As Thanksgiving approaches we all (even vegans) yearn for the familiar tastes and aromas of the comfort foods we associate with the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. Trying to follow a vegan lifestyle during this season of feasting can be a challenge, but the editors of Vegetarian Times have compiled a cookbook to please any non-turkey eater’s appetite. No longer do we have to be content with dry mashed potatoes, salad, and a roll while everyone else gorges on turkey flesh and gravy! This cookbook is full of holiday favorites and treats. The accompanying photos are mouthwatering in themselves, and the recipes I have tried live up to the excellent standards “Vegetarian Times” always maintains.
One recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Pie (page 193) is, in my opinion, the very best pumpkin pie I have ever had. That it is made without any eggs or dairy puts it way above conventional pumpkin pie recipes that are high in fat, calories, and cholesterol. You can use your own favorite pie crust recipe or the one included in the book. This is the simple filling recipe, smooth creamy, and out of this world!
Ingredients:
2 cups canned pumpkin
1 cup low-fat soymilk or rice milk
1/2 cup honey or 3/4 c. granulated sugar cane syrup (I used 1/4 c. honey and 1/4 c. agave syrup)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 Tbsp. dark molasses, or to taste
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt (I used Celtic sea salt)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. To prepare filling, in a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth and blended. Pour into prepared crust and smooth top. Bake 10 minutes — THEN:
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees; bake until filling is set, about 50 minutes. Set on a wire rack to cool, then refrigerate overnight to set. Top with your choice of dessert topping if desired. I’m sure you will love it!
For more recipes like this, the cookbook “Vegetarian Times Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook” sells for $21.00 (or less if you shop around). For even more recipes for everyday cooking go to this great resource: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes.
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