Creating and celebrating American food with a vegan twist that’s appealing to both vegans and the veg-curious, Nom Yourself presents an array of decadent and creative comfort food, like Half-Baked Macaroni and Cheese, BBQ Seitan Skewers, Sweet Potato Waffle Sandwich, Roasted Garlic Parm Carrots and Whisky Lady Cupcakes.
What I like best about Mary’s style is that she doesn’t use a ton of ingredients, all of her recipes are very easy to follow and are mostly built around fresh produce, nuts and grains.
What I tried first from Nom Yourself is Mary’s Fried Eggplant Sticks. Super-decadent, this appetizer mimics the creaminess of mozzarella, and is surrounded by a crispy panko shell that holds up well after a drag through some marinara or kale pesto. Sound good? Read on!
The kind folks over at Avery/Penguin Random House have not only allowed me to share the recipe here, but are also offering a free copy of Nom Yourself to one reader through this post!
To enter:
Just leave a comment below that includes your favorite American and/or comfort food dish. Please include your email, twitter handle, instagram username or some way to contact you in case your comment is drawn as the winner. Shipping is restricted to US only, and I’ll announce the winner on September 9 … good luck!
The winner of this giveaway is Eric … congrats and thanks to everyone who entered!
Fried Eggplant Sticks
Yield 20 sticks
Reprinted from Nom Yourself by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2015, Mary Mattern
Mozzarella sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizers. Who doesn’t love a snack you can dip?
My favorite vegetable has always been eggplant, and it turns out that when eggplant is breaded and fried, it makes a perfect creamy filling, even better than mozzarella.
Zucchini sticks are great as well, but they tend to fall apart more often than not. So I’ve found that eggplant works best for an irresistible vegan twist on a favorite that everyone will want to eat by the plateful. This appetizer is by far my personal chef clients’ favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sifted unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- ½ Peanut oil, for frying teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large eggplant, peeled and sliced into sticks
Instructions
- Place the flour in one bowl and the almond milk in another bowl.
- In a third bowl, mix the bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and kosher salt.
- Place the bowls next to one another in this order: flour, almond milk, bread crumbs.
- Add enough peanut oil to a large skillet to have the oil ½ inch deep. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Use a deep fry candy thermometer.
- Dip each stick of eggplant in the flour, then the almond milk, then the bread crumbs.
- Place the eggplant sticks in the hot oil and cook until golden brown, around 45 seconds. You may need to turn them depending on how hot your oil is.
- Place on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off the excess oil.
- Serve with Kale Pesto (recipe in cookbook) or marinara sauce.
meatyveganblog says
September 4, 2015 at 2:46 pmCan't lie. We make vegan macaroni and cheese at least once a month and it's our go-to dish for potlucks. In fact, I am making a HUGE batch to bring to a "Real Men Cook" event this year.
eric@thanktankcreative.com
@thanktankcr8
katyn1985 says
September 4, 2015 at 2:48 pmBiscuits and gravy! -Katie Norris – Instagram – Katiefaceblueeyes
Basht says
September 4, 2015 at 3:07 pmThis makes me really happy that I already preordered this book. 🙂
suzi says
September 4, 2015 at 3:18 pmmy version of grilled cheese… homemade cashew cheese with fresh sliced tomato and roasted hatch chills on sourdough all crispy in the pan… YUM!!
theplantedvegan.com says
September 4, 2015 at 3:28 pmI love a big bowl of mac and cheese!
Ms. Becky says
September 4, 2015 at 3:42 pmmy favorite comfort food is anything with sauerkraut. thanks for the chance to win this awesome looking book! fishpucky101@yahoo.com
Ghostbird says
September 4, 2015 at 3:51 pmI love country gravy over rice for my comfort food. Not so traditional but delicious. (IG handle @stubborntobewild)
Liz McCann says
September 4, 2015 at 3:58 pmPizza pizza pizza! Ig: adayfromscratch
Madeline German says
September 4, 2015 at 4:00 pmGoing to go with burgers or Mac and cheese, both so bad, yet so good. Or, any dessert honestly, all about dessert ha. (IG miraitsmaddy)
punkrockmartha says
September 4, 2015 at 4:01 pmmashed potatoes are my very favorite thing ever! thanks for the giveaway!
