Thanksgiving – The Vegan Rhino

September 27, 2021

Sweet Potato Burgers

Some days you just need a burger. So why not bite into this plant-based burger that is made with sweet potato, quinoa and black beans! It packs tons of flavor and is a great alternative to store-bought meat alternatives. Whether you make these fresh or have them frozen, they are highly satisfying and always filling. Let’s get cooking!

Yield: 8 patties

Ingredients

1.5 lbs sweet potato

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed

1 cup vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained

1 small red onion (about 1/2 large red onion)

1/2 large red bell pepper, diced

1/3 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 3/4 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats

8 burger buns

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place sweet potatoes on. Poke each with a fork 4-5 times and roast for 60-75 minutes. Remove from oven and once cool to handle, remove skin and mash.
Keep oven temp at 400 degrees F. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a small pot over medium heat, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low, simmering for 11 minutes. Remove from heat and cover, steaming for 10 minutes. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, cooked quinoa, black beans, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, seasoning, and oats. Mix with paddle attachment or large spoon until fully incorporated.
On preparer baking sheet, scoop and form mixture into patties. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove from refrigerator once oven is heated.
Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve on bun.

Chef’s tip: Freeze for up to 1 month!

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.

July 30, 2020July 30, 2020

Quick Collard Greens

Quick collard greens are an underrated leafy green vegetable that is a nutritional powerhouse. Dark greens, like collards, provide an important non-dairy source of calcium to our bodies that we don’t get from dairy. These collard greens are inspired by my friend Nancy who introduced me to how good they are! Since collards have a tendency to be more bitter, you can pair this side dish with sweet foods or potato salad. You could even toss some in a tofu scramble, it’s delicious!

Yields 3

Ingredients

1 lb. finely chopped collard greens, washed

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/2 cup yellow onions diced

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1 medium tomato

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

2 sprigs thyme

1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt

1 cup vegetable broth

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Directions

In a large saucepan on medium-high heat, sauté onions and cook 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Combine the tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt in pot and cook 2 minutes. Add collard greens and cook until wilted. Pour in vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar, cover and reduce heat to low, simmering 30 minutes.
Serve warm.

Chef’s tip: For more of a smoky flavor, add a drop or two of smoked flavoring.

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!

November 27, 2019April 3, 2021

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!

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

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.
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.
Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once thickened, remove from heat and pour into gravy boat.
Serve immedietly.

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

November 27, 2019May 14, 2020

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!

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

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
In a blender, combine everything except for the nutritional yeast, oat flour, and vital wheat gluten. Blend until smooth.
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.
On a large piece of tin foil, scoop and shape into an even loaf. Wrap in tin foil and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 80 minutes; allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Slice and serve immedietly with mushroom gravy.

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

Other recipes

Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes

Pineapple Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole

November 26, 2019November 26, 2020

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.

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

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.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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.
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.
Serve immediately.

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

Other recipes

Pomegranate-Feta Salad

Pecan and Pear-Bourbon Stuffing

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

November 23, 2019October 31, 2020

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.

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

In a small mason jar, combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake until combined; Set aside.
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.
On a plate or bowl, place the lettuce and top with onions, feta, pears, and pomegranate seeds.
Drizzle dressing before serving and enjoy.

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

Other recipes

Roasted Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Salad

Crowd-Pleasing Roast

Butternut Squash Soup

November 21, 2019October 31, 2020

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!

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

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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.
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.
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.
Serve with sprinkle of chives on top.

Chef’s tip:

Other recipes

Potato-Parsnip Leek Soup

Whole Roasted Carrots

Pineapple Stuffing

November 20, 2019May 14, 2020

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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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.
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.
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.
Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top
Serve immediately.

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

Other recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar

Nanas Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole