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Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread men Cookies

Gingerbread men Cookies

Here is my favorite gingerbread cookie recipes—and probably one of the more classic Christmas cookies you’ll find. Whenever Christmas comes around, the first thing on my mind are gingerbread cookies and houses, apple pies, and more! I’m sure we can all agree that the smell of gingerbread baking is the quintessential smell of the holiday season. What I enjoy most about this dough is that you can store it in the fridge for up to two days, giving you ample amount of time to get them baked and decorated in time for those holiday parties. There are two different options when baking, my favorite is a plump gingerbread cookie because they are more moist. Or, you can roll it thin, making a crispier cookie. No matter what you chose, you are going to love this recipe!

Gingerbread men Cookies

Yield: 48 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup plant-based butter, softened

1/2 cup organic maple syrup

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 Tbsp. egg replacer + 2 Tbsp. water, combined

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

4 cups organic all-purpose flour

 

Royal icing

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup concentrated aquafaba liquid, (2 cans garbanzo beans)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Directions

Gingerbread

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. and line two baking sheets with parchment paper; Set aside for later.
  2. In a small pot, add both cans of chickpea liquid and reduce by half. Set in refrigerator overnight.
  3. In a stand mixer, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream together until smooth. Add the maple syrup and mix until combined. Stir in the egg replacer and then the baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt mixing until well combined.
  4. Slowly add the flour in batches while mixing on a low speed until it is all gone. Once the dough comes together, roll into a ball, divide it in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
  5. Remove dough and transfer to a lightly dusted counter and roll the dough to 1/8”-inch thickness. Cut the dough with desired cookie cutters and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  7. Allow to completely cool before decorating.

Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, add the concentrated aquafaba and beat on high for 7 minutes, or until stiff peaks are formed. Slowly add the powdered sugar until combined. Pour royal icing into a piping bag to decorate.
  2. Store in a cookie container to retain freshness.

 

Chef’s tip: If you are making these with children, place a small hole in the head of the gingerbread. This makes for a great edible ornament activity.


Mushroom Gravy 

Mushroom Gravy 

Mushroom Gravy 

This Mushroom Gravy recipe is perfect for my vegan roast turkey, garlic-chive mashed potatoes, or anything else you can think of! Growing up, I would pour tons of gravy on my stuffing, mashed potatoes, and anything else I could, I would. Realizing the importance of a good gravy, I thought this would be the perfect recipe for your holiday roasts and more!

 Mushroom Gravy 

Yield 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegan butter

2 (8 oz) packages baby Bella mushrooms, sliced

1/4 cup white onion, chopped

1/4 cup King Arthur organic flour

3-1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. fresh thyme, minced

Directions

  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sauté for 15 minutes until the water has evaporated. Add balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Sprinkle the flour and cook for an addition 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly pour the vegetable broth while stirring and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. 
  3. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once thickened, remove from heat and pour into gravy boat. 
  4. Serve immedietly.

Chef’s tip: Add a splash of vegan worcestershire sauce.

Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey

How to cook a perfect plant-based roast “turkey” this holiday season without the turkey! My plant-based Roast “Turkey” is flavorful, has great texture, and pairs well slathered in my homemade mushroom gravy. Whether you decide to stuff it with my Pecan and Pear-Bourbon Stuffing or not, your family and guests will surely be impressed!

Roast Turkey

Yields 5 servings

Ingredients

1 (8 oz. can) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup vegetable broth

2 Tbsp. Braggs liquid aminos

1-1/4 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic, minced

2 tsp. parsley, chopped

3/4 tsp. poultry seasoning

1/2 tsp. rosemary, chopped

1/2 tsp. smoke flavoring

1 tsp. ground white pepper

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

2-1/4 cup vital wheat gluten

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1/4 cup oat flour

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  2. In a blender, combine everything except for the nutritional yeast, oat flour, and vital wheat gluten. Blend until smooth.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients you didn’t add in above’s step. Pour the mixture into the flour and stir until well combined.
  4. On a large piece of tin foil, scoop and shape into an even loaf. Wrap in tin foil and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 80 minutes; allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Slice and serve immedietly with mushroom gravy.

 

Chef’s tip: If you would like a more firm roast, cook for an additional 30 minutes.