Shantese says
September 4, 2015 at 4:02 pmPizza!! Shanny829@aol.com
Shantese says
September 4, 2015 at 4:03 pmPizza! Shanny829@aol.com
Sarah Esposito says
September 4, 2015 at 4:03 pmMy favorite comfort/American dish would have to be a dessert: pumpkin pie! I love the flavor of fall and the memories it brings back. I want it so much more since I've moved to Florida from Connecticut 🙁 (IG: _sarahesposito)
Jordan Goldsmith says
September 4, 2015 at 4:03 pmIn our home – the go to is chicken parmigiana and potato salad 🙂 Instagram: jordanjessicaaa
Allison says
September 4, 2015 at 4:04 pmVeggie. Dogs! ? info@allisonweeksthomas.com
Genevieve Lopez says
September 4, 2015 at 4:04 pmI'm a big fan of bread pudding & banana pudding for comfort food, though a good muffin (pumpkin & cream cheese or blueberry with coarse sugar!) are high in the running as well… not the most vegan friendly recipes, but easy enough to tweak. 🙂 [ IG: truegenevieve || Twitter: nijireiki ]
Shantese says
September 4, 2015 at 4:04 pmPizza! Shanny829@aol.com
Makenzie says
September 4, 2015 at 4:04 pmWe've been vegetarian for 3 months- working on being vegan. My favorite comfort food is a philly cheese steak! Thankfully I loooooove mushrooms, so I haven't missed it too much!
vegancookingfornoncooks says
September 4, 2015 at 4:04 pmChik'in pot pie! Ig @dawn716
Emily Rosales says
September 4, 2015 at 4:05 pmFrench fries are my all time favorite! My instagram is emilypaulinerosales
Heather Leonard says
September 4, 2015 at 4:05 pmmy favorite "American" food is good old fashion country biscuits and gravy. My grandma use to make them all the time and now i love trying vegan versions.
Emily Rosales says
September 4, 2015 at 4:05 pmFrench fries are my all time favorite! My instagram is emilypaulinerosales
P-Soul says
September 4, 2015 at 4:08 pmI love mac n cheese & French fries! Can I have 2 favorites? I'll eat them together if that helps? ? paris.soliman@gmail.com & @greensandfries for Instagram and Twitter
Rebekah Sylvester says
September 4, 2015 at 4:10 pmNot sure my last one posted! My email is Isis.sylvester@gmail.com, Instagram is rlsylvester.
Biscuits & gravy, fried ocra with garlic aioli. Being a Southern born gal but living far away now.. There is just nothing like the comfort of biscuits done right!
LP says
September 4, 2015 at 4:11 pmMy FAVORITE comfort food dishes hands down have to be sauerkraut, macaroni and cheese and apple pie. These are all of the dishes my grandmother used to make that I just absolutely LOVE. Makes me think about Thanksgiving and Christmas at her house.
LJPARKER514@gmail.com
Lauren
Anonymous says
September 4, 2015 at 4:11 pmMy favorite American comfort food is definitely grilled cheese. Diaya, rosemary, and fried vegan bologna– diagonal cut of course, dipped in Frank's hot sauce.
Another favorite comfort food has always been Thai Massaman curry for me.
