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Tag: holiday ideas

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Pumpkin Spice French Macarons

French Macaron Shell

This airy and fluffy “cookie” is one of my favorite treats to indulge on. Being able to create a French macaron recipe in my own kitchen is something I have always wanted to do. So here we have my pumpkin spice French macaron filled with a pumpkin buttercream. One of the most interesting things that you will learn from this recipe (other than patience) is in the power of food alternatives. Using chickpea liquid and sugar as your meringue base really goes to show that you can still create these delicious desserts, without diary or the use of eggs. With that being said, I hope you enjoy this recipe and bon appétit!

French Macaron MerengueFrench Macaron

Yields 36 macaroons

Ingredients

Shell:

1/2 cup concentrated aquafaba, (chickpea liquid)

3 Tbsp. fine granulated sugar

100g Vitacost almond flour

200g Vitacost powdered sugar

1 tsp. pumpkin spice

Buttercream:

3/4 cups Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, room temperature

2 1/4 cups Vitacost powdered sugar

1 3/4 tsp. plain almond milk

1 1/2 Tbsp. organic pumpkin puree, homemade

1/8 tsp. Pumpkin spice seasoning 

French Macaron

Directions

Aquafaba concentrate
1. In sauce pan over medium-high heat, pour in both cans chickpea liquid AKA aquafaba (save chickpeas for my hummus recipe). Reduce liquid until 1/2 cup remains. Pour liquid into container and cool in refrigerator overnight (this step is very important).

Shell:

  1. In food processor, pulse almond flour and powdered sugar until super fine. Add pumpkin spice, pulse and set aside.
  2. To make meringue, use stand mixer to whip cold aquafaba concentrate for 10-15 minutes until medium peak forms. Slowly add sugar, a little at a time, until incorporated. Mix again for another minute or two until sugar mixes in fully. (This is ready when you can turn bowl upside down and meringue stays put.)
  3. Using spatula, fold almond mixture into meringue. To fold, carefully bring spatula through middle of bowl toward you. Scraping sides of bowl, fold bottom layer onto top portion. Continue until mixture is fully incorporated and fluid (like molten lava). Note: If you do not properly fold batter, you will end up with cracked or hollow shells. Making sure the air is evenly distributed and the consistency is just right is very important. To test consistency, scoop batter with spatula into “8” shape. One clean swoop, means you’re ready to pipe!
  4. Fill piping bag with mixture. On parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, draw 2-in. circles or dispense even amount of dough. To eliminate air bubbles, slam tray onto kitchen counter. Smooth out any “nipple” that formed from piping. Allow shells to sit for 90-120 minutes or until outside is no longer sticky to the touch.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

  1. Bake 14 minutes, checking frequently toward the end. You should be able to peel shells off parchment paper without sticking.
  2. Using spatula, carefully lift macaron shells off parchment paper. Transfer to cooling rack.

Buttercream:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. If making homemade pumpkin puree, slice small baking pumpkin in half and lightly drizzle with oil. Place halves onto baking sheet, flesh side up, and roast for 40 minutes or until tender.
  3. Once done roasting, add chunks of cut pumpkin into food processor (skin removed) and blend until smooth. (Use remaining purée for future recipe.)
  4. In mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter until fluffy and white in color. Add powdered sugar, almond milk, pumpkin spice and either canned or homemade pumpkin purée and mix until frosting forms; about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Spoon buttercream into middle of macaroon shell and top with another shell; carefully wiggling the two halves together. Once all are assembled, place into refrigerator for 24-48 hours or freeze up to 3 months.

 

Chef’s tip: To prevent a major macaron fail, avoid substituting ingredients or altering measurements.

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Pumpkin Gnocchi 

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Pumpkin Gnocchi Making your own pasta can be tough which is why I have created this 3 ingredient gnocchi. To make this, you will just have to roast a pumpkin pie pumpkin and mash up the pulp into a smooth purée. The secret to this recipe is using fresh ingredients to elevate the ingredients into something mouth watering. Give this a try the next time you have some friends over for dinner or at your next family dinner. 

