Liz Douglas has built a social media empire with Glow Diaries, dipping her fingers into nearly every influencer pie – veganism, travel, beauty, relationships, parenting, and podcasts. Now, she’s added ‘cookbook author’ to that list with The Cosy Vegan, a collection of plant-based recipes designed to shatter the stereotype that vegans eat nothing but rabbit food.

True to its title, this book offers cosy vegan comfort in indulgent breakfasts, warming mains, hearty salads, and decadent desserts—oh, and all the sauces and condiments to complement them! The sleek pages and artful food photography make it an inviting read. The recipes are well laid out, with time estimates that I found pretty spot-on, along with helpful notes on substitutions, serving suggestions, and storage. Douglas’s food writing is engaging and accessible. She brings warmth to the recipes, making them feel like something you’d want to try in your kitchen.

While some recipes were a hit – like the Dhal and the Pesto, which my family loved – not all of them turned out as expected. The Green Banana Bread, Split Pea Soup, and Vegan Honey looked promising but in the end, they were not the culinary fireworks I’d envisioned. At times, the glossy photos set expectations higher than the reality on my plate. That said, despite my mixed results, I’m still eager to try the Healthy Instant Noodle Soup, Mushroom Bourguignon, and Tofu Chocolate Mousse.

For anyone wanting to bring more plant-based comfort into their kitchen, The Cosy Vegan is worth exploring. With recipes for everything from breakfast to dinner, family meals, and cosy nights in, it’s a feel-good and enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Heather Morcom

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz Douglas is a former meat loving country girl turned vegan recipe creator and podcast host. Food has always been a big part of her life, and I used to work as a product developer and food buyer for some of Australia’s largest food retailers.

She thinks plant-based eating should be accessible, balanced and fun – listen to your body, experiment with ingredients, and find joy in eating more plants!

Follow Liz Douglas on Instagram