Mattern - Nom yourself: simple vegan cooking

When the fuel of passion drives us, and that passion comes from a place of wanting to leave an impact and make a difference, there is nothing that will get in our way. Social media, as we all know, has become the greatest microphone we have to reach the masses and share our personal story and our purpose, and it can inspire others within this virtual community. From the beginning of time, food has brought people together, and it is our innate instinct to share meals with others within our community. Through the power of virtual platforms we are able to build on this surreal sense of community by sharing the foods and moments in time that inspire us daily. I was first introduced to the power of plants at a young age and was determined to scream it from the mountaintops to whoever would listen. Being an activist at heart, I learned quickly that our forks are the greatest tools we have to make a difference for the animals, our health, and the planet.

Eating vegan has grown far beyond a trend, and just in the past few years it seems to have become a key piece of the conversation within the culinary world. More and more chefs are starting to recognize that showcasing plants is not only a healthier option but a channel of innovation and creativity that is gaining momentum. We are at the brink of a very exciting time, and we all need to do our part to support this snowballing movement. Mary Mattern is a perfect example of someone who has taken her love for food, passion for cooking, and compassion for animals as an opportunity to build an online community to share just how easy it is to eat and embrace a vegan diet with simple, plant-based, comforting foods. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a Nom Yourself post on social media and started craving some vegan comfort food. Mary is a mover and a shaker; she brings others together with the foods she posts, keeping us all hungry and constantly inspiring folks to get back in the kitchen.

With the foods that strike that memory or emotional connection we have from childhood, the comfort foods we love is where Marys food shines. Her work has reached people around the world, and she inspires us all daily with the message not only that vegan cooking is approachable and delicious, but also that when we embrace our personal passion, our purpose for making a difference, there is no stopping us and we can create the path we desire. It is so amazing to see the culinary journey unfolding for Mary and to know that her creative work is getting the recognition it deserves. This book is a wonderful showcase of that work. We are very lucky to have such a passionate influencer in the vegan community who is truly living her purpose and supporting others to do the same, starting in the kitchen. CHAD SARNO Chef, educator, and plant-pusher www.chadsarno.com www.rouxbe.com/plant-based

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Ive been so very lucky to have the greatest support system by my side during the cooking and writing process of this book.

I would not have been able to complete Nom Yourself without the encouragement and love from my friends and family. I would like to thank my parents, Richard and Kathyrn, for raising me to be a compassionate, determined, and artistic human being. You make me want to be a better person every single day. I have no words for the love and commitment you have shown me over the years. Thank you for believing in my dreams and allowing me to follow them with your full support. Id also like to thank my sister and brother, Elizabeth and Brian, for believing in me.

You guys amaze me every day and I am so glad that you have shared this crazy journey with me, even when it may seem that you have no idea what it is Im doing. I love you guys. I would have never started this cooking journey without the help of an amazing kitchen in Baltimore and the roommate who came along with it. Lisa Dietrich, thanks for putting up with dirty dishes and my early-morning and late-night cooking sessions. Without that beautiful stove of yours, I would not be writing this right now. Bryan Miranda, thank you for supporting me throughout this whole entire writing process.