Review & Giveaway: Vegan Chocolate by Fran Costigan

Brownie Pudding Cakelettes An Unrefined Vegan

Whenever I felt completely daunted about how much recipe testing, writing, and photography I had to do for my cookbook, I’d look over at the tempting pile of cookbooks that were waiting for my review. I kept one book always on the top of that stack for the cover photo alone. I knew that once I’d finished my work, I would have my reward. I could immerse myself in deep, dark chocolate.

So – this is less a review and more like an ode to Fran Costigan’s stunning Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts. I mean, c’mon. It’s a whole, hard-bound, photograph-heavy, book of vegan CHOCOLATE desserts.  And it’s Fran Costigan. Let’s get to the chocolate!

Vegan Chocolate Cover

…I was drawn to the Low-Fat and Luscious Hot Cocoa like Winona Ryder’s character, Mina, was drawn to Gary Oldman’s Vlad – pesky fang marks on the neck not included.

Low Fat Luscious Hot Cocoa via An Unrefined Vegan

Low Fat Luscious Hot Cocoa via An Unrefined Vegan

Then there were the Mendiants. The what?! Who cares! It’s chocolate!

Mendiants from Vegan Chocolate An Unrefined Vegan

Mendiants from Vegan Chocolate via An Unrefined Vegan

And any chocolate cookbook worth its cacao has got to have a recipe for Chocolate Coconut Chia Pudding, am I right?

Chocolate Coconut Chia Pudding An Unrefined Vegan

Chocolate Coconut Chia Pudding An Unrefined Vegan

But let’s not forget about the Brownie Pudding Cakelettes that ooze chocolate “pudding” as soon as the spoon makes “first contact.”

Brownie Pudding Cakelettes An Unrefined Vegan

Brownie Pudding Cakelettes An Unrefined Vegan

…and then there was this…Chocolate Espresso Gelato. Can you hear the choir of angels singing?

Chocolate Espresso Gelato An Unrefined Vegan

Chocolate Espresso Gelato An Unrefined Vegan

Chocolate Espresso Gelato An Unrefined Vegan

Chocolate Espresso Gelato An Unrefined Vegan

But wait – there’s more! Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles!

Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles An Unrefined Vegan

Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles An Unrefined Vegan

Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles An Unrefined Vegan

Thank you, Fran, Dianne, and Running Press for providing me with a review copy – as well as a copy to give away to one of my readers (open to those in the U.S. only; giveaway ends at midnight CT on November 3).

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

 

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72 thoughts on “Review & Giveaway: Vegan Chocolate by Fran Costigan

  1. Sarah

    Fran is a lovely lady! I met her at the first Vida Vegan Con – she slipped in and sat down at the table I was having breakfast at – and said “Hi, I’m Fran!”. Her cooking classes are even more fun!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      I could eat it every day, but I make a conscious effort not to :-)! Thanks for entering the giveaway, Lydia!

      Reply
  2. The Vegan 8

    Oh my dear God I just died and went to chocolate heaven!! Everything sounds so amazing. I have some white chocolates I make that are covered in sesame seeds, but the dark chocolate sounds amazing too!! I’d say your reward is awesome!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      I KNOW, right?! Insane! I enjoyed myself so much that I’m taking a break from desserts, hehe!

      Reply
  3. Sophie33

    I love that woman! That book sounds extremely interesting with all those fabulous vegan chocolate recipes! All of the recipes you have shown here look amazing! Yummmm!

    Reply
  4. Somer

    Oh. My. Gosh. Just drown me in all the food in this post. Like forever. This makes me want a do over of my own review! I hardly had a chance to make anything before it was due!

    Reply
  5. Lauzan

    I love Fran, I have all her books and Vegan Chocolate is wonderful. I made several recipes and the were all deliciously perfect!

    Reply
  6. Iona McAulay

    I love chocolate but it really zaps my nervous system – nevertheless I must buy this book if only to devour the photographs!

    Reply
  7. Angela @ Canned Time

    I think you really enjoyed this photo shoot. ..no?
    A tasty task!!
    My copy is on an end table now. Looks nicer than the table actually 😉 Great review!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      It’s a beautiful book – and even better, the recipes are incredible. But due to my diligent testing, Kel and I are on a dessert fast until Thanksgiving :-). Worth the sacrifice, though!

      Reply
  8. Carrie D.

    I’ve had this cookbook on my amazon wishlist for while now. It looks amazing! Chocolate rates as an 8 on my scale. I usually have a bit everyday, even if it’s only cocoa powder in my oatmeal!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      Wishing you luck on winning it, Carrie! Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this book to your library. It’s just beautiful!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer

    WOW! Amazing photos! In answer to the entry question of how chocolate rates 1 to 10 of importance in my life I would have to say around 2 or 3…mainly because since going vegan I really haven’t had much of it. I’m not much of a baker or dessert creator and I think I have only had 1 vegan dessert in 2 and a half years. I LOVE hearing and seeing recipes for them and would love to get brave enough to try my hand at it again – perhaps this book would do the trick. Also…on the entry form it said ‘points for subscribing’ and I entered my email addy because I am a subscriber but it didn’t take (timed out or something) – just wanted to let you know! This is a great contest! thanks for posting it :) And the opportunity!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      Jennifer, I’m sure this cookbook would inspire you to start baking your own yummy chocolate desserts. Fran includes recipes from the super-easy to showstoppers – so there is something for everyone.

      Thanks for letting me know about the email subscription glitch – and thanks for being a subscriber!

      Reply
  10. heather2204

    How important is chocolate in my life? Definitely an 8 or 9… is there any situation that can’t be improved by chocolate? I can’t think of one, LOL! 😉 The cookbook looks absolutely beautiful, and if I’m not lucky enough to win it, then I’ll put it on my holiday wish list for sure! :)

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      Interesting that the male in the household likes chocolate more than the female :-)! So much for stereotypes!

      Reply
  11. Terri Cole

    My love for chocolate goes all the way to 11! 😉 Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book. I had it from the library and was so sad when I had to return it. Also, awesome Dracula reference!

    Reply
  12. jody w

    I’d say chocolate is about a 6. I do love it, but try to eat it in small quantities. Really looking for to this book… I already own Fran’s other book. Your photos look wonderful. The gelato looks super impressive.

    Reply
  13. Marfigs

    Argh this is torture – why don’t I live overseas? Anyway, this book is 100% on my wishlist – so much beautiful chocolate!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan Post author

      I wish I could share these giveaways with everyone – so sorry to put you through chocolate torture!!

      Reply
  14. Choc Chip Uru

    Chocolate is probably the most important thing in my life after my family and friends 😛

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  15. Cheerfully Vegan

    Some days chocolate figures higher in my life than others! After looking at these pictures, I wish it was featuring more right now! Yum. I guess I would average my “need” for it at a 5.

    Reply
  16. Lucia Linkletter

    Chocolate was always a staple food in my childhood home and neither growing up (a little) or going vegan has changed that one bit.

    Reply
  17. Amber

    My mother’s motto in life is “Always chocolate – vanilla is a waste of calories.” So from a young age, I was taught that chocolate is VERY important! 😉

    Reply
  18. Jess Moore

    I realized I forgot to put the importance number on that last post. I eat some every day, so it’s probably close to an 8.

    Reply
  19. Dee Marquez

    Chocolate is a ten that’s for sure!!
    Choccie espresso gelato sounds amazing!!!
    Fingers crossed to win this :)

    Reply

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