 I cannot believe that next week is Thanksgiving. How?! When?! Can someone please explain this to me?! My new cookbook, The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook, was released at the end of last month and I've been busy book-touring and yoga instructing, so things have been absolutely flying by around here! Before we know it, it's going to be CHRISTMAS. But not so fast - for now, we've still got a Thanksgiving dinner to plan for, and I've got you covered. I've rounded up 33 of my best, Thanksgiving-worthy dishes that're totally vegan and good enough to impress your (or my) cranky grandma. Dishes like my Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing, Garam Masala Roasted Acorn Squash, and Purple Sweet Potato Pie Bars are sure to please everyone at your table this year! I'm thankful for everyone that's on this journey with me: whether you're here because you're vegan, trying to eat a little healthier, or just stumbled across the page this morning - I'm happy you're here. Now, get your stretchy jeans ready and let's get cookin'! SIDE DISHES
MAIN DISHES
SWEETS + TREATS
DRINKS
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3 EASY, PLANT-BASED DONUT RECIPES FOR NAT'L DONUT DAY! It's official guys - I missed National Donut Day yesterday. Whoops! This week had been so busy, it flew right by me yesterday until late last night as I was scrolling through instagram and realizing a real, round, dole-shaped pattern. And that's when I realized! Now I'm home, late on a Friday night while my husband works, whipping up a batch of baked donuts topped in a sweet, simple glaze so we can celebrate. Because let's be honest - I'll use any excuse to whip up a batch of donuts, but this day makes it a must! Since it's the weekend, it's almost a better time to make donut. You can sleep in, whip up the batter, bake while you face mask and catch up on Netflix, then munch on fresh baked donuts for the rest of the afternoon! That's basically my perfect Saturday, guys. Scroll down for the recipes - and let me know how you plan to spend you Nat'l Donut Day re-do tomorrow. I may just have to make another batch of donuts...🍩 P.S. The beautiful donuts above are from our wedding - read more about that here and here!  Kettle Corn Donuts We adjusted our typical donut cake base to make a richer, brown sugar-sweetened donut, slathered it in rich butter glaze (yup, BUTTER GLAZE GUYS. I'm not messing around here.), and topped it with perfectly crunchy kettle corn. The kettle corn's combination of sweet and salty flavors was the inspiration for the whole combination. The sweet cake base slathered in thick, creamy butter glaze might be almost too rich without the addition of the popcorn, but with it becomes the perfect combo and sweet and salty! They're super rich and delicious, which makes them perfect for sharing. Double the batch for a fun treat to share with friends or serve at a brunch, or make a single batch all for yourself! I would never judge when it comes to donut consumption. If you're looking for a creative new donut flavor, or just another excuse to squeeze a few more donuts into your day, these are definitely for you.  Baked Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Just because Halloween is over doesn't mean the pumpkin has to go away! These pumpkin donuts have a ton of flavor - and that's before they're rolled in cinnamon sugar. They literally are SO EASY to make that I thought I must be doing it wrong. From start to finish this was maybe a half-hour project, and I was so happy with how they came out! They so remind me of getting fresh donuts at apple farms when I was a little girl. Simple and SO GOOD! These are the kind of donuts that give you street cred for being such a great cook. And you'll be like "Oh these easy things? I whipped these up lickety split!" and feel like a badass.  Blood Orange Glazed Donuts
Sometimes I'm more of a glaze person than a sugared person, so I whipped up this batch of healthier baked donuts and covered them in sweet, seasonal blood orange glaze and OH, guys! The blood oranges gave the glaze a really lovely pink color and a light citrus taste that is next level when paired with the light cakes texture of the donut itself. Plus, the added flax means you can have two (or three...) instead of just one, because flax makes everything healthier, right? Seriously, these donuts come together from start to finish in about a half an hour and save pretty well for next day consumption, too. Let's bake, babes! ORGANIC ALMOND MILK WITH CASHEW |
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Lucky for us, food trends keep driving toward cleaner labels and simpler ingredients, and bigger brands with more influence are catching on, too. We’ve become a society that prefers to know where it’s food comes from - and I LOVE that. Even luckier for us, So Delicious Dairy Free is getting in on the clean label game with their brand new 7-ingredient or less Organic Almondmilk with Cashew! It comes in 3 styles - Original, Vanilla and Unsweetened, and all contain quite literally 7 (or less!) super clean, purposeful ingredients and ZERO carrageenan. To paint you a clearer picture, here’s what’s inside the vanilla: organic almondmilk (filtered water, organic almonds), organic cane sugar, organic cashews, sea salt, gellan gum, real vanilla extract. I mean DANG! It doesn’t get much more pronounceable than that, am I right?! These super simple, clean ingredients mean it needs to be refrigerated to stay fresh, so look for their stylish new designs in the refrigerated milk section of your grocery store.
