holiday foods – The Vegan Love Project

Perfect Vegan Gluten Free Crust 2016

Perfect Gluten Free Crust 2016

SO easy…..No one could tell that this was Gluten free….No one. YUMMO.

I’m thinking you could omit the maple sugar and have a pretty badass pie crust for savory items such as vegan pot pies and tofu quiches…..

perfect-vegan-gluten-free-pie-crust-2016

3T cold vegan butter

3T cold coconut oil

1-1/4c Bobs Red Mill GF All Purpose Flour, or your favorite GF mix.

1/4t pink salt

3T maple sugar

4-6T ice cold water

Sift the GF flour, sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter and oil in 1T scoops and cut the oil into the flour using two knives or a pastry cutter. The end result should look like a sandy crumb or meal. There should not be any large chunks of oil; you want smallish bead sized bits of fat encased in the flour.

Add ice water 1T at a time using a wooden spoon or clean hands to mix it in, grabbing the flour as you go. Only add as much water as you need to help it come together to form a ball.

Once a ball of dough is formed, transfer into a 9” pie plate and work it gently with your working the crust up along the sides. Try to get the pie up as uniformly as possible all around. You can leave a straight no fuss edge or I like to make a curve design by pressing my right knuckle in between the pie dough and my left pointer finger knuckle and thumb.

Chill for a minimum 30 minutes, up to 2 days.

If you are making the dough and not forming it right away, let it warm back up a little before using but not quite to room temp. You don’t want it too warm or it the oil in the dough will get too soft to handle.

With a fork, perforate the entire bottom and up the sides of the raw crust. It is now ready to with bake or fill with your filling to be baked.

Once in the pan, For a pre-baked crust, put this into a 350 degree preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.

If you are making a pie such as the Perfect Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie 2016 where the recipe calls to bake the crust and the filling together, pour the filling into pie crust and bake for 35-45 minutes.

Basil Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Basil Jalapeno Cheese Dip

2c cashews, soaked for an hour (this step can be skipped)

1T mellow white miso

2 capsules vegan probiotics (empty powder and dispose of the capsule)

1/2c filtered water -up to 3/4 if needed

1 clove garlic

—

1c fresh basil, minced

1/2t pink salt

3T coconut oil

Pinch chipotle powder- more if desired

½ red jalapeno pepper, minced

2T nutritional yeast

3t lemon juice (omit if fresh is not available)

—

Step 1.

In a Vitamix or high-powered blender, add the cashews (drained if soaked), the probiotic powder, miso and 1/2c of water.

Blend this at a lower speed initially to well incorporate the contents, speed up the motor as it gets blended. You will need to process this for at least 4-5 minutes until the cashews are absolutely creamy. Scrape down the sides intermittently and be sure to get all possible ‘pieces’ of cashews blended into the mix. Add a T of water as needed if the mixture gets stuck. If you process too fast, the contents will heat up, creating an oily mixture.

When totally creamy and smooth, remove to a glass or stainless steel bowl and set in a safe, warm place- I place mine in the dehydrator covered at about 100 degrees and let it run overnight. In lieu of a dehydrator, place it in a warm spot in your kitchen, covered for up to 24 hours.

Step 2.

Mix in the salt, nutritional yeast, basil, jalapenos, chipotle powder, coconut oil (should be room temp and soft, not liquid), and lemon juice. Transfer to a container and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours to set, best, overnight. It becomes a beautiful, spreadable, creamy cheesy bit of awesomeness that you can spread or use as a dip.

Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie

This pie is DELICIOUS. I mean, seriously good. Serve it up with some Coconut Whipped Topping or a side of vegan vanilla ice cream…..I love love love this pie. Happy Holidays!!!!

Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie

The Filling:

1 1/3c pumpkin puree (1 15-ounce can or cooked pumpkin puree)

1/4c maple syrup

1/4c maple sugar

1/2c unsweetened cashew cream (1/4c cashews/ 1c water blended)

1T coconut oil

2t pumpkin spice (or choose a mix of allspice, clove, ginger, cinnamon & nutmeg)

2T Kudzu root (blended in the cashew milk)

2”piece of fresh ginger

1/2″ piece of fresh turmeric

1T fresh lemon juice (omit if fresh is not available)

1/4t pink salt

1t vanilla

—

The Crust:

3T cold vegan butter

3T cold coconut oil

1-1/4c Bobs Red Mill GF All Purpose Flour, or your favorite GF mix.

