​​Vegan Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe Series

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups organic vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 heaping cup of diced celery
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• Small handful of fresh sage, chopped {about 2 tablespoons}
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Pink salt
• Fresh ground coarse pepper

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium sized pot bring 1 cup of vegetable broth to a boil. Add in the quinoa and bay leaf, salt, pepper and stir. Set to low heat and simmer with a lid on for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat {do not lift lid} and allow the quinoa to steam for another 10 minutes. When that is over, you will have picture perfect quinoa – trust me, no  more soggy mess!

Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over low heat. Add in the chopped celery and onion. Cook until they begin to become clear, about 5-10 minutes. Turn the heat up to medium and add in the vegetable broth, sage, garlic powder and season with more salt and pepper if needed; simmer for a few minutes.

Combine the quinoa with the veggie mixture and add in the last 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, stir together well. Place the stuffing mix into a greased oven safe dish. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Then broil under a low flame until the top become golden brown.

t i p: I prefer my stuffing on the drier side so, this recipe will come out that way. If you like your stuffing to be on the moist side, feel free to add more broth into the quinoa mixture before it goes into the oven to bake. 

​Vegan Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe Series
​Ingredients:
For the crust:

• 2 cups organic pecans
• 1 cup organic Medjool dates (pitted)
• 2 tablespoons organic refined coconut oil
• 1-2 pinches Himalayan pink salt

For the cheesecake filling:

• 1 can organic pumpkin puree (15-ounce can)
• 2 cups organic raw cashews
• 1/4 cup organic refined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup organic maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons organic pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

Instructions Advanced preparation:

• Optional: Soak the cashews in filtered/purified water for 30-60 minutes. This will make them soft and the mixture extra creamy and smooth. Drain and rinse them before adding to the recipe.

Prepare the crust:

• Add all ingredients for the crust to a food processor and process until it becomes a wet, crumbly texture.
• Divide the mixture between the 12-cavity mini cheesecake pan, then press the mixture down firmly and evenly in each bottom.
• Place the cheesecake pan in the freezer to firm while you are preparing the filling.

Prepare the cheesecake filling:

• Add all ingredients for the filling to a Vitamix and blend on HIGH speed until it is creamy an smooth.
• Taste and adjust the sweetener and/or spices to your preference.
• Remove the cheesecake pan from the freezer and divide the cheesecake filling between the 12-cavity mini cheesecake pan.
• Return the cheesecake pan to the freezer for approximately 1 hour, or until they become firm.
• Store in an air-tight BPA-free container in the freezer until ready to serve because they will get soft and lose their shape if left out at room temperature.
• Remove them from the freezer about 5-10 minutes before serving so they can thaw slightly.

​Vegan Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe Series

Ingredients:

Seasoning for cooking potatoes
2 lbs yukon gold potatoes 7-8 medium sized ones, this is the key to the buttery flavor, so I wouldn't recommend using another potato
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Flavors added to cooked potatoes
1/2 cup lite canned coconut milk lukewarm (only brand I use is Thai Kitchen, See note below for subs)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar If you don't want a buttermilk flavor, just omit
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fine ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder this gives a nice kick of garlic flavor, use half if you want less of a pronounced garlic flavor