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients 

1 cup homemade pumpkin purée

1 small sweet potato

2-1/2 cup King Arthur organic flour

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

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt

Sage Butter:

1/4 cup Earths Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

1 garlic clove, minced  

7-8 fresh sage leaves

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. On a small looking sheet, lightly oil it and place the sweet potato that has been cut in half onto it. Roast for about 20 minutes or until it is tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  3. On your counter, pour flour and crest a crater-like shape. Then add the egg replacer, pumpkin purée and roasted/peeled sweet potato and salt, slowly mixing the flour in until dough forms. Roll into a half sphere shape. 
  4. Slice dough into 8 segments. Roll out each segment into 12″ long pieces (like a ruler), cutting every 3/4-1in. to create smaller square shapes.
  5. Using the back of a fork, press the dough into the back of the fork while you press down (in a rolling motion). This will get the small line indents onto the gnocchi.
  6. In a pot of hot water, place your pumpkin gnocchi in and bring to slight boil. Stirring slightly, wait until it rises to the top. This will signify it is done and to be removed. Place the gnocchi in to a colander to drain.
  7. In a pan, place on medium heat and add your butter and brown for 3-5 minutes. Then add sage leaves and cook for 30 seconds. Next, add the pumpkin gnocchi (be careful not burn the butter). 
  8. Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan and parsley or choice of topping.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to make this with squash or a sweet potato for a different gnocchi. 

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Butternut Squash Salad with Watermelon and Walnuts

Butternut Squash Salad

Butternut Squash Salad

Juicy watermelon with roasted butternut squash is an interesting and new way to treat yourself during those autumn nights. This light and refreshing salad paired with a red wine vinaigrette is a delicious combination of sweet and savory! If you are looking for some extra protein, hemp seeds are a great touch with also add extra texture to any dish. This dish was inspired by a recent outing to one of my favorite restaurants. I am sure glad that I was able to make my own version of this delicious fall-inspired salad.

Butternut Squash Salad

Yields 2 salads

Ingredients

1/4 watermelon, diced into medium cubes

1 butternut squash, cut in half and de-seeded

5 oz. arugula

1 cup walnuts, rough chop

Dressing:

1/2 cup avocado oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. balsamic reduction

1 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Pink Himalayan Fine Salt

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organics ground black pepper

1 tsp. lemon juice, (optional)

Butternut Squash Salad

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Peel butternut squash and slice in half length-wise. Remove seeds and rinse- you can dry them and store in the freezer or you can roast them.
  3. Take your prepared squash and dice it in to long pieces.
  4. Place onto a lightly oiled pan and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping half way through.
  6. Remove from oven and allow to slightly cool.
  7. While squash is cooling, in a small measuring glass, mix together all dressing ingredients and stir until well mixed, set aside.
  8. For your salad, put arugula into a large bowl. Add watermelon, walnuts, butternut squash, and hemp seeds (save some to top salad with). Pour dressing over and mix to fully coat.

Chef’s tips: You can brush the squash with vegan butter and brown sugar if you would like to caramelize your squash a bit and add a different flavor to the salad.

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Rhino’s Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Have you ever tried making a thin pumpkin cake, only to later roll it around in a white plant-based cream cheese filling and topped with dusted powdered sugar? If you haven’t then you are in for a real treat! This simple pumpkin roll will not only wow all of your family and friends, but you will surely impress yourself with this restaurant-style dessert made in the comfort of your own home. The best part about any Swiss roll cake is that you can keep it in the freezer for any surprise guests that drop by or you can take it to a gathering or give it as a tasty gift during the holiday season. This recipe is so good that you may need to make two at a time!

Pumpkin RollPumpkin Roll

Yields 1 cake; around 10 slices

Ingredients

Cake:

1 cup granulated sugar

4 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer + 8 Tbsp. Water, (in 2 batches)

1 cup homemade pumpkin purée

1 cup King Arthur all-purpose organic flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. Vitacost ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp. pumpkin spice seasoning

1/2 tsp. Vitacost Fine Himalayan Pink Salt

1/8 cup Vitacost powder sugar, for dusting

1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Cream cheese frosting:

4 Tbsp. Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, room temperature

8 oz. Kite Hill Cream Cheese

1 cup Vitacost powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. Vitacost pure maple syrup

