If you've been living a plant-powered lifestyle for any length of time, you've probably stumbled across Heather Crosby's brilliant site, YumUniverse. And if you have stumbled across it, you've likely gotten swept away and nestled in the awesomeness of Heather's eye-catching designs, drool-worthy vegan + gluten-free recipes, and effortlessly-charismatic musings. In a world that sometimes makes those who walk a lifestyle path less traveled feel a bit quirky, Heather reminds us that plant-empowered living is cool.
Her cookbook, YumUniverse: Infinite possibilities for a gluten-free, plant-powerful, whole-food lifestyle, is no exception to any of the abovementioned goodness. It's packed with plant-based info that's both accessible to those taking their first steps on this journey, yet fresh enough to nab the attention of those who consider themselves to be seasoned veg-heads. The design and layout of the book is attention-grabbing and engaging with oodles of colors and helpful tricks and tidbits. And the recipes? They range from creative staples (I'm looking at you, Toasted Super Seed Power Bread) to unexpected must-makes (Rainbow Veggie Ribbon Alfredo? Gimme, gimme).
In the spirit of the holidays -- and chocolate, because the spirit of chocolate is always in the air -- there are two pieces of good news today: 1) Heather's recipe for Hot Fudge Sauce from the book is included below (note: it's AMAZING), and 2) We're giving away a copy of YumUniverse + the YumUniverse Holiday Survival Guide eBook (checkout the entry details at the bottom of this post).
And since we're in the spirit, be sure to checkout Heather's book, YumUniverse, in bookstores now!
📖 Recipe
YumUniverse's Hot Fudge Sauce (Vegan, GF)
Ingredients
- 1 3.5- oz . gluten-free, vegan chocolate bar, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch/flour
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¾ cup Sucanat
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler heated to medium-high.
- While chocolate melts, in a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk and arrowroot until thoroughly dissolved.
- Whisk cacao powder, coconut oil, Sucanat, and salt into melted chocolate.
- Slowly pour arrowroot and coconut milk slurry into chocolate, whisking constantly until smooth. Continue for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk for one more minute. Serve hot or chill for frosting.
- To enjoy as hot fudge sauce again, simply reheat on the stove top in a pot heated to medium-low. Stir constantly until melted. You don’t want it to burn.
Notes
YumUniverse Book Giveaway
One winner will receive a copy of YumUniverse and the YumUniverse Holiday Survival Guide eBook. For a chance to win, simply enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below and comment on this post between December 3rd and December 17th. Please note: this giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada.
Daniel says
Looks amazing!
Danielle says
To me, living a plant-powered lifestyle means appreciating the wonders of God's creation in every bite!
Holly E says
Looks like a great book. I am gluten free and would love to have some new recipes to enjoy and find ways to add more veggies into my diet.
Emma says
Yum Universe is my book pick of the year! I've already made a lot of the recipes and don't think there's 1 I don't want to try. Love how accessible it is for everyday meals.
I reviewed it here: http://www.coconutandberries.com/2014/10/31/orange-pepita-granola-yum-universe-book-giveaway/
Ashley Chew says
For me, being vegan means having my habits aligned with my ethics. I love being able to look at my plate in peace knowing I'm doing the best for the animals & my health. I feel healthiest when living my truth.
I would love to addYum Universe to my cookbook collection. I am always looking for yummy healthy recipes to try out.
Susan says
Hi Ashley,
I'm excited to try this sauce soon - looks and sounds delicious!
I make a real effort to eat a mainly plant-based diet, and am always looking to find interesting and delicious recipes ... I would love to have Heather's yummy cookbook on my kitchen shelf - thanks!
Karissa @ Vegan À La Mode says
OMG that looks so decadent!! Yum!
Living a plant based lifestyle means doing my best for my body and the planet everyday. I would love to own YumUniverse to add some variety to my life by trying out Heather's recipes!
Tracy Spangler says
I would love to have YumUniverse on my shelf and open in my kitchen to help give me ideas for healthy, vegan, gluten-free meals and treats for my family. We've recently stopped eating meat, and though I was a vegetarian for a decade in my younger years I never learned how to cook nutritious, delicious meat-free meals. I love to cook and have been experimenting with some vegan recipes, so I'd love to have more to try! I'm also delighted this awesome cookbook has gluten-free recipes that are also vegan, because my husband, youngest daughter and I are gluten intolerant. This would be the best Christmas present for me-and ultimately my family! Thanks!
Jessica says
This looks amazing! Need this cookbook for more yummy inspiration!
Saniel says
Living a plant based lifestyle Means doing right by the earth by eating what is naturally grownBob the ground and doing my body right. Love the blog adding the book to the bookshelf would a great addition to my collection.
Joelle says
Plant based diets are good for me as well as the environment. And fun to make!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Being plant-based means the world to me! It is who I am and makes me feel simply amazing! I would never change my lifestyle and wish more people would move toward a less processed life as well to see the benefits for themselves!
