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Rory Freedman, one of the authors of the much-loved Skinny Bitch series, has answered a few short questions for us on the books, cooking, great vegan products, and what's next in the series. Read all of her answers below, and be sure to check back tomorrow for a recipe, tested by yours truly, from Skinny Bitch in the Kitch.
Can you tell us a little about the new book, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, and how you came up with all the recipes?
SBK was really a gift to our readers—people who had read SB, changed their diets as a result, and wanted another tool in helping them live the vegan lifestyle.
But Kim and I are not professional chefs; we're just professional eaters. So our publisher hired a cookbook consultant to help us develop the recipes.
Where did you learn to cook? Any formal experience?
Neither one of us had any formal training. We both just spend a ton of time in our kitchens and obsessing about food in general. Eating is, by far, our favorite thing to do.
Do you have a favorite cooking method and favorite ingredient that help keep recipes "skinny"?
A favorite cooking method? I'm a fan of all of them! Anything that gets a pile of random ingredients into a cruelty-free dish works for me! (Although I do have to say, I'm not big on fried and deep-fried stuff.)
Are there any newer vegetarian products on the market that you are particularly fond of or recommend?
I don't know how new they are, but:
•Parma is an amazing Parmesan cheese substitute made from walnuts. It tastes like a dream and is healthy, to boot!
•I've been seeing more and more Gardein soy chicken and soy beef products lately, and they're pretty darn good.
•Sunergia has a soy feta that totally rocks my world!
Any tips or tricks for the at-home chef who wants to be a "skinny bitch"?
Yeah, first get rid of all the dead, rotting, decomposing flesh and haul away all that dairy nastiness. Skinny Bitches are vegan!
Second, get a bunch of vegan cookbooks. Our faves are The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, How It All Vegan and In the Garden of Vegan by Tanya Barnard and Sarah Kramer, Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, and The Compassionate Cook by Ingrid Newkirk.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only eat one kind of food, what would it be?
Ugh! This question is nothing short of torture! One food? Forever? Ugh! If I were being sensible, I'd have to say fruit, simply because it's so healthy. But all the while, I'd be dreaming about nachos, mashed potatoes, chimichurris from Candle Café in NYC, and cupcakes!
What's next for both of you?
We've got three more books in the works: Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven (for pregnant women), a Skinny Bitch journal/diary, and Skinny Bastard (for men).
And lots and lots of eating!
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Comments ( 27 )
THANK YOU!!!
YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE
Posted by tatyana eelvee | February 7, 2008 3:34 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 15:34
Skinny Bitch and SKB have a a big part in revolutionizing my thinking about food and eating habits. I love the books and have recommended them to many of my friends and family members.
Posted by Jill | February 7, 2008 4:03 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 16:03
Yea! I love Skinny Bitch! I just finished reading it last week, and I'm totally changing my diet. I was already vegan, but now I'm giving up white flour and pasta, beer (that's a big one), high fructose corn syrup, and Diet Coke.
Posted by Bianca | February 7, 2008 5:59 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 17:59
I really loved these two books and think their message infiltrating the mainstream is just fabulous!! My carnivore boyfriend even loves the dishes I make from SBK!
Posted by MaryLeigh | February 8, 2008 10:05 AM
Posted on February 8, 2008 10:05
After my daughter gave me your book It has trully opened my eyes, as I blind to what has been going on with respect to animal cruelty. I can honestly say that I am VEGAN and my three girls as well. Thank you. Each and every one of us can make a difference. I wish I could do more......
Posted by Kathleen | February 8, 2008 11:03 AM
Posted on February 8, 2008 11:03
Since reading Skinny Bitch I have totally changed my eating life style. I am now a vegan and have lost 50 pounds...I exercise everyday too, but I definately feel better on the inside now that I now longer consume animal products; this book, as well as further research about being a vegan, has definately changed my life! Thanks!
