White cream sauce for pizza

A basic white cream sauce for pizza. Use this white cream sauce to top pizza or pasta. This is a rich, heavy and delicious cream sauce, so very little is needed in order to get a great flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/4 cup cup milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a blend of basil and oregano)
• dash salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add in flour, stirring until thick and pasty.

Slowly add milk, whisking together constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until thickened.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until welted. Sauce will thicken further as it cools, so add in a bit more milk if needed.

This recipe makes more than enough white sauce for one large pizza.

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Risotto Stuffed Peppers

A generous amount of white wine makes this aromatic entree festive enough for any special occasion.

Prep Time: 30?minutes

Cook Time: 30?minutes

Total Time: 1?hour

Ingredients:

• 4-6 red bell peppers
• 2 tbsp olive oil + 1/4 cup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 scallions
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup white wine, separated + 1 tbsp
• 1 cup Aborio rice
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (re-hydrate if necessary)
• 1 portobello mushroom, halved and sliced
• 1 tbsp margarine
• parmesan cheese (vegan or dairy, optional)

Preparation:

Slice tops off of peppers and scoop out seeds. Place in baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic and salt and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until just barely tender.

Meanwhile, heat vegetable broth and 1/2 cup wine over low heat til hot, just before simmering. In a separate large skillet, sautee scallions, garlic cloves in 1/4 cup olive oil. Add rice and mushrooms until rice is toasted, but not burnt, stirring frequently. Add 1/2 cup white wine and simmer one more minute. Add 1/2 cup of the broth and wine mixture to rice. Allow to cook until the liquid is almost absorbed. Continue adding broth mixture 1/2 cup at a time until rice is cooked, about 30 minutes.

Add 1 tbsp margarine and 1 tbsp wine just before done cooking.

Stuff into peppers. Sprinkle the stuffed peppers with parmesan, if desired, and bake 10 more minutes.

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Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Cornbread Stuffing Recipe. Cornbread stuffing (or dressing) is a Southern favorite served not only on Thanksgiving and holidays, but for any special family meal. This cornbread stuffing recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, just be sure to use a vegan cornbread. See also: More vegetarian stuffing recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp sage
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
• 2 cups corn bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Sautee the onion and celery in the sesame oil.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spices with the bread and vegan cornbread, mixing well. Add the onion and celery and stir to combine.

Add vegetable broth just until moistened, adding more or less as needed.

Bake for 20 minutes.

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Summer Squash Stir Fry

This simple summer squash stir-fry with zucchini and yellow sunburst squash brings out the natural flavors of the squash without overpowering it with other flavors. I like to use this as a side-dish just as it is, but you could serve it over rice for an entree.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 yellow or sunburst squash, sliced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• dash curry powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• dash Tabasco sauce or 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast (optional)

Preparation:

In wok or skillet, sautee onions and garlic in oil until onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Add rest of ingredients except hot sauce and nutritional yeast and stir fry until squash is soft, about 8-10 minutes. Turn off heat, add optional ingredients and stir well mixed.

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New! Vegetarian recipe of the week newsletter

I love sending out the weekly vegetarian newsletter, and I love getting notes back from readers when they try out a recipe or get great feedback from their family. A few people, however, have told me that they just want the recipes, and nothing else. No chatter, no discussion, just food, food and more food! Well, I've heard your request, and I've just finished creating this new "Vegetarian Recipe of the Week" newsletter.

When you sign up, you'll receive one of my favorite meal ideas directly in your inbox once a week. A great idea if you're new to vegetarian cooking, or just don't have time to browse for meal ideas. I'll be focusing on entree ideas suitable for a homecooked meal, but there'll also occasionally be fun and fresh salad, soup and dessert ideas, too.

Interested? Sign up here for the vegetarian recipe of the week newsletter.

Pictured: Collard greens with rice, one of my simple vegetarian recipes of the week.

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Staying healthy at Halloween

It's one of the funnest holidays we celebrate all year. And also one where food plays a central role. Staying healthy at Halloween? It's not impossible. Here's how:

• Tips for a sugar-free or vegan Halloween
• Sugar-free cookies for any occasion
• A low-fat Halloween

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The Best Pumpkin Recipes Ever

Ah, the mighty pumpkin! It's the inspiration of fairy tales (Cinderella) and cartoon classics (It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown) cult films (The Nightmare Before Christmas) and, perhaps most importantly, pumpkin goes well with so many foods. While we all love it in pies, pumpkin also makes tasty appearances in cookies, muffins, breads, cakes, soups, and even puddings, as in this pumpkin pudding recipe, pictured, above left. In Thailand, it's cooked with sugar syrup and stuffed with an egg custard for a sweet dessert or snack. And what's that? You've never heard and never tried a pumpkin pizza (pictured, right)? No time like the present!

