Behind the Recipes: An Interview with Linda Purcell, Author of Veggie OUTLAWS

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Trish from TrishTalkBooks to talk about my cookbook, Veggie OUTLAWS. From diving into my personal inspirations to chatting about my favorite recipes and the mission behind the book, we explored what makes Veggie OUTLAWS a game-changer in plant-based cooking. If you’ve ever wondered about the story behind the recipes—or the person who created them—you’re in for a treat!

So, buckle up as we take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Veggie OUTLAWS, and get ready to learn how this cookbook is bringing big flavor, fun, and accessibility to vegan cooking.

The Inspiration Behind Veggie OUTLAWS

The idea for Veggie OUTLAWS  sparked from a simple goal: to make vegan meals fun, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. During my chat with Trish, I shared that I wanted the book to appeal not just to plant-based pros, but also to families, kids, and anyone curious about giving vegan meals a try.My journey into plant-based eating began in 2008, after my mother-in-law suffered a heart attack. Through my husband’s research, we discovered the work of Dr. Esselstyn and the transformative power of a whole-food, plant-based diet. Inspired by studies showing the diet could reverse heart disease, Me and my family transitioned to plant-based eating—though vegan options were limited at the time.

Here’s how I explained it to Trish:

“I started transforming our standard recipes using delicious plant-based foods. Over time, I experimented with flavors and textures, creating over 1,000 plant-based recipes.”

My mission? To prove that vegan food isn’t just nutritious but can be hearty, satisfying, and downright fun.

The World of the Veggie OUTLAWS

One of the most unique aspects of my cookbook is the Veggie OUTLAWS themselves—a cast of characters who bring the recipes to life with personality and a playful Western twist. Each character represents a facet of plant-based eating, from Cashew Sue’s warm hospitality to Broccoli Bandit’s rebellious spirit.

“I wanted Veggie OUTLAWS to be more than just a collection of recipes. The characters make the book engaging and spark conversations about healthy eating in a fun, accessible way. It’s a shared family adventure.”

These dynamic characters make the book a standout for families, offering a fresh way to connect kids with plant-based cooking.

From Shepherd’s Pie to Unbutter Tarts: Recipe Highlights

Our recipes range from everyday favourites to special occasion showstoppers, each developed with a focus on bold flavor, practicality, and nutrition.

Take my Shepherdless Pie:

“My first attempt at a vegan Shepherd’s Pie was lacking. But through trial and error, I created a savory, umami-rich version that’s become a family favorite. We call it Shepherdless Pie—no shepherds needed!”

And then there’s my nostalgic Unbutter Tarts, inspired by my mom’s holiday butter tarts:

“I wanted to keep the cozy, nostalgic flavor while making it entirely plant-based. The result captures the same warmth but without the butter or animal products.”

My process often starts with seasonal produce, family traditions, and the challenge of creating plant-based versions of classic dishes.

Making Plant-Based Cooking Fun and Accessible

I emphasizes simplicity and flexibility in my recipes. Whether it’s quick weeknight meals like Peanutty Tofu Stir-Fry or elaborate holiday dishes like Crunchy Nut Roast, my cookbook caters to all cooking levels and occasions.

“Each recipe is designed with real life in mind—easy-to-follow steps, fresh ingredients, and helpful hints to make the process smooth and enjoyable.”

The attention to detail, like including ingredient amounts in each step, and nutrition levels ensures that readers can confidently navigate the kitchen, even on busy days.

What’s Next for Linda Purcell?

When asked about future projects, I may have hinted at exciting possibilities, from a Veggie OUTLAWS  coloring book to themed cookbooks focused on kid-friendly vegan recipes or dietary-specific meals like oil-free or low-FODMAP options. 

“The goal is to keep expanding the Veggie OUTLAWS universe, making plant-based cooking even more fun and accessible for everyone.”

So make sure to keep a look out for any new projects on there way!

From its colorful characters to its flavorful recipes, Veggie OUTLAWS  is more than a cookbook—it’s a celebration of plant-based living that’s approachable, joyful, and packed with personality.

If you’re curious about the full interview I did with Trish check it out here.

And if you haven’t already, grab your copy of Veggie OUTLAWS: Most Wanted Vegan Recipes to start your own plant-based adventure.

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