1/4t pink salt

3T maple sugar

4-6T ice cold water

Prepare the Pie Crust:

You can make both the filling and the crust ahead of time- the crust you can make a day or two in advance and keep in the fridge. If you are preparing in one day, make the crust, chill it and then prepare the filling. Your dough should be ready to roll out after about 30 minutes in the fridge.

Add ice water 1T at a time using a wooden spoon to mix it in, grabbing the flour as you go. Only add as much water as you need to help it come together to form a ball.

Once a loose ball of dough is formed, transfer onto a piece of plastic wrap and work gently with your hands to form a ½” thick round. Wrap firmly and chill for a minimum 20 minutes, you can prepare and store for up to 2 days. Let it warm back up a little before using but not quite to room temp. You don’t want it too warm or it can get too soft to handle.

I uniformly press the hell out of it into the pie plate and then let it set for 10 minutes prior to filling.

Prepare the filling:

In a blender or vitamix, make the cashew cream (1c water/ 1/4c cashews) and pour 1/2c of the cream into a small glass.

Add the kudzu root and mix with a spoon until most of the root is dissolved. Add this into the blender with the rest of the ingredients.

In the same blender, add the all of the ingredients including the kudzu cashew cream slurry. Blend until completely smooth and creamy- taste it and adjust the flavors (more vanilla, more sweet, more ginger, more spice etc.). Set aside and roll out your dough.

To roll out the crust, unwrap the disc and place it between two sizable layers of wax paper (plastic wrap will work OK, but is a little more difficult to work with). Use a rolling pin to gently roll it into the shape of your pie pan. It will crack, don’t worry, you will mostly be pressing this into the pie plate with your hands- you just want to get the dough as thin as possible before hand. Any holes or cracks you can patch with no problem.

To transfer the crust, remove the top layer of wax paper and gently lay the pie dish face down on top of the crust and use the support of the wax paper to quickly but carefully flip it as center as possible over the pie pan.

Once in the pan, gently use your hands to form it into the pan, working the crust up along the sides. Try to get the pie up as uniformly as possible all around. You can leave a straight no fuss edge or I like to make a curve design by pressing my right knuckle in between the pie dough and my left pointer finger knuckle and thumb.

Pour the filling into piecrust and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until it smells and looks done. The crust should be golden brown and the filling will still be just a bit soft and have beautiful cracking on the top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before transferring to the refrigerator to set. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.

Gluten Free Jam Dots

These are INSANE-IN-THE-MEMBRANE. SO FRICKEN delicious…Nutty, rich, crunchy…NOT MISSING or wanting for ANYthing. I used an all fruit jam, apricot and also a mixed berry made by Bionaturae which is fruit juice sweetened. The sugar based jams will have a glossier look to them but choosing your favorite jam will be what produces the best cookie for you!

Gluten Free Jam dots
makes 20 cookies
1c All Purpose Gluten Free flour Mix
1c roasted almonds
1c Gluten Free oats- to be ground
1t cinnamon
1/2t salt
—-
1/2c maple syrup
1/2c safflower oil
1t vanilla
—
3T jam
preheat oven to 350º
If you are starting with raw almonds, roast them on a cookie sheet @ 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, careful not to let them burn. Cool thoroughly before running through the food processor.
In a small bowl, mix all of the wet ingredients together, the maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
Put all of the dry ingredients into the food processor individually; the roasted almonds (make sure they are cooled completely), gluten free. Place all dry ingredients; oats, almond meal, cinnamon and salt into a large bowl.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a spatula until everything is well incorporated.
With a one ounce ice cream scoop or two spoons, place batter balls onto a *parchment lined cookie sheets. With a one-cup measuring cup, slightly flatten each cookie-This process is a little easier when the cup is dipped into warm water between each cookie. Using a one-teaspoon measure, press the dome side into each cookie, this is where the jam goes. This process is a little easier when the teaspoon is dipped into warm water between each cookie.
Using a 1/2 teaspoon measure, scoop your choice of jam or fruit preserves into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 12 minutes and then rotate the pans in the oven (to insure even baking) and continue to bake for another 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool on the pans for another 5-6 minutes then remove to a cooling rack.

*At Simple Treats, we use Silpats, non-stick silicone cookie sheet liners which are reusable up to 400 times even at high temperatures. You can find them through mail order or in any kitchen supply store. They are VERY convenient and easy to clean up, plus you don’t have to use any added
oil.