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While you’re in that aisle, you may notice that these clean, tall bottles look a little different than most of the other bottles on the shelf and that’s because - HI! - they are! These bottles are super unique - not only is the inside material made of plants, the OUTSIDE is, too! This totally recyclable bottle is made from at least 80% plants - renewable sugarcane, to be exact. This helps to reduce So Delicious’ dependence on fossil fuels, which is great for the planet! I love the rich, creamy texture that combining the almond and cashewmilks gives, and the unsweetened version has quickly become my go-to milk in all of my sweet and savory recipes! Even better, these smooth, light-tasting almondmilks are USDA certified, organic, non-GMO certified, and of course - dairy, soy, and gluten-free! No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives to be found in these clean, healthy plant milks. Sharing my favorite Almondmilk Matcha Latté recipe below - scroll down for the simple, cozy recipe!
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INGREDIENTS:
1-2 teaspoons high quality matcha powder
12 ounces steamed Vanilla So Delicious Almondmilk with Cashew
3-4 drops stevia OR 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
DIRECTIONS:
Simply heat your milk until warm, not to a boil. Using a milk frothy or a high-speed blender, been the milk at a high speed until foamy and frothy. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine your matcha powder and a small splash of milk or water using a bamboo whisk. Create a smooth paste with the mixture, then add your additional steamed milk slowly, whisking to combine the matcha all together. Enjoy!
NOTES:
You can add in other powders, oils, and mix-ins if you like, but this my super simple way to enjoy it every morning!
Serves 1.
1-2 teaspoons high quality matcha powder
12 ounces steamed Vanilla So Delicious Almondmilk with Cashew
3-4 drops stevia OR 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
DIRECTIONS:
Simply heat your milk until warm, not to a boil. Using a milk frothy or a high-speed blender, been the milk at a high speed until foamy and frothy. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine your matcha powder and a small splash of milk or water using a bamboo whisk. Create a smooth paste with the mixture, then add your additional steamed milk slowly, whisking to combine the matcha all together. Enjoy!
NOTES:
You can add in other powders, oils, and mix-ins if you like, but this my super simple way to enjoy it every morning!
Serves 1.
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Find So Delicious Dairy Free NEW Organic Almondmilk with Cashew at stores nationwide - head to their website to find a store locator and sign up to receive exclusive product coupons! And let me know in the comments below what YOUR favorite morning drink to get your day started is - I know I can't be the only matcha fan around here, and I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy it. Thanks friends!
Grain-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
These GF, Grain-Free muffins are moist, rich, and packed with plant-based goodness! Plus, they're low in sugar and bake up quickly. I created them as part of a recipe pack for a anti-inflammatory post I was working on a few months ago and never ended up using the recipe - but never forgot about it, either! This recipe is amazing because the muffins have this soft, rustic, slightly crumbly around the edges texture, but are soft, moist, and perfectly cohesive on the inside. Add in the combo of sweet and tart summer fruits and you have a morning combination that's satisfying and just the right amount of healthy. These muffins are a crowd pleaser - perfect for allergen-friendly bake sales and at-home brunches alike!
HUGE thanks to my close friend and super talented videographer David Lee for filming this fun video of me making these scrumptious muffins. He made me - and my kitchen - look beautiful well lit, and for that I will be forever grateful! And better yet? He loved the muffins.
HUGE thanks to my close friend and super talented videographer David Lee for filming this fun video of me making these scrumptious muffins. He made me - and my kitchen - look beautiful well lit, and for that I will be forever grateful! And better yet? He loved the muffins.
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Watch the video below and scroll all the way down for the written recipe and a printable PDF, too. Don't forget to let me know what you think in the comments below - would love to hear about your favorite muffin flavor combos!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup almond flour
1 cup teff flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar or maple syrup (for richer muffins)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup frozen strawberries, halved (or use fresh!)
1 cup frozen rhubarb (or use fresh!)
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl combine the almond milk and vinegar to curdle. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond and teff flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and set them to the side. In a separate, smaller mixing bowl whisk together the coconut oil, vanilla, and milk mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the well in the dry ingredients, then whisk the entire mixture together until just mixed. Fold in the fruit (fresh or frozen!) and scoop the mixture evenly into prepared muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick pulls clean. Enjoy!
NOTES
Makes 12 muffins.
Let muffins cool completely before serving!
Berries and rhubarb weren't exactly in season when we filmed, so we subbed frozen fruit instead. Fresh fruit works great here, too!
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup almond flour
1 cup teff flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar or maple syrup (for richer muffins)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup frozen strawberries, halved (or use fresh!)
1 cup frozen rhubarb (or use fresh!)
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl combine the almond milk and vinegar to curdle. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond and teff flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and set them to the side. In a separate, smaller mixing bowl whisk together the coconut oil, vanilla, and milk mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the well in the dry ingredients, then whisk the entire mixture together until just mixed. Fold in the fruit (fresh or frozen!) and scoop the mixture evenly into prepared muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick pulls clean. Enjoy!
NOTES
Makes 12 muffins.
Let muffins cool completely before serving!
Berries and rhubarb weren't exactly in season when we filmed, so we subbed frozen fruit instead. Fresh fruit works great here, too!
Daiya'S Newest Plant-Based Products!
Expo West came and went this weekend and boy - it was NUTS! I have worked the event with Ozery Bakery as a chef for the last two years, so I haven't had to worry about perusing the halls as a blogger - which is a huge stress reliever. It's hard to make contact with brands and can be overwhelming dealing with the crowds, but I also love seeing all my foodie friends and finding the newest and most exciting plant-based products at the show.
