A native of New York, Tara Punzone opened Pura Vita in West Hollywood, California, in 2018, focusing on transforming classic Italian staples into vegan dishes without sacrificing flavor. The cookbook offers more than 100 vegan Italian recipes inspired by her family’s meals and favorites from her restaurant.

“When Punzone decided to go vegan when she was 12 years old, she learned how to follow a vegan lifestyle without compromising her traditions, heritage or love of bold flavors, and this cookbook shares her tips to help you do the same, while also embracing new techniques and flavors along the way,” a press release states.

With tips to replicate Italian essentials like mozzarella and ricotta, “Vegana Italiana” features recipes for antipasti, salads and vegetables, soups and stews, pasta, “secondi,” and desserts. The book also includes her personal stories and memories from growing up in New York and moving to California. For more, click here.