30 Days of Books: I have lots of opinions.

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Day 26- A book that changed your opinion about something: This book didn't so much change my opinion about anything, but it did convince me that being vegan was easy and absolutely do-able, even in Nebraska. This book is Vegan with a Vengeance by the incomparable Isa Chandra Moskowitz. This is the book that taught me how to cook tofu and tempeh, how to use various egg substitutes and how to make the best darn chocolate chip cookies of all time. As a scared, little vegan newbie, the recipes, banter and tips in this book shoved my fear out of the way and got me into the kitchen for the first time in my life, and I could not be any more grateful for that.

NVS Potluck featuring Isa making waffles and puppies

To begin, NVS stands for Nebraska Vegetarian Society, a group that holds potlucks for vegetarians, vegans and the veg-curious. January's NVS potluck was a combination of potluck, bake sale for Town and Country Humane Society and a cooking demonstration by the lovely Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Potluck standouts included vegan quesadillas and a spaghetti-rice pasta bake, but there was plenty (two tables worth) of other delicious food to be had. Unfortunately, I was too busy stuffing my face to take any pictures. But really, how can pictures of my packed potluck plate compare to puppies? Over $300 was raised for Town and Country, as well as several instances of interest in adoption for our furry guests of honor.

Our other guest of honor, Isa, gave a cooking demonstration on waffles. Considering that I've never made waffles before, I definitely found it informative, as well as entertaining. You can watch clips of it here and here. Sorry about moving the camera a little, my arms got tired. I did my best not to induce motion sickness.

I love going to NVS events and seeing people come together to enjoy cruelty-free food, as well as watching the organization grow. Veganism and vegetarianism have both come a long way since I stopped eating meat and it is always rewarding to see so many people getting involved with these movements in my home state.