Since I was stuck in my booth most of the weekend, I made it a point to connect with some of my favorite brands when I had time - and Daiya was one of the brands I was most excited to check out. They make comfy, crave-able, totally vegan foods that are also free of dairy, gluten and soy! Now found in over 25,000 grocery stores over the US and Canada, they are leading the charge is making dairy-free cheese accessible to everyone. And I LOVE that! This year they're introducing a bunch of new products that I am super stoked to share with you guys - there's literally something for everyone! A Meatless Meat Lover's Pizza with vegan sausage and pepperoni, Yogurt Duets - creamy yogurts with lids full of sweet and crunchy toppings, Savory Burritos (in four flavors!), plus a few extra goodies I didn't expect to see including cheese sticks and new frozen desserts!
Since I was stuck in my booth most of the weekend, I made it a point to connect with some of my favorite brands when I had time - and Daiya was one of the brands I was most excited to check out. They make comfy, crave-able, totally vegan foods that are also free of dairy, gluten and soy! Now found in over 25,000 grocery stores over the US and Canada, they are leading the charge is making dairy-free cheese accessible to everyone. And I LOVE that! This year they're introducing a bunch of new products that I am super stoked to share with you guys - there's literally something for everyone! A Meatless Meat Lover's Pizza with vegan sausage and pepperoni, Yogurt Duets - creamy yogurts with lids full of sweet and crunchy toppings, Savory Burritos (in four flavors!), plus a few extra goodies I didn't expect to see including cheese sticks and new frozen desserts!
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I made my way all around Daiya's big, bright green booth and had as many samples as I could - they were all so GOOD! Since I can only show you and not share with you (yet!), I wanted to give you a breakdown of all my faves from the show so you know what to expect when they come out. You should start seeing these goodies by summertime!
Meatless Meat Lover’s Pizza
The first-ever plant-based meat lover’s pizza, Daiya Meatless Meat Lover’s Pizza is a better-for-you, dairy-free pizza crafted with meatless sausage and pepperoni, Daiya’s signature melty shredded cheeze, and zesty sauce atop a newly improved artisan gluten-free crust! Unlike its traditional counterpart, Daiya Meatless Meat Lover’s Pizza is entirely plant-based and free of dairy, gluten and soy, making it a swapworthy alternative for those with dietary restrictions or looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus it tastes SUPER good - a little spicy and crunchy, it's the perfect Friday night-in dinner alongside a movie! Perfect with kombucha or a glass of wine.
Meatless Meat Lover’s Pizza
The first-ever plant-based meat lover’s pizza, Daiya Meatless Meat Lover’s Pizza is a better-for-you, dairy-free pizza crafted with meatless sausage and pepperoni, Daiya’s signature melty shredded cheeze, and zesty sauce atop a newly improved artisan gluten-free crust! Unlike its traditional counterpart, Daiya Meatless Meat Lover’s Pizza is entirely plant-based and free of dairy, gluten and soy, making it a swapworthy alternative for those with dietary restrictions or looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus it tastes SUPER good - a little spicy and crunchy, it's the perfect Friday night-in dinner alongside a movie! Perfect with kombucha or a glass of wine.
Yogurt Duets
Daiya Duets are the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, each containing 5-6 grams of plant-based protein per serving. The clever duel packaging keeps the toppings crisp until joined with the velvety coconut cream yogurt, which only enhances your yogurt-eating experience. Duets come in flavors including Chocolate Coconut, Key Lime Crumble, Cranberry Harvest, and Salted Caramel Crunch. YUM!
Savory Burritos
Daiya just added savory burritos to its line of plant-based comfort foods, each packing a hearty 8 grams of protein and perfect for late-night snacking, on-the-go lunches or to simply satisfy a burrito craving! The new Daiya Burritos are free of dairy, gluten and soy and come in four varieties: Traditional, Tuscan, Chipotle, and Aztec. I LOVED the flavors in the spicy Santa Fe, but also tried the white bean-filled Tex Mex at the show and it was really great, too. These will definitely be a product we keep the freezer stocked with!
Daiya Duets are the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, each containing 5-6 grams of plant-based protein per serving. The clever duel packaging keeps the toppings crisp until joined with the velvety coconut cream yogurt, which only enhances your yogurt-eating experience. Duets come in flavors including Chocolate Coconut, Key Lime Crumble, Cranberry Harvest, and Salted Caramel Crunch. YUM!
Savory Burritos
Daiya just added savory burritos to its line of plant-based comfort foods, each packing a hearty 8 grams of protein and perfect for late-night snacking, on-the-go lunches or to simply satisfy a burrito craving! The new Daiya Burritos are free of dairy, gluten and soy and come in four varieties: Traditional, Tuscan, Chipotle, and Aztec. I LOVED the flavors in the spicy Santa Fe, but also tried the white bean-filled Tex Mex at the show and it was really great, too. These will definitely be a product we keep the freezer stocked with!
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Cheese Sticks
The are going to be a MAJOR hit with all the Mom's out there! These portable, lunch-friendly snacking sticks are great for kiddos who are dairy-intolerant, allergic, or simply need to eat more plant-based foods. They're an easy swap that taste so good, kids won't miss the old stuff. And they're available in two flavors - mozzarella and cheddar!
