Chloé Crane-Leroux has long been known for her ability to find beauty in the everyday—from her photography collaborations with luxury brands like CHANEL and Dior to the way she captures the vibrancy of food through her lens. Now, with the release of her debut cookbook, “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking”, Chloé is inviting readers into her world, where food becomes a canvas for creativity, and plant-based cuisine is both accessible and elegant.
The cookbook, a stunning blend of Chloé’s minimalist aesthetic and passion for plant-based living, marks a natural evolution in her career. Though photography was her first love, food slowly became another way for her to tell stories. “My love for food started out as an extension of my passion for photography,” she recalls. “When I moved to New York and went plant-based, I had to learn to cook for myself, and that’s when I really started experimenting in the kitchen. What began as a necessity soon grew into a full-blown passion for creating new recipes.”
“I believe that less is more. When you focus on quality ingredients and treat them with care, you don’t need to complicate things.”
The book is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a reflection of Chloé’s personal values, her connection to the environment, and her belief that food can be both nourishing and beautiful. “Going plant-based wasn’t just about health for me—it was about living in a way that felt connected to my values. It’s about caring for the environment, animals, and myself,” she says. With “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking”, Chloé set out to show that plant-based food can be delicious, satisfying, and a visual delight.
Chloé’s background in photography is unmistakable throughout the book. Every page is a masterclass in visual storytelling, where food becomes art. “Photography taught me to pay attention to detail—light, composition, and color,” she says. “When I started working with food, I naturally applied those same principles. I’m always thinking about how the ingredients look on the plate and how to make a dish visually appealing.” Her minimalist approach is evident, focusing on simple, natural ingredients presented with elegance. In “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking”, dishes are not only meant to be tasted—they are meant to be admired.
Her culinary influences are as diverse as her creative journey. Born in Montreal, Chloé was shaped by the city’s French-influenced cuisine, which taught her to appreciate slow, thoughtful cooking. But it was her move to New York that truly expanded her palate. “Montreal’s French influence made me appreciate classic flavors, while New York exposed me to a melting pot of cultures and cuisines,” she explains. This blend of traditions and bold experimentation is woven throughout the recipes in her cookbook, giving readers a taste of both worlds.
In developing new recipes, Chloé’s creative process is inspired by the seasons and the simple joy of discovering ingredients at a farmers market. “I usually start with an ingredient that inspires me—something seasonal or something I found at the market,” she shares. Her recipes strike a balance between simplicity and sophistication, a theme that runs through the entire book. Whether she’s pairing contrasting textures or adding a fresh herb to brighten a dish, Chloé’s goal is always the same: to create food that feels both approachable and special.
As plant-based cooking continues to grow in popularity, Chloé ensures that her recipes stand out by focusing on flavors that are vibrant and dishes that are visually captivating. “I think the key is to keep things simple but impactful,” she says. By using ingredients that are easy to find and steps that are straightforward, she makes plant-based cooking feel accessible, even to beginners. Yet there’s always a little twist—a squeeze of citrus here, a dash of fresh herbs there—that elevates the dishes beyond the ordinary.
For Chloé, the notion of luxury—whether in fashion or food—comes down to simplicity and quality. “Luxury is about using the best ingredients and letting them shine,” she explains. This philosophy guides her culinary work, where even the most humble ingredients are treated with care and elevated through thoughtful presentation. In “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking”, she translates her understanding of elegance into dishes that are refined but never pretentious, offering readers a chance to experience luxury in the everyday.
At its core, the book reflects Chloé’s belief in finding beauty in simplicity—a theme she carries from her photography to her food. “I believe that less is more. When you focus on quality ingredients and treat them with care, you don’t need to complicate things,” she says. Her minimalist approach, both in the kitchen and in her creative life, encourages readers to appreciate the natural beauty of food.
With “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking”, Chloé invites readers to embark on their own culinary journey, to see food not only as sustenance but as a way to connect—with nature, with others, and with themselves. “Beyond the recipes, I hope readers take away a sense of joy and creativity in the kitchen,” she reflects. “Cooking is the best way to connect—with ingredients, with the people you’re sharing it with, and even with yourself.”
In this beautifully crafted book, Chloé Crane-Leroux doesn’t just offer recipes—she offers a new way of looking at plant-based cooking. Through her lens, food becomes art, and the kitchen becomes a space for creativity and connection. With each page, “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking” inspires us to slow down, savor the moment, and find beauty in the everyday.
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photography courtesy of Chloé Crane-Leroux