Rosanna says
Your pictures are to die for Ashley!! I love YUM Universe. Heather has a special place in my heart.. I turned to a plant-based diet after following her blog for a while.. It was so worth it and of course I've already bought her book.. although if I win this one I will let my daughter have it for Christmas!! .
Amber says
I would like this book for 2 reasons: 1. so I can cook/bake for my autistic gluten free nephew some delicious healthy meals that he will love, and not feel left out during the holidays, and 2. to see my friends and family's faces light up with delicious joy when then they bit into these reciepes, and then I get to proudly annouce, its gluten free and vegan :)
Terri Cole says
For me, plant power means eating the healthiest food possible, plants! It also means living a more compassionate life, and being a little more gentle to our Mother Earth.
DebbieKL says
Plant based allows me to grow much of my own food. This allows me to know exactly where it came from and how it was made!
Heather says
To me, living a plant-powered lifestyle means doing what is best for the animals, the environment, and my health. I would love to have this book on my shelf because I'm looking for creative and delicious ways to minimize my gluten intake.
Glenn wenzel says
i am very new to this lifestyle! I am doing it for health reasons. I was not prepared for Thanksgiving, but will be for Christmas? Love this recipe and I think the book will be a great addition to my resource library.
Jessica says
Already working on integrating into my diet as of Nov 1. Going well so far!
Adrian says
Eating plant-based means so many things for me! It's improved my relationship with food - from eating to just eat to actually appreciating the nutrition and craving that satiety only found in nutrient-dense food! Also, it's given me a very important creative outlet during a stressful season of life. Lastly, I love that plants encourage the health of the planet and all of its' inhabitants!
Becca F says
I'd love to win this cookbook because I've been in a food rut and this cookbook would really help out with my creativity issues
Liz says
Eating a plant based diet means eating in a way that's good for the planet AND my soul. :)
Amanda T. says
I just purchased a new cookware set and would love to try some new recipes.
Rachel says
For me, living a plant-based diet provides optimum nutrition with ease of digestion/absorption of nutrients. I also want this cookbook so I can cook plant-based meals for others and inspire them to try a day/per week to be plant-based!
Nancy Sparrow says
This book looks so awesome! For me, plant-based eating is an exciting expanse of new taste possibilities, trying foods I've never tried before and knowing it's good for me, too!
Katie M says
A plant-based lifestyle has so many meanings for me - it is a political statement, a declaration towards environmental sustainability, a gesture of respect for my mind and body, and an appreciation of wholesome foods and culinary ingenuity.
Nancy Sparrow says
Thanks so much for your blog and doing the giveaway! A plant-based life means good food and good health, enjoying so many wonderful foods and knowing they are good for me! I love the recipes you post, thank you so much for sharing them with us all!
EVA says
I'm going to be a rebel and answer BOTH questions!
A plant-based lifestyle (personally) means no worrying about the food I eat; since I adopted a gluten/dairy/egg/red meat/processed food-free diet, I can eat and NOT suffer diarrhea, horrible stomach pains, nausea, and slow digestion that occurs with my gastroparesis and bad gallbladder. It's amazing. It's real food and it's REAL GOOD.
Even though I'm in art school, I'm not that creative when it comes to creating recipes, nor do I have time to even think of a clever combo as I commute to college 40 minutes each way; when I get home I'm dead! Having a cookbook to flip open that uses whole foods instead of "Tofutti cream cheese" or some creepy substitute I can't afford would be such a lifesaver for my time and my tastebuds!
This recipe has me completely ready to crack open this book. And my vegan ice cream stash.
Christina says
This looks like a great book! I've already tried the orange and pepita granola and it was amazing!
Michelle says
A plant-powered lifestyle means feeling good about everything I put in my body because not only is it good for me but its good for the animals and the earth as well.
Crystal says
I would be nibbling on that tire too!! Looks so yummy!
Gloria Kersh says
Living a plant based lifestyle means I am healthier, it means no animals have to suffer for me to eat them. It means compassion and love.
Tomi says
This recipe makes me want to check out your book! my fiancé and I are working to transition to veganism after being vegetarian for a number of years. If the rest of your book looks as good as this, I'm going to purchase it ASAP. I am always trying to find healthy and tasty recipes.
Rosanna says
I had to leave another comment... Made this fudge and it's AMAZING!!!! Used it on some vegan cheesecake I made and it's wonderful!! I have the book and strongly suggest you buy this book! Thanks Ashley!
The Peace Patch says
I'd like to learn more glutenfree recipes, plus Heather is so goo about explaining details, sharing tips, etc. :)
Brittany at I Love Vegan says
I'd really like to learn more about GLUTEN FREE plant based eating. I've got the plant based part (you can always learn more though!) but the gluten free part tends to stump me. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Jeni says
By living a plant-based lifestyle, I am healthier and my diet matches my idea of living as compassionately as I possibly can. I would love to add this cookbook to my collection!