Optional garnish: fresh or dried thyme

Note:
Coconut milk is the creamiest milk for potatoes and will yield the best result taste/texture wise. It makes them so creamy and no it doesn't leave any coconut taste. If you can't have or don't want coconut, please do NOT add almond milk, it won't work the same and the taste will kind of ruin them. If you don't mind soy milk, use that instead, or even cashew milk, but make sure it is unsweetened/flavored.
Instructions
Peel and chop up your potatoes into 1/2 inch chunks. Add them to a large pot with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil and once boiling, add both the teaspoons of salt and garlic powder and give it a quick stir. This tip really flavors the water, so that the potatoes have depth of flavor. Turn the heat to medium-high, so they don't cook too high of heat. Cook for about 15 minutes until they are fork tender. Drain and let sit for 5 minutes to release some of the water. Tip: While the potatoes are cooking, add the coconut milk and vinegar to a cup and stir. Let sit for a few minutes.
Add the salt, pepper and garlic powder to the milk and stir.
Add the potatoes to a large serving bowl and roughly mash with a potato masher to break them up.
Now add the reserved coconut milk mixture and mash again until very smooth or until desired consistency. If you want yours less fluffy/more creamy, add more milk, but you'll need more spice. Taste and add any extra salt/spices if desired. I added just another pinch of salt, as it was really wonderfully flavored. I garnished mine with fresh thyme because I love a fresh element added, but dried thyme or any of your favorite herbs would work. Fresh thyme is more potent, so use dried if preferred. Feel free to add vegan butter if desired. I personally don't add it, but know some like it.

Vegan Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe Series
Ingredients:
16 oz dry brown rice pasta
6 tbsp vegan butter separated
1 shallot thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic diced
3/4 cup GF breadcrumbs
1/4 cup bacon bits separated
salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp GF flour
2 cups non-dairy non sweetened milk
8 oz vegan cream cheese
1/4 cup vegan Parmesan or Soaked and dried Ground Cashews, with a sprinkle of garlic and onion powder *optional
1 cup veggie broth
1/2 tsp turmeric optional*
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 lemon juiced
fresh parsley for topping
​
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.** Drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic, shallots and a pinch of salt & pepper to the pan. Cook until shallots are tender, but not browned (approx. 3-5 minutes). Remove from the heat.
Combine breadcrumbs,  and shallot/butter mixture in a bowl. Stir to combine and set aside. 
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan. Add flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly. 
Stir in milk 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly. Once heated through and thickened, add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Add Vegan Parmesan, veggie broth, turmeric, garlic salt, ground mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. 
Pour into a casserole dish and top with breadcrumb topping.
Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Increase heat to broil and bake until topping is browned. Remove from the oven, top with parsley and serve. 

Vegan Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe Series
DRY INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 Cups Gluten Free Flour Blend
• 2-3 Tablespoon organic Sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

WET INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Tablespoons Cold Butter Alternative (I’ve used both Smart Balance or Earth Balance)
• 3 Tablespoons Palm Shortening
• 4-6 Tablespoons Cold Water (I put an ice cube in my water while I’m preparing the ingredients)
• 1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• Additional Shortening or Non-Stick Spray for Pie Dish.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In bowl of stand mixer, whisk together Dry Ingredients. You can also use a pastry cutter to hand blend all ingredients together.
2. Add in the Cold Butter and Palm Shortening. Using the whisk attachment, mix until well combined – mixture will be dry & crumbly.
3. Add in Cold Water and Apple Cider Vinegar. On Medium Speed, blend crust mixture until the dough comes together. If your mixture still seems dry or doesn’t stick together when pressed, then add more water 1 Tablespoon at a time. Mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers, but not be sticky.
4. Lightly dust a sheet of wax or parchment paper with a little extra flour or tapioca starch. Form the dough into a round disk with your hands. Place a second piece of parchment over the top and roll the dough out until it matches your pan size.
5. Spray your pie dish with non-stick spray or a little extra palm shortening.
6. Remove the top layer of wax paper & turn your pie pan upside down on the top of the crust. Carefully slide your hand under the wax paper and gently flip over the crust into the pie pan. Remove the parchment paper carefully as you press the dough into the bottom of the pan.
7. Don’t worry if it cracks, just continue to gently press it together with your fingers. Crimp or Scallop the edges.
8. Prick bottom of crust with a fork & place pie crust in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

APPLE MIXTURE:

• 4-6 Granny Smith Apples – Peeled, Cored & Chopped (makes approx 6-8 Cups)
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1/2 – 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel, Core & Chop your Apples.
2. In large bowl, coat Apples with Lemon Juice & Spices. Set-Aside.