So, without further adieu, in celebration of everyone's favorite squash (and, well, Halloween), here are the best pumpkin recipes ever.

Link: 15 Amazing Pumpkin Recipes

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Healthy Breakfast Burrito

Cereal is boring, try a healthy breakfast burrito instead! Healthy breakfast burritos take just a few minutes to prepare. This healthy breakfast burrito recipe uses eggs and beans for a high-protein vegetarian breakfast boost. Recipe courtesy of Bush'sR Beans.

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp butter
• salt and fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 16 ounce can vegetarian baked beans
• 6 flour torillas (about 7-8 inches, warmed)
• shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• salsa or ketchup

Preparation:

Heat butter in 10-inch non-stick skillet until sizzling.

Season eggs with salt and pepper. Add to skillet. Sprinkle with onions. Cook until eggs are done, stirring occasionally.

Divide egg mixture into 6 parts. Spoon egg mixture and about 1/4 cup beans into warmed tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with salsa, if desired.

Wrap tortillas.

Makes 6 healthy vegetarian breakfast burritos.

Scroll down for more healthy breakfast burrito recipes to try.

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Semi-regular forum banter roundup

The vegetarian forums are alive and brimming as usual with wisdom, quandaries, madness, and internet anonymity. If you haven't been skimming through lately, here's what you've been missing out on:

• Egg addict wants to kick the habit Almost-vegan poster can't quite break the egg addiction, and is looking for some substitute ideas. Any tips?
• How do I become vegetarian without getting fat? And, she wants to know what to do with the leftover meat in her freezer. Hm.
• Cheese is not a vegetable! A vegetarian sounds off about ordering salads at restaurants.

  Curiosity peaked? Check out the vegetarian forums to see what's happening, offer support or join in the chatter.

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Vegan Chocolate Protein Shake

Look for a high-protein milkshake or a healthy vegan protein shake recipe? If you like chocolate milkshakes, try this protein-packed version with cashews, a banana and soymilk. This recipe is for one chocolate protein shake. All natural, and all-vegan!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 banana
• 1-2 tbsp sweetened cocoa
• 2 tbsp cashew nuts

Preparation:

Blend together all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Makes one vegan chocolate protein shake. w

Nutritional information:
Calories: 348; Calories from Fat: 120
% Recommended Daily Value:
Total Fat: 13.4g, 21%
Saturated Fat: 2.6g, 13%; Trans Fat: 0.0g
Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%
Sodium: 130mg, 5%
Total Carbohydrates: 50.9g, 17%
Dietary Fiber: 6.7g, 27%
Sugars: 25.2g
Protein: 12.9g
Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 17%, Calcium 8%, Iron 21%

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Six Whole Grains

Numerous studies show the benefits of eating a diet high in fiber, and what better place to get that fiber than with healthy whole grains? Here's a few whole grains to incorporate into your diet.

1. Barley

Chewy and nutty, barley may be more widely enjoyed as an ingredient in beer than in it's whole grain state, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try! Like many whole grains, barley has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol, particularly in men, and in as little as five weeks. If you're looking to eat more whole grains to reduce your cholesterol, barley may be the best one to try. It'll really stick to your ribs and fill you up, too. Toasted barley is often used as a coffee substitute, but I like my barley in soup with plenty of mushrooms. Learn more about barley and try a few barley recipes here.

2. Bulgur wheat

Most people have heard of bulgur wheat, since it's the main ingredient in a traditional Middle Eastern tabouli salad, but for most of us, that's probably the onyl way we've ever tried it. But why stop at just tabouli? Bulgur wheat is incredibly high in heart-healthy fiber, and instant bulgur, also called fine-grain bulgur, cooks in just five minutes flat. There's no excuse not to give this whole grain a try! Bulgur works great in pilafs and salads. Use it instead of rice in a rice salad or rice pilaf recipe, and you'll probably never go back to plain white rice again.