(IG: @abeskyoga, email: abeskyoga@gmail.com)
pipermcmillin says
September 4, 2015 at 4:13 pmFavorite dish by far is chili with all the fixins… Swoon (ig @pipermcfit)
Francesca Polito says
September 4, 2015 at 4:14 pmCasseroles are my favorite! Growing up I always loved green bean and mushroom casserole the most. I've been dreaming of a gooey, (vegan) cheesy, crunchy-on-the-top mushroom and squash casserole for autumn. I'll see what I can whip up with the help of my soon to be new favorite cookbook, Nom Yourself 😉
Email is fmp875@gmail.com, instagram is francescayoungsilks.
pipermcfit says
September 4, 2015 at 4:14 pmMy favorite dish by far is chili with all the fixins… Swoon (ig @pipermcfit)
Chelsea Snyder says
September 4, 2015 at 4:14 pmChicken pot pie is my favorite American dish! Thanks! Csnyder607@gmail.com
Anonymous says
September 4, 2015 at 4:15 pmWhen I think comfort food it is not in the traditional sense. My go to is vegan ice cream. Hands down will always comfort you. Cheers!
– @KindAndrew
Chelsea Snyder says
September 4, 2015 at 4:15 pmChicken pot pie! Thanks! Csnyder607@gmail.com
Francesca Polito says
September 4, 2015 at 4:16 pmCasseroles are my favorite! Growing up I always loved green bean and mushroom casserole the most. I've been dreaming of a gooey, (vegan) cheesy, crunchy-on-the-top mushroom and squash casserole for autumn. I'll see what I can whip up with the help of my soon to be new favorite cookbook, Nom Yourself 😉
Email is fmp875@gmail.com, instagram is francescayoungsilks.
cwillett15 says
September 4, 2015 at 4:16 pmMy favorite comfort food is vegan pot pies using biscuits as the 'crust' … mmm!!
(IG/Twitter handle: @_cfwillett)
FunksBay says
September 4, 2015 at 4:18 pmI love potato salad! To me, it's not just a summer side dish..I could eat it as a whole meal in the dead of winter!
calliejofunk@yahoo.com IG: @funkjocallie
Brittney Hamilton says
September 4, 2015 at 4:22 pmgrilled cheeeeeeese. Twitter/Instagram @brittneyleester. brittneyleehamilton@gmail.com
Sophia says
September 4, 2015 at 4:25 pmWhen it comes to comfort, I am all about the carbs – mac and cheeze, French fries, you name it.
nophie_w-v@hotmail.com
Katelyn Motsinger says
September 4, 2015 at 4:26 pmMy favorite dish would be anything that consists of avocado!!! Clearly I find comfort in them 🙂
(Instsa: katelynmotsinger)
Gina Calabrese says
September 4, 2015 at 4:36 pmVegan mac and cheese the best! Especially with jalapeños 🙂 my name is Gina, my Instagram is @gmcnotacar
Gina Calabrese says
September 4, 2015 at 4:37 pmVegan mac and cheese the best! Especially with jalapeños 🙂 my name is Gina, my Instagram is @gmcnotacar
borntomakestuff says
September 4, 2015 at 4:40 pmDefinitely Mac n' Cheese or Grilled Cheese! I miss them both as a vegan. : ) : )
Jorge Cadiz says
September 4, 2015 at 4:40 pmHot fresh baked bread!
IG: xposttenebraslux
Shelby Maberry says
September 4, 2015 at 4:42 pmMac and cheese is my weakness. I weep every time I make it. Daiya cheese, Tofutti cream cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic is all you need to make the sauce.
@sheslayber on Instagram!
Anonymous says
September 4, 2015 at 4:43 pmMy favorite comfort food is mashed potatoes with creamed peas. Yummers!!! My email is jenniferblack68@gmail.com and instagram is @whatthesquirrels .
tierra ragan says
September 4, 2015 at 4:44 pmI'm definitely a vegan pizza-holic. I love experimenting with different homemade sauces and toppings! Pick me! Pick me! Instagram and Twitter Handle: @tierragan Email: tierra.ragan@gmail.com
Shelby Maberry says
September 4, 2015 at 4:44 pmVegan Mac and cheese is my go to for comfort food 🙂 and tater tots
@sheslayber on Instagram!
tierra ragan says
September 4, 2015 at 4:46 pmI'm a vegan pizza-holic! I love experimenting with different homemade sauces and toppings. Pick me! Pick me! Instagram and Twitter Handle: @tierragan Email: tierra.ragan@gmail.com
Monica says
September 4, 2015 at 4:50 pmMac n cheese always! ?
Twitter: shesaliibra
rachel says
September 4, 2015 at 4:52 pmthis is super boring but my comfort dish is oatmeal with berries and peanut butter during the fall and winter, warms me up from the inside! email is myemailstinks(at)gmail.com
Adriana Hernandez says
September 4, 2015 at 5:03 pmMac and cheese! Oh, the amount of that I could eat! Although I actually haven't made any since I went vegan (over a year ago), but I will because we are meant to be together and we'll find a way back. Thank you for this giveaway!
Twitter and IG: @vdrianaa Email: adrianah1995@yahoo.com
charj says
September 4, 2015 at 5:03 pmLately, my favorite is grits, beans and greens
Sophia :) says
September 4, 2015 at 5:06 pmDefinitely beef noodle soup for my Chinese side, but I can't turn down a grilled cheese with tomatoes. Mmmmm
@slanteyeminion on Instagram
Jia Hui Lee says
September 4, 2015 at 5:21 pmMac'n'cheese, with gooey vegan cheese is such a comfort food for me.
My e-mail is jiahui7@rocketmail.com, twitter is @FleurFlor and IG @jhlphotos. 🙂
Anonymous says
September 4, 2015 at 5:27 pmMy favorite comfort food is a pot of beans (I like the 15 dried bean mix for this) cooked and add okra to it. Serve with some vegan cornbread – and I'm comforted, warmed, filled – and loving the world again. My email is teribeariblue@yahoo.com.
Allyee Jepma says
September 4, 2015 at 5:27 pmMy favorite traditional American classic was always the BLT or for vegetarians like me ALT (avocado lettuce toast) before I start cooking it was my go to choice to make as a kid. My American comfort food is hands-down always Smore's 🙂
Instagram: allyeec
Elizabeth Gorski says
September 4, 2015 at 5:42 pmMy favorite comfort food is a plate of fresh, hot, tender-but-crisp potato pancakes. The vegan version is even better than the traditional, and the aroma reminds me of home. I can eat them any night of the week.
@crosswordnation on Instagram
JustJasmyn says
September 4, 2015 at 6:02 pmHands down it's gotta be chili mac and cheese! instagram: @justjasmyn
jenni says
September 4, 2015 at 6:20 pmfavorite comfort food was and continues to be soup. when i would get home from school, there would be a bowl (usually cream of mushroom) waiting for me. i've since veganized my favorite soup recipes.
instagram: @neferdyan
JustJasmyn says
September 4, 2015 at 6:25 pmHmm, I think I have to go with tomato and jalapeño grilled cheese! Gotta love spicy ? instagram: justjasmyn
Shannon says
September 4, 2015 at 7:54 pmLasagna 🙂
Pedro Nevarez says
September 4, 2015 at 9:07 pmMy favorite comfort food is vegan lasagna…yum yum ????
Instagram: @pnevarez60
Arden says
September 4, 2015 at 9:21 pmGrits! Earth Balance-y, noochy, garlicky grits.
Unknown says
September 4, 2015 at 9:35 pmStrawberry cheesecake is my favourite
Instagram Machteld_Broug
Jessica says
September 4, 2015 at 9:37 pmBurgers!
Insta: @jgazin
Maryann D. says
September 4, 2015 at 9:45 pmMy comfort food would be a dish of pasta with marinara sauce.
twinkle at optonline dot net
Taylor Reffett says
September 4, 2015 at 11:13 pmGrilled cheese! I still need to try chao cheese!
