Cook Up a Storm on World GO VEGAN Week: Oct. 26-28

IDA's 3rd annual World GO VEGAN Week celebration takes place October 26th to 28th. This year's World GO VEGAN Week is co-presented by Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM), VegNews, and Compassion Over Killing. The purpose of these three days of action is to promote the many benefits of a compassionate diet for the planet and its inhabitants -- human and non-human alike. More and more people are recognizing that going vegan is the best thing one can do for human health, animals who suffer terribly on factory farms, and the environment.

While so much of what we read about and hear about in the news -- particularly about animals -- is sadness and devastation, people who care about animals can rejoice that veganism is finally having its heyday. Take for example that Skinny Bitch, a "no-nonsense, tough love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous," written by two vegan activists about veganism, reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Parade magazine recently featured a recipe from the author of a popular cookbooks including Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes That Rule.

So why is the concept of veganism selling like hotcakes? Because not only is it good for your health, the animals, and the earth, but it also opens up a whole new world of flavor. Sadly, a lot of people still have never tried what they would call "good" vegan food, so they don't know how fabulous vegan fare can be.

That's why it's important to show people that giving up eating animals doesn't mean sacrificing taste. So this year, why not celebrate WGVD by sharing delicious vegan food with others?

There's a certain satisfaction that comes from eating and serving food you've lovingly prepared yourself, especially when it's made from all animal-free ingredients. Maybe you're already an artist in the kitchen, a culinary sculptor pulling sensational creations from the oven. If not, no problem: There are plenty of great vegan cookbooks available that make cooking delicious vegan fare as easy as pie.

Hot off the press is The Joy of Vegan Baking: Compassionate Cooks' Traditional Treats & Sinful Sweets. Written by celebrated vegan chef Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, this cooking compendium is packed with recipes for 150 familiar and favorite foods -- from cakes, cookies, and crêpes to pies, puddings, and pastries. Visit compassionatecooks.com to order and get online recipes.

WGVD is a time to wow people, and have fun doing it. Make a tofu ricotta lasagna for your family, have friends over and fire up the barbeque with veggie burgers and kabobs, bake some chocolate cupcakes and bring them to the office (use this recipe provided by Compassionate Cooks), or cook up whatever dish you like best and share it with the people you care about.

Don't like the kitchen? You can have your cake and eat it too by relaxing and enjoying yourself at a veg restaurant. With hundreds of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the U.S., you're sure to find something to please your palate. Visit worldgovegandays.com for links to vegan restaurants, some that offer specials for WGVD, to order your free IDA vegan starter kit, and for a list of other ways to get involved. If you run an organization, please consider co-presenting World GO VEGAN Week. Contact Melissa Gonzalez at (415) 388-9641, ext. 228 or for more information.