3. Quinoa

Regular readers know that quinoa is my all-time favorite whole grain. Allow me to count the ways. First, it's much quicker-cooking than other whole grains. Quinoa takes about 15 minutes to cook, while some other grains can take upwards of an hour or more. Second, it's incredibly high in protein with 18 grams per cup, cooked. This makes it perfect for us vegetarians and vegans. And third, I love the taste! It has a chewy, mildly nutty flavor similar to pasta which makes it perfect for soaking up stir-fry sauces or salad dressings.

4. Buckwheat or buckwheat groats

Buckwheat is not technically a whole grain, but it's used much like other grains, and is just as healthy. It's actually a healthy high-protein gluten-free seed. Because it's gluten-free, buckwheat is often used instead of barley to make gluten-free beer. If you've ever had Japanese soba noodles, you've probably had buckwheat, since these noodles are usually made from buckwheat flour. The health benefits of including buckwheat in your diet are well documented - it's been shown to strengthen capillary walls, relieve some symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and even high blood pressure. Convinced? Learn more about buckwheat and try a few buckwheat recipes here.

5. Wheat berries

Although everyone's probably heard of whole wheat bread and whole wheat products, very few people have ever actually eaten wheatberries - which is whole kernel wheat grains. They take quite a bit of time to cook, but they're high in fiber and well worth the effort if you've got time to simmer them stovetop for a while. Try adding a handful to a favorite soup or chili recipe, in order to add extra fiber and nutrition, or pair it with a stir-fry as you would with rice.

6. Millet

If you like cooking with whole grains, try using millet! Although it may be most widely used a birdseed, millet is a whole grain that can be used like rice in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. About.com's guide to gluten-free cooking shares a few tips for cooking millet, reveals the history and nutritional content of this unique whole grain, and links to a few whole grain millet recipes to try.

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Avocado Fudge Recipe

Avocado fudge is a tradition in grower communities such as Fallbrook, California where avocados trees are plentiful in backyards, front yards, and just about everywhere you look. This avocado fudge recipe is rich and creamy, yet dairy-free and suitable for vegans as long as you use a vegan margarine.

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado, ripened
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup cocoa
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

In a medium sized saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat.

Once margarine is melted, puree with avocado in food processor or blender until perfectly smooth. Be sure there are no chunks of avocado left!

Return mixture to saucepan over very low heat and aff the rest of the ingredients,except the walnuts, adding the powdered sugar a portion at a time.

Once all the sugar has been added, the mixture should be thick. Add walnuts if desired, and transfer to a loaf pan. Refrigerate until firm. Now, be patient! If you don't let it firm up, you won't be able to slice it up into squares.

See also: Avocado nutritional information

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Vegetarian gado gado salad

Inspired by a traditional Indonesian gado gado salad, this is a spicy Asian vegetarian and vegan salad with tofu, potatoes, and a peanut satay-style dressing. Indonesian gado gado salad usually uses tempeh and is served with crispy fried crackers, but this similar easy vegetarian salad recipe is still an exotic and sensual delight.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• salt to taste
• 1 pound firm tofu, patted dry and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
• 2 small potatoes, boiled and cut into bite-sized wedges
• 1/2 pound fresh spinach, steamed
• 1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded and lightly steamed
• 1/2 pound mung bean sprouts, washed
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 5 tsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp lime or lemon juice
• 4 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp water

Preparation:

Heat the oil and salt in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu in small batches and sautee until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.

Arrange the tofu, potatoes, spinach and cabbage on individual plates.

Prepare the dressing by placing the garlic, peanuts, soy sauce, lime or lemon juice, sugar, cayenne and water in a blender and blending until smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, add another teaspoon of water.

Top the vegetables and tofu with the bean sprouts and dressing, and serve immediately.

Reprinted with permission from The Compassionate Cook Cookbook.

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Curried Grilled Seitan Kebabs

Curried Grilled Seitan Kebabs. A vegetarian and vegan barbecue recipe, perfect for your summer or holiday cookout. This seitan recipe is also Indian inspired, with a strong curry flavor.

See also: More vegetarian seitan recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds seitan, chopped into 1 inch chunks
• 2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 5 bell peppers, any color, chopped into 1 inch chunks
• 1 cup whole cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup whole mushrooms
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup curry powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• bamboo barbecue skewers

Preparation:

Place the the seitan, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms on the bamboo skewers.

In a shallow baking dish or large ziplock back, combine together the olive oil, sesame oil, curry powder, salt and garlic. Marinate the skewered vegetable kebabs for at least 2 hours (longer is fine).

Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until done.