APPLE GLAZE MIXTURE:

• 2/3 Cup Water
• 1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch or Tapioca Starch

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small sauce pan, continually whisk Glaze ingredients over medium heat until mixture begins to thicken. Wait for bubbles to break the surface then turn off heat and whisk well
2. for 1 minute.
3. Pour Apple Glaze over Apple Mixture in bowl & mix gently until all apples are well coated.
4. Pour Apples into prepared pie crust & top – Crimp edges & decorate as desired.
5. Place pie onto a foil lined cookie sheet to catch spills or boil-over during cooking.
6. Place pie in oven and bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for approximately 35-45 minutes until crust is golden brown and apple mixture is hot & bubbly.
7. Remove pie from oven and let cool on rack until ready to serve. Serve warm or cold. Store leftovers in fridge.​

Original by Jack Bishop
Edited by Christina L & Trainer Joe

Ingredients: 
2 tablespoons EVOO or avocado oil
1.5 lbs yellow summer squash, chopped into small pieces
1 medium yellow onion chopped
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger root
3 medium cloves of garlic minced
2 teaspoons curry powder
6 cups veggie broth
1 medium russet potato (approx 8 oz), peeled and diced
Pink Salt to taste
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons EVOO or avocado oil

Instructions: 
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven; make sure it is hot. Add the squash and onions and cook stirring occasionally until golden browned. You need high heat because of the watery squash. If it doesn't brown, the flavor is lost; about 10 minutes. Stir in ginger, curry and garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add the broth and potato and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook uncovered on medium low simmer until the potato is very tender, about 25 minutes. Puree the soup with an infusion blender (or wait until it cools and puree in blender in batches) until very smooth. Adjust seasonings and salt to taste.
When ready to served (hot or cold), puree the cilantro, lime and 3 tablespoons oil until smooth. Salt mixture to taste. Ladle the soup, drizzle over cilantro puree and serve.

Notes*
Check the flavoring when cold if serving this way as the heat/cold changes the flavors. 
And the green swirl of cilantro puree- don't mix it in completely.
I increased the spices by 50% because I love curry and things with a kick.
I also substituted 12 oz of chopped cauliflower for the potato, to reduce the carbs. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chopped red onion heaped
• 1 inch knob of ginger
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon safflower or other neutral oil
• ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon or more Garam Masala or use 1/2 tsp ground coriander and generous pinches of ground cloves, cardamom and black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon or more cayenne
• 1¼ cup canned or culinary coconut milk
• ¾ cup ripe mango pulp or puree unsweetened or lightly sweetened canned
• ½ teaspoon or more salt depends on if the chickpeas are salted
• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas drained if canned
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional
• Generous dash of cayenne Garam Masala, chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

• In a blender, combine the onion, ginger, and garlic and blend into a smooth puree with 2 tablespoons or more of water. Alternatively, mince the onion, ginger and garlic and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and cook for 1 minute or until the seeds change color. Add bay leaves, and cloves and cook until the bay leaf changes color.
• Add the pureed onion and cook until the onion mixture is dry and does not smell raw (if you don't cook the onion long enough the sauce will taste onion-y in the end). Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, 8 to 10 minutes (Cook time will be shorter with minced onion etc vs pureed.). Add cinnamon, garam masala and cayenne and mix well. Add the coconut milk, mango pulp, salt, and mix well.
• Mix, cover and cook until the sauce comes to a boil, 5 minutes. Add chickpeas and mix in. Reduce the heat to low medium and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens and desired consistency is achieved, 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and tang. Add lemon or vinegar for tang, add 1/2 tsp sugar or maple for sweetness if the mango was not sweet enough. Add a dash of black pepper. At this point you can fold in some baby greens. For creamier, fold in some vegan cream (cashew cream, soy cream etc).
• Remove the Bay leaf and discard. If you can find the whole cloves, fish them out and discard. Garnish with cilantro and a good dash of garam masala and cayenne and serve hot over rice with roasted vegetables, or with flatbread. You can also add some cubed ripe mango as garnish.

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