Posted by Jean | February 8, 2008 1:36 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 13:36
I HAVE BEEN A RUNNER FOR 10 YEARS. EVERY DAY I AM RUNNING 5 MILES AND ON WEEKENDS, MORE!
I HAVE NOT EATEN MEAT IN 8 YEARS.
NOW, I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN, COACH SOCCER WORK A FULL TIME JOB, BOTH KIDS PLAY HOCKEY...A LOT!
I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I COULD NOT GET THESE EXTRA POUNDS OFF! IM 5'7" AND DID WEIGH 143LBS.
NOW THAT MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A LOT TO SOME, BUT FOR MYSELF I DID NOT FEEL LIKE I WAS IN A PROUD "SKIN SUITE"
SO...I STOPPED DAIRY AND LOOKED AT EVERY INGREDIENT!...MEANING NASTY CHEESE, BUTTER, CREAM, MILK, AND DID I MENTION CHEESE.( YA! I LIVE IN VERMONT. NOT EASY!
...WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
..WARMEST REGARDS.VT GIRL
Posted by BROOKE | February 8, 2008 4:04 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 16:04
Thank you soo mych! I can honestly say that my life has improved soo much! I am no longer craving any sweets, my appetite has decreased, and I have tons of energy. More importantly, I learned about animal cruelty and it truly opened my eyes. I am officially a skinny bitch!
Posted by Erika | February 8, 2008 5:34 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 17:34
I was vegetarian as a teenager for a few years. Somehow I became desensitized over a course of 2 years after graduating high school. I reintroduced fish and poultry into my diet. After reading Skinny Bitch in August I remembered why I was vegetarian and was embarrassed i ever stopped. I was tearing up in Barnes and Noble when I read the realities of factory farming, I bought the book right away. I am now Vegan and the healthiest I have ever been in my life. I have already lost 20 pounds and feeling great. Thanks a lot for slapping me in the face with reality. I am a happier person. A few days ago, a family friend asked me if I was in love. She asked me this because she said I was glowing. I told her it's because I am Vegan and eating right. Thanks again. I feel beautiful and am always looking forward to my next vegan meal.
Posted by Rita | February 9, 2008 12:30 AM
Posted on February 9, 2008 00:30
I haven't even finished reading SB yet but I have already converted to veganism. The chapters on the animal cruelty are so shocking I cannot believe that I didn't think about this properly before.
The book is witty, informative, effective and necessary.
You have changed my diet and my outlook forever.
Much Love,
Laura
London
Posted by Laura | February 11, 2008 9:06 AM
Posted on February 11, 2008 09:06
My husband and I just finished reading Skinny Bitch and thought it was great! It's a very easy ready that's hilarious at the same time very informative. This definitely made us think about our diet very differently. So, we cleaned out our fridge and decided to go the vegan route. Thank you for such a great book!
Posted by Corina | February 11, 2008 3:42 PM
Posted on February 11, 2008 15:42
I loved SB! This book has changed my life! I've not only recommended it to friends, but bought them copies, since I couldn't wait for them to read it and change their diets, for the poor factory animals' sake...I figured if I could get at least three other people to quit eating animals/animal products that would save roughly 360 animals per year. I know it's not going to make a huge dent in the ten billion slaughter animals per year but it's a start! Together, we can eventually put the greedy merciless farmers out of business.
Posted by rina henzel | February 12, 2008 12:27 AM
Posted on February 12, 2008 00:27
Hello. I live in Argentina, and I would like to know if SB is translated to spanish or abailable in Sud américa.
Thanks for the info!
Posted by Cecilia Maestro | February 12, 2008 7:58 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 19:58
I saw the Peta documentary, I Am an Animal, recently and it changed my life. I have read and devoured the Skinny Bitch books. I turned vegan for New Year's. I can't believe how good I feel. My energy level is through the roof and I have already lost ten pounds. Keep it up, you bitches!