Luis Tirado says
September 4, 2015 at 11:21 pmPhilly cheesesteak sandwich.
@ltirado766
Luis Tirado says
September 4, 2015 at 11:21 pmPhilly cheesesteak sandwich.
@ltirado766
Heather says
September 4, 2015 at 11:29 pmGrilled cheese and cream of tomato soup to dunk it in!
Anonymous says
September 4, 2015 at 11:55 pmPretty much anything on a [vegan] thanksgiving table! Stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, biscuits… dang, now I'm getting hungry! Thanks for hosting this!
Mackenziebader@gmail.com
RunCrissieRun says
September 5, 2015 at 12:50 amoh my, where to begin! I would say mac and cheese and mashed potatoes are my fav traditional comfort foods! Twitter and Instagram @runcrissierun 🙂
Anonymous says
September 5, 2015 at 1:35 amFried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and a buttermilk biscuit: @kim.greunke
Janel Gradowski says
September 5, 2015 at 1:41 amA hot, open faced sandwich smothered in gravy with a side of mashed potatoes! jgbeads (at) gmail (dot) com
Anonymous says
September 5, 2015 at 1:49 amMashed potatoes and gravy!
Instayum: @jexd7
Thanks!
Jacky says
September 5, 2015 at 2:09 amIsa Chandra Moskowitz's good gravy bowl!
Terri Cole says
September 5, 2015 at 3:09 amMy favorite comfort foods are the vegan versions of the foods that my mom and grandma made when I was little. Chik'n and dumplings, beefless stew and German potato salad all do the trick!
gaia at cinci dot rr dot com
Anonymous says
September 5, 2015 at 3:35 amroasted garlic mac and no-cheese is my all time favorite comfort food! Instagram handle: @chefasana
Anonymous says
September 5, 2015 at 3:36 amHands down, shepards pie! Lucky for me there are so many vegan variations 🙂 instagram: @jademaxw_ll
Anonymous says
September 5, 2015 at 5:34 amWings! Wings! Wings! Mouth watering, sloppy, celery required, feelin' 'em in the mornin', savory, cayenne hot, buffalo, seitan, breaded and fried, finger lickin' hot wings! Can I get a woohoo!? WOOHOO!!! – love to nom @tarn_brewed
♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ says
September 5, 2015 at 6:27 amI think I would have to say Chicken Pot Pie is my favorite comfort food!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
maureen says
September 5, 2015 at 12:27 pmIt is Mac and cheese! Not eating now that I am vegan. I do miss it at times.
Anonymous says
September 5, 2015 at 12:47 pmPizza is my go to comfort food. I Love Mushroom, onion and green olives!
dslivers1972@yahoo.com
maureen says
September 5, 2015 at 1:45 pmmac and cheese!!
Nan Talley says
September 5, 2015 at 1:57 pmSeems like it will be delish!
stopanimalabuse says
September 5, 2015 at 2:06 pmMac & Cheese (something I had never had before becoming vegan 31 years ago) is my fave.
infinitezest says
September 5, 2015 at 2:18 pmThese look incredible! My favorite American comfort food is probably banana pudding!
Email: infinitezest1@gmail.com
Twitter: @lotuskin
Instagram: infinitezest
Lili Hastings says
September 5, 2015 at 2:37 pmFrench fries, Mac and cheese, vegan dogs and burgers just to name a few. Can't wait to try these fries they look amazing. llhastings3@gmail.com Thank you!
