christmas – The Vegan Rhino

November 3, 2020November 3, 2020

Limoncello

Limoncello is an Italian liquor made from the zest of lemons steeped in alcohol until the natural oils and aromatics release. The resulting liquid is combined with a simple syrup and bottled, resulting in a delicious drink to sip or drizzled over ice cream, either way you decide its delicious! This is one of those things you can enjoy year round, and makes for the perfect gourmet gift for any occasion.

Yield roughly 2 bottles, 3 1/2 cups lemon juice

Ingredients

15 lemons, peeled

850 mL vodka

2 cups organic cane sugar or 3/4 cup monk fruit sugar

3 3/4 cups filtered water

Directions

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin of the lemons and trim away any pith remaining on the lemon peels.
In a large pitcher with the lemon peels, pour the vodka over them and cover tightly. Steep the peels in the vodka for 8 days at room temperature.
In a sauce pan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and water until it dissolves, about 3 minutes. Pour the syrup into the vodka mixture, mix, and strain into bottles. Let sit at room temperature for 14 days before storing in refrigerator until cold.
Serve chilled and enjoy.

Chef’s tip: Make sure you use 100 proof and higher.

May 17, 2020October 31, 2020

Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Alright bakers, if you are looking for a refreshing cookie that is light, buttery, and pops with flavor, than these Raspberry Jam Thumbprint cookies are it! The homemade ginger-lemon raspberry jam with the lemon-buttery goodness these cookies have are a great combo. During the summertime, I love to make these Raspberry Jam Thumbprint cookies with different jams, like a fresh strawberry or peach jam. For all those raspberry fans out there, these cookies will curb all those cravings you may be having. Lets get cooking bakers!

Yield 21

Ingredients

3/4 cup vegan butter, softened

1/2 cup organic cane sugar

1 Tbsp. egg replacer + 2 Tbsp. filtered water

1 large lemon, zest only

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1-3/4 cup organic all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt

1/3 cup ginger-lemon raspberry jam, to fill cookies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until white and fluffy. Mix in the egg replacer, lemon zest, and vanilla.
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture until all the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
Using a 1-inch scoop, place cookie balls into the prepared baking sheets. Using your thumb, press a thumbprint into the center of each ball. Fill with roughly 1/4 tsp. raspberry jam.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Serve or store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week.

Chef‘s tip: These cookies are delicious with this strawberry jam!

December 18, 2019October 29, 2020

Shortbread Cookies

When I think of shortbread cookies, I think of buttery biscuits that are simple, sugary, and have the perfect crunch! You know what makes them even better? Dipping the ends in melted chocolate with a sprinkle of coconut flakes, if you’d like. These cookies keep well in an airtight container and you can even make the dough well in advance for quick treats!

Yield 42

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups vegan butter (3 sticks), softened

1 cup organic cane sugar

1 Tbsp. egg replacer + 2 Tbsp. filtered water

1/4 tsp. Himalayan fine pink salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3-1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour

Sugar for sprinkling, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; Set aside for later.
In a stand mixer, combine the butter, salt, sugar and beat on high until smooth and creamy. Stir in the egg replacer and vanilla.
By hand, fold in the flour a little each time until its all mixed. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Working with one disk of dough at a time, flour your surface and roll the dough until it is 1/2″ in thick. Cut the cookies using a circular cookie cutter.
Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Store in a container for up to 1 week.

Chef’s tip: Dip half of the cookies in the melted chocolate and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Toppings:

2 cups vegan dark or semi sweet chocolate

1 cup toasted coconut flakes, optional

Other recipes

Spiced Polar Bear Cookies

Russian Teacakes

Matcha-Mint Chip Cookie

December 9, 2019December 18, 2020

Gingerbread 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!

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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. and line two baking sheets with parchment paper; Set aside for later.
In a small pot, add both cans of chickpea liquid and reduce by half. Set in refrigerator overnight.
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.
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.
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.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Allow to completely cool before decorating.

Frosting

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.
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.