More vegetarian recipes

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Vegetarian Soup Recipes

Of all the dozens of healthy vegetarian soup recipes I've posted, here are the most popular recipes, according to you! All of these soup recipes are vegetarian, and most are vegan as well. Can't find the perfect vegetarian soup recipe? Don't worry, there are plenty more vegetarian and vegan soup recipes to choose from here.

1. Creamy Carrot Coconut Soup

When it comes to vegetarian soups, this one is a keeper. Users have unanimously given this creamy carrot and coconut milk soup recipe five out of five stars, so you can be sure that you'll enjoy this easy blended carrot soup too.
See also: Carrot, Ginger and Coriander Soup

2. Quick Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

This quick and easy vegetarian black bean soup is a quick, healthy, low fat vegetarian soup recipe that will warm up your family in less than 15 minutes flat. A healthy high-fiber and high-protein black bean soup is a popular soup for vegetarians. Make it vegan by simply omitting the cheese and sour cream.
See also: Mexican Black Bean Soup

3. Easy Cabbage and Cilantro Soup

Inspired by the flavors of India and spiced with plenty of fresh ciland a dash of hot-sauce, this is a fat-free vegan and vegetarian soup recipe that is also low in calories. Cabbage soup is incredibly healthy and very nutritious. It's made from just a few simple and familiar ingredients, so it's easy enough for even those who are new to vegetarian cooking.

4. Crockpot Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

Soup is always an easy choice to make in a crockpot. Just add the ingredients in the morning, and forget about it until you are ready to eat it hours later. Although many split pea soup recipes use ham for added flavor, this vegetarian and vegan split pea soup version packs in the spices, including thyme, sage and bay leaves for a lower fat and cholesterol version of classic split pea soup.
See also: Fat-free Split Pea Soup

5. Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Vegetarian Lentil Soup with corn and carrots

Even people who aren't vegetarian love a lentil soup! There's just something comforting and familiar about a home-cooked bowl of vegetarian soup with lentils. Lentil soup should be a staple of every cook's repetoire. Lentils are available in most grocery stores and very high in fiber and protein and are very inexpensive as well. This vegetarian lentil soup recipe uses plenty of spices, including thyme and bay leaves to add lots of flavor. You may also want to watch this quick video which will show you how to make lentil soup step by step.
See also: Crockpot Lentil Soup

6. Basic Vegetarian Miso Soup

Vegetarian miso soup

Miso soup is so quick and easy to prepare that I've recently started having it for breakfast. I find it very warming and soothing in the morning, and because its so versatile, it's easy to make it different every day by adding various veggies or extra spices. This basic vegetarian miso soup recipe is a simple version of the classic miso soup you'll find served in Japanese restaurants. Miso soup is my most popular vegetarian soup recipe!
See also: More vegetarian miso soup recipes

7. Vegetarian Bean and Barley Soup

Vegetarian bean and barley soup

Who needs the beef? This is a very hearty barley soup that is a full meal in itself, so you won't miss the beef, I promise! With this very versatile basic recipe, can add just about any veggies you want - green beans, peas or corn would all work well. This bean and barley soup recipe makes a more than generous amount, so plan on having some leftovers!
See also: Barley and Vegetable Soup

8. Thai Coconut and Vegetable Soup

Vegetarian Thai coconut soup

Traditionally, Thai coconut soup, or tom kha is made with chicken and lots of spices such as galangal and lemongrass and also with chicken. This easy vegetarian Thai coconut soup is made with fresh cilantro, lime and cayenne to duplicate the Thai flavors with some more commonly found ingredients. A reviewer said of this coconut soup recipe, "This soup is awesome. My husband and I both loved it." I also like to add some diced and sauteed tofu to coconut soup.
See also: More Thai Coconut Soup Recipes

9. Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Chinese hot and sour soup is a light meal or accompaniment eaten any time of day. My Taiwanese roommate in college used to prepare this for breakfast on occasion, and I heartily ate it up! The original recipe, he said, came from his grandfather's time in the Taiwanese army, though this version has been westernized quite a bit to use more common ingredients. This hot and sour soup recipe is both vegetarian and vegan. It is somewhat light, however, so feel free to add in some tofu or seitan.
See also: Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu and Peanuts

10. Vegetarian Pumpkin Soup

Vegetarian pumpkin soup is warming and filling. Perfect for the holidays or any time. This light pumpkin soup recipe is spiced with nutmeg and made with pureed instead of fresh pumpkin.
See also: Pumpkin Coconut Soup

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Six whole grains: Which is your favorite?

