Stowed away in almost every vegan's kitchen pantry is ground flaxseeds—or at least it should be. Full of omega-3s and fiber, it's an easy way to get what your body needs. Flaxseeds even make a great egg substitute, perfect for the holiday season (want more great vegan baking tips? Our handy Baking Substitutions Guide makes it easy to veganize any dessert). And while you're busy baking up your grandmother's recipe for raspberry almond thumbprint cookies, why not enter the VegNews Holiday Cookie Contest? Entries must be submitted by this Saturday, December 10 at 5pm PT, so start baking!

Vegan Soaps and Cleansing Wipes

The Delivery: Nature’s Beauty(works) all purpose cleansing wipes and soap from Moksa
Staff Pick: Seattle Chai-scented soap

The DL: Chai is a beloved winter-warmer among the VN staff. Nothing beats the swirling scent of earthy cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—that’s why Editorial Assistant Hilary Pollack wrote the definitive guide to DIY Chai. Speaking of all things sweet and delicious, have you entered our cookie contest yet? You have until 5pm on Saturday to send us your most creative, decadent, mind-blowing holiday cookie recipes for a chance to win won of three great prizes. We can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season.

Stress-Free Drink and Books

The Delivery: C3* For Stress calming drink mix, Food And The City by Jennifer Cockrall-King, and non-vegan cookbook Herbivoracious by Michael Natkin
Staff Pick: The stress-free beverage

The DL: While the holidays are a favorite time of year for many, it can also be one of the most stress-inducing seasons. This drink may help calm a heated moment, but it’s important to develop long-term tactics to help you feel your best this December. Check out 10 Ways to Fight Holiday Stress for some ideas that may work for you. One last tip—beat the long lines and crowded malls, while supporting local craftspeople, by shopping at handmade e-marketplace Etsy. We’ve got just the guide to help you find the perfect cruelty-free presents!

Vegan Products and a Fresh Giveaway

The Delivery: Vega sport bar pack, GoPicnic sunbutter and crackers, Iron Man by Tony Iommi, The Rescue of Belle & Sundance by Birgit Stutz and Lawrence Scanlan, and Zenify stress-free drinks
Staff Pick: Vega bars

The DL: Guess what? We’re going to be giving away this Vega sport pack to one lucky This Just In reader! To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post telling us what has been your favorite way to stay in shape in 2011 by Monday, December 12 at noon PT. If you’re looking to win other great prizes courtesy of VN, check out our Holiday Cookie Contest. Send us your recipe by Saturday at noon for a chance to win a KitchenAid mixer or another great prize!

Skincare Products and a Kids' Book

The Delivery: Fred Eats a Pea by Paula Weiner and Renew Botanicals' moisturizer, exfoliant, and eye cream
Staff Pick: The children’s book

The DL: Just in time for the holidays, this cute book arrives at our office and looks like a great gift for any young vegan or animal-lover. Engaging books and tempting foods are just some of the reasons that this time of the year is one of our favorites. Speaking of temptations, have you baked your first batch of holiday cookies yet? More than 50 cookie lovers have already perfected their recipes and submitted them to our Holiday Cookie Contest. Submit yours by Saturday for a chance to win an amazing KitchenAid mixer, a vegan cupcake kit, or cookies from Allison’s Gourmet.

Delicious Vegan Food

The Delivery: Two boxes of treats from Allison’s Gourmet; MozzaRisella’s vegan mozzarella; samples of sour cream, pudding, and cheese from WayFare; and Gardein’s beefless burgers, chipotle-lime crispy fingers, ultimate sliders, and mandarin orange crispy chick'n
Staff Pick: Allison’s Gourmet truffles, peppermint chocolate bark, peppermint cream patties, and peanut butter cups

The DL: Anytime one of the royal purple Allison’s Gourmet boxes arrives at the office, we can’t wait to dig in and see what Allison has come up with this time (needless to say, we are never disappointed). While she runs an artisan bakery, she’s not afraid to go savory now and again—check out her recipe for vegan lasagna in the Novermber+December issue of VegNews, which has already received tons of praise from readers. In case your sweet tooth still isn’t fixed after tasting Allison’s delicious confections, try This Week’s Must-Have: a Marshmallow Truffle Bar from Desiderio Chocolates. Just try to save some for the inevitable drooling onlookers (i.e. us).

Vegan, Gluten-Free Cookies

The Delivery: Organic, gluten-free chocolate chip pecan cookies, whoopie pies, brownies, chocolate chip-hazelnut blondies, pumpkin cookies, and oatmeal sandwiches from Conscience Confections
Staff Pick: The chocolate chip-hazelnut blondie

The DL: Today we hit the gluten-free jackpot. Every single one of these freshly baked treats are soft and and look scrumptious—so much so, in fact, that many of the staff voraciously demanded a taste test post-blogging. Even as this intrepid VN staffer types, others are circling the Conscience Confections goodies like, well, VN staffers over any baked good. It's what we do. Our love of baked goods is one of the many reasons we can't wait to test entries in our Holiday Cookie Contest. Does your vegan cookie recipe wow everyone this time of year? Enter now for the chance to win a KitchenAid stand mixer, a vegan cupcake kit from Divvies, or two dozen cookies from Allison's Gourmet!