Frozen Desserts
Pretty sure these are also going to be available in 4 flavors! I tried the chocolate coated vanilla bar, but also saw chocolate and expresso ice cream versions with fudge crunch coating on the outside. UPDATE! The official flavors are as follows:
-Chocolate Fudge Crunch—This decadent chocolate dessert bar with a deep fudgy swirl is dipped in rich fair trade dark chocolate and finished with crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds.
-Classic Vanilla Bean— Rich and creamy, this classic vanilla dessert bar is dipped in rich fair trade dark chocolate and finished to perfection with a semisweet chocolate drizzle.
-Salted Caramel Swirl—Rich and velvety smooth, this vanilla dessert bar is swirled with a salted caramel ribbon throughout and dipped in semisweet chocolate and finished with a dark chocolate drizzle.
-Espresso Coffee—Bold and smooth Arabica coffee is blended in a dessert bar, and dipped in rich and velvety fair trade dark chocolate.
These seemed to be the hit around the time I got there, late afternoon after the lunch rush. The perfect dessert - everyone around me agreed! Sweet, satisfying, and dairy-free. Basically a dream!
For more information about Daiya, please visit www.daiyafoods.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with the release of these awesome new products! And please do let me know when you start seeing them in stores - its always nice to know where they start popping up so I can find them for myself. I found the Meatless Meat Lover's Pizza this very morning in our local Sprouts Market! Keep an eye open this weekend for a post of our other favorite finds from Expo West this year, and make sure to look back on our fave products from 2015 + 2016, too!
The are going to be a MAJOR hit with all the Mom's out there! These portable, lunch-friendly snacking sticks are great for kiddos who are dairy-intolerant, allergic, or simply need to eat more plant-based foods. They're an easy swap that taste so good, kids won't miss the old stuff. And they're available in two flavors - mozzarella and cheddar!
Frozen Desserts
Pretty sure these are also going to be available in 4 flavors! I tried the chocolate coated vanilla bar, but also saw chocolate and expresso ice cream versions with fudge crunch coating on the outside. UPDATE! The official flavors are as follows:
-Chocolate Fudge Crunch—This decadent chocolate dessert bar with a deep fudgy swirl is dipped in rich fair trade dark chocolate and finished with crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds.
-Classic Vanilla Bean— Rich and creamy, this classic vanilla dessert bar is dipped in rich fair trade dark chocolate and finished to perfection with a semisweet chocolate drizzle.
-Salted Caramel Swirl—Rich and velvety smooth, this vanilla dessert bar is swirled with a salted caramel ribbon throughout and dipped in semisweet chocolate and finished with a dark chocolate drizzle.
-Espresso Coffee—Bold and smooth Arabica coffee is blended in a dessert bar, and dipped in rich and velvety fair trade dark chocolate.
These seemed to be the hit around the time I got there, late afternoon after the lunch rush. The perfect dessert - everyone around me agreed! Sweet, satisfying, and dairy-free. Basically a dream!
For more information about Daiya, please visit www.daiyafoods.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with the release of these awesome new products! And please do let me know when you start seeing them in stores - its always nice to know where they start popping up so I can find them for myself. I found the Meatless Meat Lover's Pizza this very morning in our local Sprouts Market! Keep an eye open this weekend for a post of our other favorite finds from Expo West this year, and make sure to look back on our fave products from 2015 + 2016, too!
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE! (VIDEO)
This anti-inflammatory, healthy fats-rich smoothie is packed with iron, nutrients and hidden greens - and tastes AMAZING! It's become one of my favorites in the morning - and you'd never know how GOOD it is for you! Get the full recipe below or head to our YouTube page for more. Enjoy!
Anti-Inflammatory Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups non-dairy milk
1 cup frozen mango
1 frozen banana
1 cup ice
a few drops of vanilla stevia, to taste (optional)
Directions:
Blend it all together in a high speed bender until smooth. Serves 2. Enjoy!
Anti-Inflammatory Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups non-dairy milk
1 cup frozen mango
1 frozen banana
1 cup ice
a few drops of vanilla stevia, to taste (optional)
Directions:
Blend it all together in a high speed bender until smooth. Serves 2. Enjoy!
Veestro's Vegan Holiday Meals - We Tried Them, You Get 15% off!
Veestro is a plant-based, organic meal delivery service that offers meal packs, juice cleanses and dishes a la carte on it's website. We've tried and loved their Wedding Prep pack, which comes with lunch and dinner for 30 days, for either one or two people. We tried just a 5-day version, but it was so nice to have the option of NOT cooking the week of our wedding! All of the meals are clearly labeled, so I was easily able to avoid the dishes with soy, and the offer gluten-free dishes as well. This time of year Veestro is back with an awesome new batch of Limited-Edition Holiday meals available through the end of this year! They have a NEW Turkey Scallopini with Sweet Potato Mash, Cauliflower Milanese with Green Beans, and Herbed Crusted Turk'y with Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce - plus Baked Mac n Cheese Dinner and a slice of Pecan Pie.