Donna says
September 5, 2015 at 3:14 pmNacho cheese is my comfort food, scooped up with anything! Djsstubbs@aol.com
rana durham says
September 5, 2015 at 7:25 pmmy favorite comfort food is mac and cheese . my twitter name is @ranadurham
machiavelie says
September 5, 2015 at 8:39 pmMargherita pizza! Elie.chau@gmail.com
Elénα says
September 5, 2015 at 9:00 pmas anticipated, vegan mac and cheese!! mozzarella sticks and vegan buffalo wings 🙂 my email is ele.efstathiou@gmail.com
Elénα says
September 5, 2015 at 9:01 pmvegan mac and cheese, vegan buffalo wings and vegan mozzarella cheese :3 ele.efstathiou@gmail.com
D Johnson says
September 5, 2015 at 11:20 pmMy favorite is vegan eggplant, tomato, and chickpea casserole.
chickpeasandchange says
September 6, 2015 at 10:06 amcheesecake! 😀
ali.seiter@gmail.com
Sukina says
September 6, 2015 at 10:43 amHands down, it's the British favorite Sheperds Pie / Cottage Pie – YUM! I would love to try out a good recipe for a vegan variation of this delicious comfort food! Contact: s_u_k_i_n_a (Please Direct Message me if I'm selected as the winner – here's hoping!). Thanks!
Johanna says
September 6, 2015 at 12:31 pmI think it's grilled cheese.
johanna@woodbury.org
Brenda Haines says
September 6, 2015 at 5:16 pmHomemade mac n cheese with caramelized sweet onions and bacon is my favorite comfort food.
Big Mama says
September 6, 2015 at 7:28 pmMy mom's homemade vegan "beef" tacos are my absolute favorite comfort food. My husband and I relocated for his job so my mom makes them for me every time I come for a visit and I associate them now with home and love. Add a Margarita and some vegan Mac on the side and it's heaven. My ig handle is tac0_flavored_kisses and my email is Samantha.Munoz@gmail.com
Brit B says
September 6, 2015 at 10:10 pmVegan Mac n Cheeze. mmmmm.
Barbara Clark says
September 6, 2015 at 11:00 pmMac and cheese, mac and cheese and did I mention mac and cheese? This book looks great, crossing my fingers my name is picked. bjaneclark@gmail.com
MingusTrane says
September 7, 2015 at 3:54 ammac and cheeze casserole (including vegetables and seitan or not dogs)
Ashley says
September 7, 2015 at 5:48 pmPizza, for sure! thanks so much for the awesome giveaway.
Jackie Smith says
September 7, 2015 at 7:47 pmTots! Thank you for the giveaway!
Anonymous says
September 7, 2015 at 7:56 pmMac and cheese please!!! Pick me pick me pick me! I have no google account… ? but I'm believing_is_the_beginning on Instagram!!
Jennifer says
September 7, 2015 at 8:16 pmI would love this cookbook for my family. They are big on cheese and dairy so I feel like I always need to cook comfort food to win their hearts, so I think the book would have some great options! My favorite comfort food would be calzones, it is weird one, but there has been many childhood Sunday making a calzone. I've made a great vegan version so I don't miss it anymore.
Laura Adams says
September 7, 2015 at 10:12 pmI grew up in a Filipino home so my favorite comfort dish is rice with lots of vegetables stir fried plus I have made vegan adobo!!! Thank you for giving us an opportunity to win this book! My Instagram is @veganagain Even if I don't win feel free to check it out! I aspire to have a cookbook someday too! Thank you! ??
Amelia says
September 8, 2015 at 12:23 pmThis looks delicious! Yum!! My favorite comfort food is Shepherds Pie. Mmm…
Thanks for the chance! athomas @ hanovereng.com
Aimee Douglass says
September 8, 2015 at 3:49 pmMac and cheese will always be my go-to when I'm looking for comfort.
acbrick@verizon.net
Anonymous says
September 8, 2015 at 7:50 pmBlue box mac n cheese. So pleased Earth Balance has come out with a good option finally…
gretchenm47 at gmail dot com
Lydia Claire says
September 9, 2015 at 12:59 amMashed potatoes are always a good comfort food when I'm not feeling well.
Corrine Greenfield says
September 9, 2015 at 1:00 amFresh bread!
t says
September 9, 2015 at 1:47 amObsessed with vegan Alfredo! And beans! Lol. Tara811@gmail.com