Chocolate Coconut Milk Moose

This seriously takes like the inside of a Milky Way Candy Bar…..FRICKEN delicious.

Chocolate Coconut Moose

13.5 oz coconut milk (1 can)

1/3c water

 1c chocolate chips

1T maple syrup

1/4t salt

1 1/2t agar

1t vanilla

Measure out all of the other ingredients and have them ready.

In a saucepan on the stove over a low to medium flame, combine the milk, chocolate chips, maple syrup, agar and salt, stirring frequently. Continue cooking over a low flame until the chocolate chips melt, about 10-15 minutes. The mixture should look like hot chocolate, creamy and full- bodied.

Place the contents of the saucepan into a blender. Caution, hot liquids in a blender can be extremely dangerous. Fill only half way to the top of the blender and proceed in batches if necessary. * Add the vanilla and taste the mixture. Adjust the seasonings to your tastes. Make sure all of the adjustments happen before you pour it to set.

Pour the mixture out of the blender through a sieve, lined with cheesecloth, or through a very fine mesh strainer, into a large serving bowl. The straining will catch any lumps, clumps and/ or impurities (like uncooked agar).

To make individual servings, pour mixture directly into several, small, serving bowls Allow this to cool and set for at least 5-6 hours, best overnight.

Serve with a nut crème and fresh berries.

Roasted Portobello Steaks with Lemon Spinach

Roasted Portobello Steaks with Spinach

serves 2

2 large Portobello mushrooms, brushed clean, remove the stems sliced and set aside

1 clove garlic, smashed and minced

1 large onion, thinly sliced

¼ fresh jalapeno or 1/4t red pepper flakes

1/3c olive oil

1/4c fresh parsley, minced

1/4c red or white wine

1/4c Daiya vegan cheese *so optional, not necessary

1/2t pink salt

1/4t fresh black pepper

—

4c fresh baby spinach

Pink salt and pepper to taste

1T olive oil

—

Juice of ½ lemon

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

In a large bowl, mix the garlic, onions, pepper, parsley, mushroom stems, wine, salt and pepper together. Gently slather the mushroom caps in the mixture, coating them well.

In a large roasting pan or dish, place the mushrooms topside down (gills up), be sure there is some of the olive oil mix underneath them. Then pour the remaining ingredients around the caps, well spaced.

While the mushrooms are roasting, prepare the spinach.

Using washed and dried spinach, toss the spinach until all leaves are well coated and seasoned with olive, salt and pepper.

Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes before flipping the caps and gently tossing the onions and stems around. Place the spinach around the mushroom caps and sprinkle the vegan cheese on the caps (if using) and place back into the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the spinach is just wilted.

For plating, make a small mound of spinach and drizzle with fresh lemon. Top it with the whole or sliced cap, topped with the onions and stem mixture

Penne Spinach “Lasagna” Casserole

The premise of this super tasty dish is that is an easier, quicker, version of my traditional lasagna; it is more accessible as a casserole style baked pasta dish. My friends could not believe it was dairy free. Super cheese like, and could easily be made without the faux cheese if that is not your thing, simply omit it. It has the same basic components of a lasagna but the handling of the pasta goes much faster and delivers fantastic results.

Components:

6 cups spinach- quickly sautéed in garlic and olive, salt and pepper OR blanched and pressed
fresh tomato sauce– recipe below
1 pound of Gluten Free Penne, Rigatoni, or Fusili
Tofu Spinach “ricotta” filling- recipe below
shredded non- dairy cheese of your choosing; Daiya (meltability factor), Follow Your Heart (taste factor), I use a mix of the two.

Putting it together:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
ladle in about 1 cup of fresh sauce in the bottom of the baking dish
place down one layer of pasta
spread in the tofu filling
layer in sprinkle with the shredded vegan cheese
layer in sauce
layer in pasta
spread in the tofu filling
layer in the last of the pasta
layer in last layer sauce
cover the top layer with shredded vegan cheese
Cover with tin foil and bake for 60 minutes.

Fresh Tomato & Basil Sauce

2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced

4c tomatoes, diced

1/4c fresh basil, lightly packed, chopped

1/4t black pepper

1/4c water

1/2-1 fresh cherry bomb, chili or other hot pepper, minced

1/3c extra virgin olive oil

1t salt or to taste

In a skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the garlic until golden and soft. Add the tomatoes, parsley, salt, black and red pepper. Allow the tomatoes to break down and to come to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the fresh basil.

At this point, the sauce is delicious as is or can be pureed to create a smoother sauce.