The meals are actually quite affordable, about $6-$12 per dish, and a decent sized portion at that. The meals are shipped on dry ice straight from the prep kitchen here in Southern California. I loved that they came frozen because it gives us the option of picking and choosing meals when we're ready to eat them. Most of the meals are baked straight from frozen, literally eliminating any meal prep work. And, all of the packaging was either recyclable or compostable and totally BPA-free.
The meals are actually quite affordable, about $6-$12 per dish, and a decent sized portion at that. The meals are shipped on dry ice straight from the prep kitchen here in Southern California. I loved that they came frozen because it gives us the option of picking and choosing meals when we're ready to eat them. Most of the meals are baked straight from frozen, literally eliminating any meal prep work. And, all of the packaging was either recyclable or compostable and totally BPA-free.
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These meals are perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, because the ingredients are simple, clean, and most important: recognizable! Yup, all the ingredients are real , whole foods - things I would cook with in my own kitchen. A lot of the meals come with sauces to spice them up, and it was easy to add our own fresh accents, like cilantro or parsley, if we want to make the meal feel a little more homemade. One of my favorite things about these meals were how fresh they actually tasted on their own - it didn't feel like we were being lazy or eating "frozen dinners". The meals were creatively and thoughtfully prepared with health and a real focus on vegetable in mind. Did I already mention there are NO preservatives? Because that's a pretty big deal. That's how you know it's fresh.
I was especially thankful for the Holiday meals because it took SO much stress off of me the week after Thanksgiving. No more cooking or messy meal prep for me for the WHOLE week after that fiasco. Veestro made it so easy! If you're someone who's looking to stick to a hearty, healthy, plant-based diet during the Holiday season, this may be your perfect option. To see all their menu options and meal packs, head over to Veestro.com! Use code "GOODSAINT15" for 15% off any a la carte dishes until 12/31.
I was especially thankful for the Holiday meals because it took SO much stress off of me the week after Thanksgiving. No more cooking or messy meal prep for me for the WHOLE week after that fiasco. Veestro made it so easy! If you're someone who's looking to stick to a hearty, healthy, plant-based diet during the Holiday season, this may be your perfect option. To see all their menu options and meal packs, head over to Veestro.com! Use code "GOODSAINT15" for 15% off any a la carte dishes until 12/31.
10 Must-Have Pumpkin Recipes for Fall!
Fall is HERE my friends, and we are so excited! While we don't get quite as much cool, crispy father here in Southern California as I might like, the temperature are still dropping slightly and Pumpkin Spice-EVERYTHING is available wherever you go. We've got a solid collection of some really great, tried + true Pumpkin-lover's recipes around here, so we assembled our favorites into one post for your enjoyment. We've got all the bases covered - everything from cookie, brownies and fudge to donuts, steamers + fresh pumpkin juice. You'll find something to make your mouth water + curb your Fall cravings for sure. Scroll on for the goodies!
1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I'm gonna get really real with you for a second: these are fucking delicious cookies, but they're packed with butter and sugar. Again, SERIOUSLY SCRUMPTIOUS, but not seriously healthy. Just maybe don't eat 6 per sitting? I'm not even apologizing, just a warning for the haters. These are celebrating your birthday cookies. They're follow with a glass of champagne cookies. They're decadent and rich and insanely delicious. If you're on a diet, these are not for you. If you wanna have a fall-flavored mouthgasm, then these are definitely for you.
I'm gonna get really real with you for a second: these are fucking delicious cookies, but they're packed with butter and sugar. Again, SERIOUSLY SCRUMPTIOUS, but not seriously healthy. Just maybe don't eat 6 per sitting? I'm not even apologizing, just a warning for the haters. These are celebrating your birthday cookies. They're follow with a glass of champagne cookies. They're decadent and rich and insanely delicious. If you're on a diet, these are not for you. If you wanna have a fall-flavored mouthgasm, then these are definitely for you.
2. Baked Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These Baked pumpkin donuts are rolled in cinnamon sugared are literally are SO EASY to make that I thought I must be doing it wrong. From start to finish this was maybe a half-hour project, and I was so happy with how they came out. They so remind me of getting fresh donuts at apple farms when I was a little girl. These are the kind of donuts that give you street cred for being such a great cook. And you'll be like "Oh these easy things? I whipped these up lickety split!" and feel like a badass. So grab a donut pan and come bake with us!
These Baked pumpkin donuts are rolled in cinnamon sugared are literally are SO EASY to make that I thought I must be doing it wrong. From start to finish this was maybe a half-hour project, and I was so happy with how they came out. They so remind me of getting fresh donuts at apple farms when I was a little girl. These are the kind of donuts that give you street cred for being such a great cook. And you'll be like "Oh these easy things? I whipped these up lickety split!" and feel like a badass. So grab a donut pan and come bake with us!
3. Glowing Pumpkin Juice
Packed with citrus and seasonal pumpkin, this juice will brighten your day...and your skin! The beta carotene in the pumpkin is a powerful antioxidant crucial for normal skin cell development healthy skin tone. The Vitamin C found in the oranges, apples, and lemons not only builds a strong immune system and helps blemishes heal properly but also helps firm & tone skin, prevent free-radical damage, protects skin cells, and prevents signs of aging (like wrinkles!). And the mango? Delicious, yes, but also packed with beta carotene and Vitamin A- giving you that extra soft, smooth skin you CRAVE in this cool fall weather. Plus, what could be easier than cutting up your fruits and letting the juicer do all the work?
Packed with citrus and seasonal pumpkin, this juice will brighten your day...and your skin! The beta carotene in the pumpkin is a powerful antioxidant crucial for normal skin cell development healthy skin tone. The Vitamin C found in the oranges, apples, and lemons not only builds a strong immune system and helps blemishes heal properly but also helps firm & tone skin, prevent free-radical damage, protects skin cells, and prevents signs of aging (like wrinkles!). And the mango? Delicious, yes, but also packed with beta carotene and Vitamin A- giving you that extra soft, smooth skin you CRAVE in this cool fall weather. Plus, what could be easier than cutting up your fruits and letting the juicer do all the work?
4. Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Its stuffed full of zucchini and pumpkin so its basically just a vegetable. Or at least, that's what I told myself after eating 3 slices yesterday. We're really trying to cut back on the amount of sugar we're eating lately too, so like our recipe for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, this recipe has about half the amount of sugar you'll find in a traditional zucchini or banana bread recipe. The pumpkin adds some sweetness and helps keep it moist, and if nuts are your thing I bet a sprinkle of walnuts before you tossed it in the oven would be kind of amazing. Either way, we think you're gonna like it.
Its stuffed full of zucchini and pumpkin so its basically just a vegetable. Or at least, that's what I told myself after eating 3 slices yesterday. We're really trying to cut back on the amount of sugar we're eating lately too, so like our recipe for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, this recipe has about half the amount of sugar you'll find in a traditional zucchini or banana bread recipe. The pumpkin adds some sweetness and helps keep it moist, and if nuts are your thing I bet a sprinkle of walnuts before you tossed it in the oven would be kind of amazing. Either way, we think you're gonna like it.
5. Pumpkin Chocolate Freezer Fudge
Now as an adult, and one who watches my sugar intake at that, fudge isn't something we make often. But with this crazy hot weather we're still having in Souther California, I was CRAVING some fall. That being said, we all deserve a treat, and being freezer fudge, its easy to eat just a piece of week and preserve the goodness for months to come. Plus, I'm a SUCKER for pumpkin/ chocolate combos, and the velvety, rich pumpkin layer compliments the dark chocolate beautifully.
Now as an adult, and one who watches my sugar intake at that, fudge isn't something we make often. But with this crazy hot weather we're still having in Souther California, I was CRAVING some fall. That being said, we all deserve a treat, and being freezer fudge, its easy to eat just a piece of week and preserve the goodness for months to come. Plus, I'm a SUCKER for pumpkin/ chocolate combos, and the velvety, rich pumpkin layer compliments the dark chocolate beautifully.
6. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are perfectly fluffy and moist, and have an almost muffin-like texture. They're soft, chewy, and packed with oats and pumpkin spice. Plus, we cut the sugar way down so you can eat like six instead of one. (That's how that works, right?) They're easy to whip up and perfect for serving at parties or just binge-eating while you watch Hocus Pocus. They're also about to become your new favorite oatmeal cookie. Let's bake!
These cookies are perfectly fluffy and moist, and have an almost muffin-like texture. They're soft, chewy, and packed with oats and pumpkin spice. Plus, we cut the sugar way down so you can eat like six instead of one. (That's how that works, right?) They're easy to whip up and perfect for serving at parties or just binge-eating while you watch Hocus Pocus. They're also about to become your new favorite oatmeal cookie. Let's bake!
7. Pumpkin Spiced Steamer
A frothy, foamy, sweet, pumpkin-y cup of steamed dairy-free milk blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It's fall, all wrapped up in a mug. Topped with a spoonful of coconut whip would be lovely, but this drink stands just fine on its own. Its the perfect fall drink for those avoiding caffeine or who just want a kid-friendly version. We know you're going to love it.
A frothy, foamy, sweet, pumpkin-y cup of steamed dairy-free milk blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It's fall, all wrapped up in a mug. Topped with a spoonful of coconut whip would be lovely, but this drink stands just fine on its own. Its the perfect fall drink for those avoiding caffeine or who just want a kid-friendly version. We know you're going to love it.
8. Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Maple Vanilla Icing
This sweet, spiced loaf is the perfect breakfast OR dessert! And the maple vanilla icing makes the perfect topping. It screams Fall, and whips up super easily - it's a nearly fool-proof loaf. Perfect for taking to Holiday gatherings and sharing with the people you love...or hoarding for yourself - we're not here to judge!
This sweet, spiced loaf is the perfect breakfast OR dessert! And the maple vanilla icing makes the perfect topping. It screams Fall, and whips up super easily - it's a nearly fool-proof loaf. Perfect for taking to Holiday gatherings and sharing with the people you love...or hoarding for yourself - we're not here to judge!
9. Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
These brownies make me think of words like rich, ooey-gooey, and decadent. And those are words I love. I also love chocolate, which is why we used bars of dark chocolate, cacao chunks, and rich cacao butter to make these brownies a trifecta of chocolatey heaven. The pumpkin was a brilliant addition. I mean it! It adds a soft, gooey pumpkin layer to an already sweet, fudgy bottom layer. The combination creates an almost cheesecake-like brownie that will make an appearance at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and daylight savings day too.
These brownies make me think of words like rich, ooey-gooey, and decadent. And those are words I love. I also love chocolate, which is why we used bars of dark chocolate, cacao chunks, and rich cacao butter to make these brownies a trifecta of chocolatey heaven. The pumpkin was a brilliant addition. I mean it! It adds a soft, gooey pumpkin layer to an already sweet, fudgy bottom layer. The combination creates an almost cheesecake-like brownie that will make an appearance at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and daylight savings day too.
10. Pumpkin Oat Muffins
Don't these look scrumptious? Trust me, they are. We had some leftover pumpkin puree and some browning bananas to use up and came up with these little buggers. The fruit keeps the muffins moist and flavorful, while the muesli topping adds just a little crunch and texture. Ready to start your day off the right (and delicious) way?
Don't these look scrumptious? Trust me, they are. We had some leftover pumpkin puree and some browning bananas to use up and came up with these little buggers. The fruit keeps the muffins moist and flavorful, while the muesli topping adds just a little crunch and texture. Ready to start your day off the right (and delicious) way?
WEDDING MEAL PREP with VEESTRO
As most of you probably know, we just got married! After 8 years of being in love and putting up with eachother's weird habits, we finally did it. It was so wonderful, and so fun - but the lead up was truly awful. The amount of stress near the end sent me into a anxiety attack - I wouldn't wish wedding planning on anyone...ha! I'm kidding, mostly. I should've hired more help. The one thing that saved my sanity the week before the wedding might've just been these Veestro meals; This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Veestro is a plant-based, organic meal delivery service that offers meal packs, juice cleanses and dishes a la carte on it's website. They have several different types of meal packs, including a 21-day kickstart, protein pack and lunchbox pack. I was excited to check out their unique Wedding Prep pack, which normally comes with lunch and dinner for 30 days, for either one or two people. We tried just a 5-day version, but it was so nice to have the option of NOT cooking the week of our wedding! All of the meals are clearly labeled, so I was easily able to avoid the dishes with soy, and the offer gluten-free dishes as well.
The meals are actually quite affordable, starting at $7-8 per meal, and a decent sized portion at that. The meals are shipped on dry ice straight from the prep kitchen here in Southern California. I loved that they came frozen because it gave us the option of picking and choosing, and if you ordered a larger pack - the full wedding pack with 30+ meals, for example - would allow you to save fridge space as you took out and defrost the meals one at a time. We don't own a microwave, so we had to make sure to take our meals out the night before to defrost before reheating the next day, which was the only downfall for us. That said, we were impressed that all of the packaging was either recyclable or compostable ad BPA-free and it stayed frozen, even after sitting on our front step for a few hours.
The meals are actually quite affordable, starting at $7-8 per meal, and a decent sized portion at that. The meals are shipped on dry ice straight from the prep kitchen here in Southern California. I loved that they came frozen because it gave us the option of picking and choosing, and if you ordered a larger pack - the full wedding pack with 30+ meals, for example - would allow you to save fridge space as you took out and defrost the meals one at a time. We don't own a microwave, so we had to make sure to take our meals out the night before to defrost before reheating the next day, which was the only downfall for us. That said, we were impressed that all of the packaging was either recyclable or compostable ad BPA-free and it stayed frozen, even after sitting on our front step for a few hours.
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The meal variety was awesome, though I forgot to tell them I was allergic to soy (I'm still getting used to it!), so more than half of the meals we received became Alex-only meals. He didn't seem to mind! And he really, really loved them. Here's the full list of meals we received: Morccan Melange, Beluga Lentil Braise, Veggie Empanadas, Veggie Lasagna, Spinach Pie, Country Fried Chick'n, Thai Chick'n Stew, Roasted Beet + Kale Salad, Indian Kamut Stew, Portobello Steak Dinner and Raspberry Cheezecake. Alex's faves ended up being the Empanadas, Country Fried Chick'n, and Cheezecake, and I liked the Lentil Braise and Indian Stew next. Next time we order, we'll try different options - there are a bunch to choose from!
These meals are perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, because the ingredients are simple, clean, and most important: recognizable! Yup, all the ingredients are real , whole foods - things I would cook with in my own kitchen. A lot of the meals come with sauces to spice them up, and it was easy to add our own fresh accents, like cilantro or parsley, when we wanted to make the meal feel a little more homemade. One of my favorite things about these meals were how fresh they actually tasted on their own - it didn't feel like we were being lazy or eating "frozen dinners". The meals were creatively and thoughtfully prepared with health and a real focus on vegetable in mind. Did I already mention there are NO preservatives? Because that's a pretty big deal. That's how you know it's fresh. I was especially thankful for the Wedding Prep pack because it took SO much stress off of me in the week before the wedding. So much less to deal with, plus we didn't want to buy many groceries just to be leaving on our honeymoon days later. Veestro made it easy! And if you're someone who's looking to stick to a lean, plant-based diet leading up to your big day, this may be the perfect option. To see all their menu options and meal packs, head over to Veestro.com!