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Mini Cheesecake with Raw Caramel Sauce

Mini Cheesecake with Raw Caramel Sauce

Mini Cheesecake with Raw Caramel Sauce

Velvety smooth, this no-bake mini cheesecake is perfect for the holiday season! You can share them by slicing little bite size pieces or take it one step further and coat completely in melted chocolate- Yummm! What makes this cheesecake better than the others you may be wondering. The secret is in the crust, I used @simplemills pecan cookies which give this cheesecake the simple touch it needed.

Mini Cheesecake with Raw Caramel Sauce

Yield 4

Ingredients

Crust:

1/2 box Simple Mills Pecan Cookies, crushed

1/4 cup pecans

4 to 5 Medjool dates, pitted

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Filling:

1-1/2 cups cashews, soaked overnight

1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp. filtered water

1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Caramel:

8 to 9 Medjool dates, pitted

1/4 cup coconut milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pinch of Himalayan Salt

Directions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the caramel ingredients and blend until smooth. Place in the fridge and set aside.
  2. Line the bottom of 4 round ramekins with cling-wrap. Set aside for later.
  3. In a food processor, add the crust ingredients and process until it starts to form a sticky-like dough. Once clumped together, transfer to your ramekins and press it down evenly. Place in the freezer to set for 30 minutes.
  4. In a blender, take your soaked cashew, water, maple syrup, coconut oil, lemon juice, and vanilla and blend until very smooth.
  5. Pour mixture on top of the almond crust and smooth down with back of a spatula. Place back into the freezer to set fully, about 5-7 hours (best results overnight).
  6. Allow mini cheesecakes to thaw at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes before serving.
  7. Remove from ramekins and serve with caramel drizzled on top.

 

Chef’s tip: Swirl pumpkin purée into the batter once poured.


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Caramel Sauce

Caramel

Caramel

This sticky pot of goodness is a great version if you are looking for less sugar and more caramel. Although it is still comprised of sugar, you are not going to be overwhelmed by the sugar, as most caramels can have. This homemade caramel is great for dunking apples or even making a caramel peanut brittle, the options are endless.

Yields 1 large mason jar

Ingredients

1 cup butter

1-1/4 cups brown sugar + 1/4 cup water (DIY light corn syrup)

2 cup Vitacost brown sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

14 oz. condensed “milk”

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients into medium sauce pan and bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Make sure to constantly stir until 20-25 minutes have passed or temperature reaches 245 degrees F (soft ball stage). 
  2. Remove from heat and allow to cool before adding the vanilla. Store in and mix. Allow caramel to cool.
  3. Pour into mason jar or air tight container and store for up to 1 week in refrigerator.

Chef’s tip: Make sure that you do not go over 245 degrees F or you will have a caramel that will crack.

Candied Yams and Carrot with Marshmallow Topping

Candied Yams and Carrot with Marshmallow Topping

Candied Yams and Carrot with Marshmallow Topping  

What’s a thanksgiving meal without the candied yams and marshmallows? Plant-based that is! Being one of those must have dishes on most tables, this one-pot-stop recipe is probably the easiest to make during the holidays. My secret addition for the best candied yams is adding diced carrots which go perfect with those Fall spices. Once you get these gems in the oven, you’ll understand why these are an essential part to any holiday feast.

Candied Yams and Carrot with Marshmallow Topping

Servings: 10 people

Ingredients

7 1/2 cups yams 

6 large carrots

1 cup light brown sugar

2/3 cup vegan butter, melted

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. Himalayan pink salt

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

2 cups Dandies marshmallows 

 

Directions

  1. Peel and chop the yams and carrots. Boil in a medium pot of well-salted water until fork tender. Drain and add to a casserole dish.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Sprinkle yams and carrots with brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Mix together melted butter and vanilla extract and drizzle over yams and carrot mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
  4. Bake covered for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the yams the oven and top with the marshmallows. Set the oven to broil and brown the top slightly until golden in color.
  5. Serve immediately.

 

Chef’s tip: Prepare these the night before without the marshmallows on top. Bake and before serving, top with marshmallows and brown.


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Pomegranate-Feta Salad

Pomegranate-Feta Salad

Pomegranate-Feta Salad

Bring this light and fresh Pomegranate-Feta Salad with sliced pears to any party and watch it disap-pear! Dark leafy greens always make for the healthiest salad, especially when adding other vibrant fruits and vegetables. It’s super easy to toss together and makes for the perfect side dish for any meal.