Tofu “Ricotta” Filling

Tofu Ricotta

1/2 Pound tofu- blanched

1 clove garlic, smashed, minced

3T extra virgin olive oil

1 heaping T mellow white miso

1t brown rice vinegar

1t ume vinegar

1 heaping T sesame tahini

6c fresh spinach or 1 1/2c steamed and pressed (all water out) OR sautéed with garlic and 1t olive oil

1/2c vegan mozzarella or favorite vegan cheese (or a blend)

1/2t black pepper

In a bowl, crumble or smash the tofu with a fork or fingers with all of the other ingredients. Add the vegan cheese and the chopped steamed / pressed spinach. Mix well, taste and adjust seasonings.

Gluten Free Double Fudge Brownies

These are INCREDIBLE….I used pecans, could totally use any other nut or omit it entirely. Really delicious cold from the fridge. I don’t miss the wheat AT ALL.

Y U M.

Gluten Free Double Fudge Brownies with Pecans 2013

makes 6 large squares or 12 small
3/4c all purpose GF flour
1/2c cocoa powder
3/4c sucanat
1/4c chocolate chips
1/2c pecans or walnuts *optional
1/2t baking powder
1/2t salt
—-
1/4c maple syrup
1/4c coconut oil
1/4c+1T cooked puree of sweet potato*
1t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350º

In a small bowl, mix all of the wet ingredients together, the sweet potato puree*, the maple syrup, canola oil, and vanilla.
In a separate, larger bowl, place all of the dry ingredients; sucanat, chocolate chips, and 1/2 of the nuts if you are using them, and in the same bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Sifting isn’t absolutely necessary but it insures there won’t be clumps of flour or worse, chunks of salt, in the batter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and with a spatula mix until everything is well incorporated.
Pour into a greased baking pan; sprinkle the remaining nuts on top.
Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the pan and continue to bake for another 10-13 minutes or until done in the center. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before attempting to cut.

*To make sweet potato puree:
Begin by boiling, steaming or roasting one medium size sweet potato, peeled and cut into pieces. When the sweet potatoes are soft, tender and cooked, place them into the food processor, reserving and using any cooking liquid if the blade is unable to move through the puree smoothly. The end result is a beautiful, smooth, orange puree. Of course you could skip this process entirely and buy organic, canned sweet potatoes.

With a dry measuring cup measure the 1/2c of the puree.

Variations
1) Use carob powder and vegan carob chips in place of the cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
2) Use a teaspoon of peppermint extract in addition to vanilla for a refreshing change. They are delicious!

3) Swirl in Peanut Butter or almond butter!

RAW Vegan “Egg” Nog / Cashew Love Drink

RAW Vegan “Egg” Nog

1/2c cashews soaked for an hour

2c water

10 deglet dates-more or less for desired sweetness (could be replaced with 1/4c raw agave or maple syrup)

1/4t nutmeg

1t vanilla

1/2T coconut oil

1t maca powder

1/2t cinnamon + additional for dusting

In a blender, combine all ingredients and process until smooth.

Pour into serving glasses and dust with cinnamon. Can serve over ice or blended with ice for a thicker smoothie style beverage.

I have to say this spiked with a spiced rum is the OPPOSITE of not good.

SO. FRICKEN.FESTIVE.

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ummmmmmmmmm…so these are INCREDIBLE….YUM! Peanut Butter, Chocolate….YUM-NESS.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
makes 23 cookies

1c Gluten-Free flour
1c rolled oats
1/2c roasted peanuts, to be coarsely ground

1/2c peanut butter

3/4c dark chocolate chips

1/4t baking soda
1/4t baking powder
1/2t salt
—
1/2c maple syrup
1/2c coconut oil
1/2t vanilla

preheat oven to 350º

In a food processor, put the oats in and grind them until they become flour-like.

In the same processor, coarsely grind the peanuts.
In a bowl, mix all of dry ingredients together, the flour, ground oats, almonds, chocolate chips, cinnamon, salt and baking powder/soda.

Mix the wet ingredients together; the peanut butter, coconut oil and maple syrup in a blender if need be to get well incorporated before adding into the dry and mix with a spatula until everything is well mixed.

Scoop or spoon out onto baking sheet with space in between. Using a fork, create a criss cross pattern across the top applying with gentle pressure.
Bake for 10 minutes. Turn the pan (s) and continue to bake for another 5 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for at least 5 minutes and then remove them to a cooling rack.