Just Call it Loaf and Don't Forget the Pie

As mentioned in an earlier post, I have never really been a fan of pumpkin, well anything, especially pumpkin pie! That is, until now.  I took my own challenge and made this vegan version, a Double-layer Pumpkin Cheesecake.  Okay, so it technically isn't pie but close enough.  And it was so delicious that I just might make it a yearly tradition.

I also decided to make the Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf that I suggested a few days ago on my blog.  It was delicious, nutritious and I can't wait to make again for dinner any day of the week.  I highly recommend it to anybody to try especially aspiring vegetarians or vegans, if you miss meat, it's a great way to fake it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember to Give Thanks, Everyday ...

photo source

 Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

Giving Thanks without Turkey?

Photo source: Eco-officegals

Thanksgiving, a time for giving thanks and being grateful for all we have, is (as well all know) celebrated around a big meal with family and friends. For many vegans, including myself, thanksgiving dinner can be a frustrating meal especially when you are sharing it with those close to you, most of which who are not vegan.

In past years I would bring a couple side dishes, usually plant-based or maybe a rice dish, but it was never the same as enjoying everything available at the dinner table.   However, I do believe one can still enjoy and celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones without having to sacrifice a turkey or any other animal product for that matter.

To help give me a few ideas of what I could make this year in contribution to Thanksgiving dinner I did some research on-line and found a few very delicious recipes, most of which come from one of my all-time favourite food blogs: Fat Free Vegan.

So if turkey is not on the menu for you this year, why not try Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf instead or Mushroom, Lentil, and Wild Rice Timbales (this, I just might have to make). Other "traditional" Thanksgiving dish alternatives include Green Onion Mashed potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Vegan Bread Stuffing, Cranberry Kale Salad, and finally, we can't forget, the pie.  In this case, a Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake.

I personally have never been a fan of pumpkin pie but this year, I think I might try making this one. Yum!

Thanks for giving Cranberries

This  past Thanksgiving weekend I made a few dishes to contribute to my family's dinner - most of which included cranberry as a main ingredient.  The above photo is a Cranberry Chili I made from my book, 500 Vegan Recipes, and it was awesome, spicy with a hint of sweet.  It's hard to see the cranberries but I swear they are in there! :)

 

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup organic granulated sugar
• 1 ( 340g) package of fresh or frozen cranberries 
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1. In a medium saucepan, heat water, cranberry juice and sugar until all sugar is dissolved.
2. Bring to a boil and add the cranberries, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes and reduce heat to let simmer.  Stir in lemon juice just before covering.
4. Let simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until juice has thickened and cranberries have shrunk.

Cranberry Breakfast Pockets 

- 2 packages of Pillsbury crescent dough  
- Left over cranberry sauce from dinner

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Open and unroll crescent dough as directed on package.  I used two triangles for each pocket.

2. Scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of cranberry sauce (less sauce more berries) onto one of the laid out dough triangles.  Place another dough triangle on top of the first and gently press down all along the sides (I used a fork to to press them together).


3. When finished lay then on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 12-14 minutes or until golden.


Hmmmm .... breakfast!



Why eating cranberries is so good for you?

• helps prevent and treat urinary tract infections
• helps promote gastrointestinal and oral health
• helps prevent the formation of kidney stones
• can lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol
• help prevent against cancer
• aid in recovery from stroke

To learn more about the health benefits of cranberries follow the link in the above title.


Have a recipe in mind you'd like to see me make? Let me know! Please email me
Cheers!