Directions

Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or vegan butter.
  3. In a stand mixer, beat the already combined egg replacer and water with the sugar for 1-2 minutes or until it thickens. Add the pumpkin puree; mix till combined.
  4. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, salt, and baking powder into the batter. Mix together until flour is combined and switch to using a spatula. This way you can get a few more stirs in without over mixing the batter.
  5. Pour the batter onto the 10×15 baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes or until the cake springs back after you touch it. Prepare your dish towel while it bakes by dusting it heavily with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
  6. Once the cake springs back after toughing it, remove it from the oven and immediately (and carefully) flip the cake pan on top of the towel and remove the parchment paper slowly (there will be a massive cloud of powder sugar so prepare yourself).
  7. Begin to roll the towel with the cake into a log shape and allow to cool on a cooling rack until room temperature. Make sure that you do not let the cake cool for more than an hour, or it can cause the cake to crack when you go to unroll it.

Buttercream:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese for 2-3 minutes on a medium speed until well combined.
  2. Then add the powdered sugar and maple syrup (or flavoring) and mix; set aside.

Pumpkin Roll

Assembly:

  1. Carefully unroll the log and spread the frosting in a single layer. Cover the frosting with the walnuts at this time (optional).
  2. Re-roll the cake back up into a log shape..
  3. Place into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow cake and frosting to firm up a bit (set overnight for best results).
  4. Remove from the fridge and dust top with powdered sugar.
  5. Serve and enjoy.

Chef’s tip: Move quickly when cooling this cake, or it will crack and break when you go to roll it. You can also use pecans instead of walnuts.

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Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

This is the perfect thick, creamy and rich soup that is packing a huge flavor punch. It is so simple that I created it when I was looking at a can of coconut cream and a fresh butternut squash, thinking to myself what can I do. Being able to create something from nothing is a super important quality to have. Its like the saying, “when life brings you lemons- make lemonade!” Only this time, when life gives you a handful of ingredients, create something delicious! With this simple and tasty way to use squash, it will be an a huge hit for your family or friends.

Butternut Squash Soup

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients 

1 butternut squash 

3 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/4 cup onion

1/4 cup shallots

1 garlic clove

1 Tbsp. Earth’s Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt 

1 tsp. Vitacost organic brown sugar

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Pinch of Spicely Organic Ground Black Pepper

1-2 Tbsp. Thai Coconut Cream, optional topping

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, topping

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 
  2. On a baking sheet, place the two butternut squash halves you cut length-wise, flesh side up, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and turn over so the skin is now facing up. Roast for 40-45 minutes until squash is tender. Set aside to cool.
  3. Once squash has cooled (around 8-10 minutes), remove the squash flesh from the peel and discard or compost the remains. 
  4. In a skillet, turn to medium heat and add olive oil, onions, and shallots- sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. In a medium sized pot, on medium heat add the butternut squash, brown sugar, vegetable broth, onions and shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Using a hand held emersion blender, purée all ingredients until smooth. Then pour in the coconut cream and stir until combined. Cook for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld on medium-low heat. Be sure to stir frequently so it does not burn.
  7. Serve with parsley and coconut cream drizzled on top or freeze for up to 1 month.

Chef’s tip: To make soup more creamy, use 1-2 Tbsp. coconut cream more and blend.

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No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar

Pumpkin pie is a notorious fall-inspired dish that makes its way on to the dinner table during numerous holiday parties throughout the autumn season. Normally comprising of eggs, dairy, and heavy cream- this recipe leaves those out! This raw vegan dessert uses a cashew “cream cheese” as it’s base, only to be accented with flavorful aromatics such as lemon juice, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice seasoning. Instead of using your oven for this dessert, you’ll only need a mixer and food processor. Can’t wait for you to sink your mouth into this wholesome plant-based and non-baked pumpkin cheesecake!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Crust

Yields 15 servings

Ingredients

Filling:

1/2 cup Vitacost pure maple syrup

2 tsp. pumpkin spice seasoning

2 8 oz. containers of Miyoko’s “Cream Cheese”

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2-2 cups pumpkin purée, homemade

1 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Crust:

2 cups raw almonds, unsalted

8 mejdool dates, pitted

1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

4 Tbsp. vegan butter or coconut oil

1/3 cup gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice seasoning

1/4 tsp. cinnamon  

Whipped “Cream”:

1 13.5 oz. can coconut milk, full fat

1/4 tsp. powdered sugar 

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar

Directions

  1. To make your crust using a food processor, combine the graham cracker crumbs, coconut oil, and mejdool dates. Pulse until mixture is well combined and is crumbly-looking.
  2. Press crust mixture into a 11”x7” cake pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. In a Kitchen-aid stand mixer, pour “cream cheese”, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice, and lemon juice and mix until well combined.
  4. Pour mixture into the prepared pie crust and place into the freezer for at least 2 hours to set (overnight-48 hours preferred).
  5. In your stand mixer, combine coconut cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar and whisk for 2-3 minutes until very smooth, be careful not to over mix. 
  6. Once bars have set, allow to defrost for 20 minutes before slicing into equal squares and top with whipped cream and a pecan.

 

Chef’s tip: Feel free to make the crust out of walnuts and almonds or use a mixture of graham cracker crumbs with walnuts or almonds.

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Roasted Fall-Inspired Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash

One of the best things about the Autumn season besides the foliage and pumpkin spice is all the meals you can enjoy with winter squash! Many people find cooking squash to be intimidating, however, this recipe couldn’t be simpler! Prepping and cooking your squash will take some time and patience, but once it is done roasting, you will be delighted with the outcome. This fall festive meal will bring your tastebuds on a journey that you won’t forget!

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients

2 medium acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed

1 cup Vitacost quinoa, dry

2 cups filtered water

1 small yellow onion

2 Tbsp. Vitacost maple syrup

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup whole walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Pinch of nutmeg

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Pinch of Spicely Organics ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Prepare squash by cutting in half and removing seeds. Place the squash on a baking sheet (cut side up).
  3. In a small mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, vinegar, and 1 Tbsp. oil. Brush all over the squash’s flesh and put into the oven.
  4. Roast squash for 55-60 minutes- basting every 20 minutes. Set aside the maple syrup and vinegar mixture.
  5. In a sauce pan, heat the remaining oil and add the diced onions. Sauté until slightly golden brown. Next, add your quinoa and stir around for 2-3 minutes. Mix in your cinnamon, nutmeg, salt/pepper, curry, smoked paprika, and water. Cover with lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  6. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Open lid and add cranberries, half of the walnuts, remaining maple syrup and vinegar mixture, and parsley (save other half for topping).
  7. Stuff the squash with the quinoa mixture and top with remaining parsley and cranberries.

Chef’s tip: For the quinoa mixture, you can always add more cinnamon, maple syrup or nutmeg according to your taste.

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Baked Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Ahoy there, matey! These spaghetti squash boats are a staple dish in my weekly meal prep. The reason being because they are extremely universal in how you can create them. Here, we have a baked lasagna, using my homemade tomato sauce and some other freshly picked veggies from Bedner’s. One of my favorite things about making these dishes is that its always a 2-for-1 deal. You get to make the spaghetti squash boats and then later use the seeds for granola, roasting, or even gardening!

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients

1 large spaghetti squash

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup cooked TruRoots Organic Sprouted Green Lentils

2 cups homemade tomato sauce

4 cups of baby spinach (2 handfuls)

4 oz. baby bella mushrooms

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 tsp Simply Organic Thyme Leaf

1 tsp. fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt

1 tsp Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

 

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Slice spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Remove and transfer seeds to paper towel or cloth to dry. Scoop out slimy flesh.
  3. Transfer squash halves onto pan—inside facing up. Lightly drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 minutes or until tender.
  4. Meanwhile sauté garlic, mushrooms and onions in pan to make the filling. Mix in spinach to wilt. Add cooked lentils and continue stirring.
  5. When ready, use fork to scrape down the spaghetti squash to create “noodles.” Transfer to separate bowl and set aside.
  6. Pour sauce into the wells of each squash boat followed by the “noodles.” Then layer on lentil mixture. Repeat until boats are filled—ending with a layer of “noodles.” Optional: Sprinkle nutritional yeast and/or vegan mozzarella on top.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes or until top is golden and sauce starts to bubble. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately.

 

Chef’s tip: Top layers with vegan cheese if you would like or you can use nutritional yeast.