Pomegranate-Feta Salad

Yield 8

Ingredients

1/2 cup pecans

1/4 cup organic cane sugar

1 (10 oz) container mixed greens or arugula 

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 red onion, sliced thinly

1 large Bosc pear, cubed

1 (8 oz) package vegan feta

Dressing:

1/4 cup avocado oil

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

  1. In a small mason jar, combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake until combined; Set aside.
  2. Using a small skillet on medium heat, add the pecans and sugar. Melt the sugar until it coats the pecans and turns to a syrup-like consistency. Place pecans onto a parchment lined baking sheet to cool. Be sure to separate them as the cool, otherwise they will stick together.
  3. On a plate or bowl, place the lettuce and top with onions, feta, pears, and pomegranate seeds.
  4. Drizzle dressing before serving and enjoy.

Chef’s tip: Add a dash of maple syrup to the dressing to sweeten it up!


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Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Who else is is a fan of non complicated soups? Roasted to perfection, this cauliflower soup is quick-and-easy for those busy weekdays and holiday parties. Creamy, light, and full of flavor, you’ll be satisfied with every bite!

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Yield

Ingredients

2 lbs. cauliflower florets

3 large shallots, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

5 cup vegetable broth

3 Tbsp. coconut cream

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Pinch of chopped chives to garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. On a parchment lined baking sheet, add the cauliflower, shallots, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tender, roughly 20 minutes. Add the garlic and roast for an addition 5 minutes.
  3. In a pot on medium-high heat, add the roasted cauliflower, shallots, and garlic before pouring in the vegetable broth, salt, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Using a hand held immersion blender, add the coconut cream and liquify the soup until smooth. Pour the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  5. Serve with sprinkle of chives on top.

Chef’s tip


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Pecan and Pear-Bourbon Stuffing

Pecan and Pear-Bourbon Stuffing

When it comes to the big thanksgiving feast, we all can agree when I say, “the more stuffing the better!” Am I right? The key to making really good stuffing is using day old bread, slicing it into cubes, and slowly drying it in the oven. My favorite part is the smell of the celery and onions after sautéing in the butter being mixed into the dried bread with other herbs and bourbon. Its absolutely incredible and tastes amazing too!

Yield 3 to 4

Ingredients 

1-1/2 loaves of stuffing bread (or day old bread)

1 stick vegan butter, melted

2 Bosc pears, peeled and diced

1 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup bourbon

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

3 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 6 Tbsp. filtered water, mixed

1 Tbsp. sage, minced

1 Tbsp. thyme, minced

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Slice the bread into 1in cubes. Place bread on to a large baking sheet while oven warms up. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until bread is dry and light golden brown. Add the bread cubes to a large bowl.
  3. Using a small skillet on medium heat, melt the butter; sautéing the celery and onions for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the pecans, pears, sage, thyme, and salt. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. In the bowl with bread, combine the above mixture and add the egg replacer. Mix until well combined. Drizzle breading with bourbon and vegetable broth until moistened. Place into a greased baking dish and place in to the oven.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top
  6. Serve immediately.

 

Chef’s tip: Make sure the stuffing is rather moist.


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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake  

Sweeten up your life with this vegan Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Super moist and full of flavor! Inspired by Dan and Méz amazing pineapple leather wristband and classic-style watch, I thought why not veganize an old favorite of mine. It’s perfect for the holidays or re creating that flip-flop and t-shirt weather  vibe.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Yield 8

Ingredients

Topping:

1/2 cup Vitacost light brown sugar

1/4 cup vegan butter, softened

10 pineapple slices, fresh or canned

16-19 maraschino cherries

Cake:

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup organic cane sugar

3/4 cup oat milk

1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 2 Tbsp. filtered water

1-1/3 cup King Arthur organic flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a 9×2 inch round cake pan, melt the butter in the oven. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter; arranging the pineapple slices over the brown sugar. Place cherries in the center and gaps where the pineapple slices touch.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder; set aside. In a stand mixer, beat together the sugar and shortening, about 2 minutes. Mix together the egg replaced and water and allow to sit until thickens. Add the egg replacer and oat milk, mixing until well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the stand mixer. Once combined, beat for 2 to 3 minutes on medium-high. Pour the batter directly on top of the pineapple slices and cherries.
  4. Bake for roughly 50 to 55 minutes or until the cake edges pull away from the cake pan. Once done baking, place a heat proof plate on top of the cake pan and flip it over. Allow to sit for 1 minute to let the caramel drizzle over; remove pan.
  5. Serve warm with a side of vegan vanilla bean ice cream.

Chef’s tip: Remove the cake quickly from the pan otherwise the fruit will stick to the bottom. Have a cake board or plate ready to go.


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