I was too lazy to look through the above comments, so I apologize if some of these are repeats. As far as pantry items for vegans, I would suggest some of the following: nutritional yeast, tvp, flax, whole wheat noodles (all different kinds), canned beans, canned veggies, frozen veggies, vegetable juices (or V8), peanut butter and vegenaise.

Soups are really easy, can be frozen and are filling. Boil pasta, add vegetable juice and throw in frozen veggies and you've got a fast and simple soup. I know you said you're not a fan of mock meats, but I find tempeh really good on sammiches with lettuce, tomato and vegenaise.

I wouldn't buy any of Isa's cook books, unless it's a book on baking. I don't like any of her other recipes, which is quite surprising.