365 Easy Vegetarian Recipes
Sally N. Hunt, Ph.D.
"Meatless Meals So Simple, They Almost Make Themselves."
This is a great introductory book to eating vegetarian. Super, super easy recipes. There is dairy in some of the recipes, though. But this is a perfect intro. cookbook.
Recipes include: Mini Penne Tomato Bake, Vegetable Stew and Dumplings, Southwest Bean Soup (easiest ever).
The McDougall Quick & Easy Cookbook
John a. McDougall, M.D., and Mary McDougall
"Over 300 Delicious Low-Fat Recipes You Can Prepare in Fifteen Minutes or Less."
Dr. McDougall's one of the leaders of the current vegan movement. This was the first vegan cookbooks that I really used. Totally simple recipes. There's a lot of dishes that feature canned beans, which always makes life easier (just remember to rinse the beans to remove the salt content). Recipes include: Aloha Rice Salad, Banana French Toast (yum), Vegetable Bean Enchiladas.
The 30 Minute Vegan
Mark Reinfeld and Jennifer Murray
"Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Recipes for Everyday Cooking."
I like this cookbook, but it does use a lot of ingredients that you might not have on hand when first changing to a vegetarian or vegan diet. It's a great way to start learning how to stock your spices and fridge, though. I got my favorite dessert out of this book, "Live Chocolate Mousse." Also, you'll find Crispy Kale, Banana Pudding, Herbed Flatbread, among many others.
Clean Food
Terry Walters
"A Seasonal Guide to Eating Close to the Source."
This is Amy's favorite, go-to cookbook.
This book has over 200 recipes. A lot of the recipes will require a trip to the store, but they're worth it.
Recipes include: Banana, Coconut, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Corn Chowder, Spices Sweet Potato Fries.
Vegan on the Cheap
Robin Robertson
"Great Recipes and Simple Strategies that Save You Time and Money"
I use this book a ton. It gave my family their favorite dessert, Chocolate Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Cookies. This is always the #1 request when I make cookies. They have no idea they are vegan :) Well, actually, they usually don't know I'm cooking vegan. In this book, you'll also find: Vegan Sour Cream (yum), and Summer Garden Soup.
Eat to Live (original and revised version)
Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
"The Amazing Nutrient-Rich Program For Fast and Sustained Weight Loss."
I really try to live by this book. The book really is about healthy eating, and really how to eat. I love it. I believe in this plan whole heartedly.
There are recipes in the back of the books, that are among my favorite (and most healthy) including: Golden Austrailain Cauliflower Soup, Tomato Bisque (my fave), and Banana Walnut Ice Cream.
Skinny Bitch in the Kitch
Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
"Kick Ass Recipes for Hungry Girls Who Want to Stop Cooking Crap (and Start Looking Hot!)"
The book, Skinny Bitch changed my life. It's what got me to quit eating meat. This cookbook is really geared toward those who want to keep eating meals using meat substitutes, so they can eat the stuff they used to before. It's not a bad idea to begin with, but eventually you'll want to get off of the processed foods. There are some good ones in here, though: Guacamole (this is the recipe I always use), Oven Baked Garlic Fries, and Brown Gravy.
Vitamix Creations Recipe
While this isn't a vegetarian or vegan cookbook, there are tons of those recipes in this book. I love the Vitamix. It's made everything so easy. There are tons of great smoothie and soup recipes in here.