Posted by LvDebraRn | February 13, 2008 8:26 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 08:26
I was already a vegan, but Skinny Bitch has given me the motivation to work out more. Rory and Kim have done so much for animals AND people. This book made my year!
Posted by Shelley | February 13, 2008 9:34 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 09:34
I have stopped eating Meat and dairy since reading Skinny Bitch and I do feel much better and don't miss meat at all, althought I was told to eat for my blood type which meant lots of meat.
I am not losing weight though. Does it take a certain amount of time? Can anyone tell me why?
Evelyn
Posted by Evelyn | February 13, 2008 10:03 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 10:03
My sister gave me your book, and boy did it open my eyes. My husband and I had stopped eating red meat, but haden't realized the atrocious cruelty being done to the rest. Thank you for bringing awareness to so many.
Posted by May | February 13, 2008 10:54 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 10:54
Cecilia,
According to the Barnes and Noble web site, the Spanish-language edition will be available March 31.
amy
Posted by Amy | February 13, 2008 3:49 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 15:49
I bought this book January 25th, the day before my birthday. It totally smashed my rose-colored glasses and made me see the reality of what I was putting in my body and what those animals go through to slake mankind's appetites and desires. I went vegan the next day. It's been tough, but I've eliminated meat and dairy and revamped my personal care and home cleaning products as well. And I feel so much happier, lighter and healthier. I've also shed nearly 13lbs since I embraced the vegan lifestyle. Keep up the good work, ladies and don't listen to the noises in the marketplace. You guys are touching the lives of both mankind and beast. Kudos to you!
Posted by Cyra | February 14, 2008 8:39 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 20:39
I just finished Skinny Bitch a week ago. I never EVER thought I could eat a vegetarian diet, never mind a vegan diet. I have lost 3 pounds in this past week and feel so SO good about myself. thank you for opening my eyes and changing my life.
Posted by liz macken | February 14, 2008 11:20 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 23:20
I picked up the SB book at a SuperBowl party, hostess let me take it home and I read it from cover to cover that night. Since then I have not eaten any animal flesh started on Soy milk (which I love by the way) and feel really proud to be doing my part on this planet. Skinny Bitch will forever change my life and eating habits even if I never lose these last 10 pounds. Thank you Skinny Bitches!
Posted by Wendy | February 15, 2008 12:18 AM
Posted on February 15, 2008 00:18
Skinny Bitch opened up my eyes, and I'm now living a vegan life. I'm excited for Skinny Bastard, maybe I can get my husband to switch his lifestyle.
Thank you
Posted by Ashley | February 15, 2008 12:49 PM
Posted on February 15, 2008 12:49
Dear Rory,
I cannot tell you how much your book has changed my life. Your humor and honesty were just the kick in the pants I have needed. My friends went from rolling their eyes at me to borrowing or buying their own copy of SB once they saw all the positive changes you have helped me achieve.
You are the best. Thanks so very much.
Julie
Posted by Julie | February 17, 2008 7:10 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 19:10
This book has changed my life.2 years ago I was over weight.I started going to the gym and making some small changes in my diet and lost 30lbs, however I have never been skinny.I hadn't lost any weight in over 2 years now. The day after reading the book i stoppped eating crap. It's been 3 weeks and i have lost 5lbs, I can't believe it!!! I feel great! This book changed my life! Thank-you soo very much for opening my eyes. All i have been doing is eating my face off and the pounds are melting away!
Posted by Cara | February 18, 2008 8:48 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 08:48
"So our publisher hired a cookbook consultant to help us develop the recipes."
Too bad you didn't give the actual author credit. Seeing as how you didn't write it.
Posted by just a reader | February 22, 2008 2:07 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 14:07
Your book has changed my like! I have never felt better!!
Thank you.
Posted by Richelle | February 27, 2008 5:10 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 17:10
Help, cant have soy products because of breast cancer conerns in close family. What else can I do ty
Posted by Denise | June 9, 2008 3:38 PM
Posted on June 9, 2008 15:38