These meals are perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, because the ingredients are simple, clean, and most important: recognizable! Yup, all the ingredients are real , whole foods - things I would cook with in my own kitchen. A lot of the meals come with sauces to spice them up, and it was easy to add our own fresh accents, like cilantro or parsley, when we wanted to make the meal feel a little more homemade. One of my favorite things about these meals were how fresh they actually tasted on their own - it didn't feel like we were being lazy or eating "frozen dinners". The meals were creatively and thoughtfully prepared with health and a real focus on vegetable in mind. Did I already mention there are NO preservatives? Because that's a pretty big deal. That's how you know it's fresh. I was especially thankful for the Wedding Prep pack because it took SO much stress off of me in the week before the wedding. So much less to deal with, plus we didn't want to buy many groceries just to be leaving on our honeymoon days later. Veestro made it easy! And if you're someone who's looking to stick to a lean, plant-based diet leading up to your big day, this may be the perfect option. To see all their menu options and meal packs, head over to Veestro.com!
'Pantry to Plate' Cookbook Recipe + GIVEAWAY!
Chances are, you've been to Heather's beautifully designed website YumUniverse. If you haven't yet, drop everything and GO NOW! Everything she does is gorgeous - including her website layout. So clean and user-friendly, which makes it a perfect extension of her cookbook as a useful tool for creating delicious meals! Her plant-powerful, gluten-free, whole food recipes are always thoughtfully presented and beautifully photographed, and definitely drool-worthy. Her website is a treasure trove of over 500 recipes, meal plans, do-it-yourself projects, and brilliant e-books. Heather is NAILING it! Her new cookbook, Pantry to Plate, is a testament to her skills as a chef and her creativity in creating delicious, exciting new recipes...this time with foods you already have in your kitchen! This book is teeming with 30 flexible recipe templates plus over 100 recipes that show the templates in action and keep a focus on whole foods and flavor. The book is as much a guide as it is a cookbook, with thoughtful substitutions and pairings laid out amongst gorgeous, hand-painted art and beautifully shot photos. With sections like Breakfast Cookies, Bites & Tots, Tacos & Wraps, and Hand Pies there's something for everyone in this book. I made the Sriracha Mac recipe Heather's shared with us below just before we left on our honeymoon and it was PHENOMENAL! Spicy, tangy, cheezy - perfect.
Heather began her journey into healthy cooking and eating as a way to help heal her body of health issues that started in her early 20's. As someone with a lot of unexplained sickness, I totally understand- that's why I went plant-based, too! Heather keeps it real and is super relatable in her writing and her simple approach to creating meals that appeal to everyone. These are meals I feel like I could confidently cook for my meat-eating family with no complaints. Pantry to Plate is more than a cookbook- its a must-have for anyone with a desire to get more of the food in their pantry, and to stay healthy while doing it. Scroll all the way down for Heather's Sriracha Mac recipe AND a chance to WIN her new cookbook!
Heather began her journey into healthy cooking and eating as a way to help heal her body of health issues that started in her early 20's. As someone with a lot of unexplained sickness, I totally understand- that's why I went plant-based, too! Heather keeps it real and is super relatable in her writing and her simple approach to creating meals that appeal to everyone. These are meals I feel like I could confidently cook for my meat-eating family with no complaints. Pantry to Plate is more than a cookbook- its a must-have for anyone with a desire to get more of the food in their pantry, and to stay healthy while doing it. Scroll all the way down for Heather's Sriracha Mac recipe AND a chance to WIN her new cookbook!
Sriracha Mac
Serves 4+
Ingredients
Instructions
Get a large pot of water boiling and prepare the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions.
While the noodles cook, combine the squash, water, cashews, garlic, lemon juice, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, salt, Sriracha, and ginger in the blender and purée until ultra-smooth. Taste and add more Sriracha if you like. Transfer to a large pot heated to low.
Drain the noodles and dump into the pot of sauce; add the scallions. Stir together, seasoning with more salt if necessary. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil if you like and serve warm.
(Recipe from YumUniverse Pantry to Plate © Heather Crosby, 2017. Photographs copyright © Heather Crosby, 2017. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold. theexperimentpublishing.com)
Serves 4+
Ingredients
- One 12-ounce (340 g) package gluten-free macaroni noodles
- 2 cups (230 g) peeled, seeded, and diced delicata squash, steamed
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- ½ cup (70 g) raw, unsalted cashews, soaked for 4 to 6 hours, drained, and rinsed
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons unrefined coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or any similar style hot sauce), plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon peeled, minced fresh ginger, or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 4 scallions, sliced
- Toasted sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
Get a large pot of water boiling and prepare the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions.
While the noodles cook, combine the squash, water, cashews, garlic, lemon juice, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, salt, Sriracha, and ginger in the blender and purée until ultra-smooth. Taste and add more Sriracha if you like. Transfer to a large pot heated to low.
Drain the noodles and dump into the pot of sauce; add the scallions. Stir together, seasoning with more salt if necessary. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil if you like and serve warm.
(Recipe from YumUniverse Pantry to Plate © Heather Crosby, 2017. Photographs copyright © Heather Crosby, 2017. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold. theexperimentpublishing.com)
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