I used to think there was something old fashioned about eating whole grains. Chewing a steaming bowl of barley and mushroom soup always seemed so 70s, so retro, somehow, like something vegetarians did before veggie burgers were invented. But these days, whole grains seem like the latest healthy hipster food, and not knowing about quinoa is like not knowing about Lady Gaga.

Here's my six favorite whole grains (but in no particular order).

Pictured: Can you guess which grain?

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Pumpkin cookies for a girls' night in!

Last week, I went to visit a few old friends, and the four of us had a lovely girl's night, complete with plenty of wine, catching up (gossip!), and these beautiful chocolate pumpkin cake mix cookies. After our day full of pedicures, yoga and shopping, of course! The cookies were in the oven quick enough that I didn't miss any of the wine and conversation, and they went quite well with our Chilean carmenere. I'll admit, I munched them again the next morning along with my coffee. Lovely to see you again, Jen and Shanna, enjoy the leftovers!

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More vegetarian myths and madness

When I asked you to share the silliest hogwash people have ever said to you when they find out you're vegetarian, I never expected the onslaught of madness that dozens of readers have responded with! It's a crazy world out there when it comes to perceptions of vegetarians! Here's a few recent highlights, or, if you prefer, you can also read them all.

Guest reader BCH wrote in with some unwelcome career advice they've received:

I was told by a couple of my coworkers that I wouldn't be able to get ahead at work because people "need to eat meat to sustain their levels of aggression." I've been retired for a few years and still believe that going vegetarian was the best thing I ever did for the state of my health, both physical and mental.

Going vegetarian will ruin your career? Madness! And funny, it was the best thing in the world for mine, personally! Here's a bizarre one - attempt at suicide via vegetarianism? Wow. From reader Donji, who went vegetarian in the 1970s:

Shortly before I married him, my husband-to-be stopped eating meat. I was badly frightened, believing we needed meat to survive and that he would die. I didn't want to live without him, so I became a vegetarian too. Four years after we married, I was pregnant with our first and only child. I never felt better or happier. And throughout my child's early school years, she was at the very top of her class - super smart and creative as well as gorgeous!

Glad you survived to tell the tale of meatless living in the 70s! Suicide by vegetarianism? Hilarious! Here's another funny one. Simone wrote in to share her favorite snappy comeback:

A 'friend' invited my husband and I for dinner and cooked a meat stew. When my husband reminded her I don't eat meat, she said I can just pick out the meat and eat the veggies (this happens so often it is unbelievable). My husband (always fighting for my vegetarian rights) responded, "That's like telling someone you don't eat cats and them telling you, you can just eat around it."

I'm more of a dog person, but I think I'll still use it! Got your own story of bizarre things people tell you about being vegetarian? Tell us about it and publicly shame these people in front of all of us on the net!

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Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake

I know fruit cake always gets a bad reputation - but I LOVE the stuff and look forward to eating it every Christmas! Why not make your own vegan fruit cake to share with friends and neighbors this holiday season? This vegan fruit cake recipe is simple and easy to prepare, and is courtesy of Ener-G Foods.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp egg replacer
• 4 tbsp water
• 1/4 cup vegan margarine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 ounces candied fruit mix
• 1 1/4 cup water or orange juice
• 1 3/5 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp allspice

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Briefly whip the Egg Replacer in 4 tablespoons water until fluffy.

Place vegan margarine, sugar, dried fruit, whipped Egg Replacer and 1-1/4 cup water (or orange juice) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow cooling for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and allspice together. Mix in boiled mixture and transfer to a greased loaf tin or a greased 8inch diameter cake tin.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in tin.

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Spinach and Beet Salad

Spinach salad is probably one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can reward your body with. Add simmered beets and a quick lemon Dijon dressing, and you've got a wholesome, low-fat vegetarian and vegan spinach salad to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 4 beets
• water for steaming
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tsp honey or agave nectar
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
• 1 large bunch of spinach
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Slice beets into coins and steam over boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until soft.

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon, lemon juice, vinegar, honey or agave nectar syrup and dill until smooth.

Gently toss together the beets, dressing and spinach to combine well. Sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper if desired.

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Chilled tomato soup

A simple cold tomato soup similar to a Spanish gazpacho and perfect for lunch when it's hot out. Prepare it in advance and keep it chilled to bring to work the next day. Made with fresh tomatoes and basil, this is a simple, understated soup with little added flavor, so be sure to use the freshest and best-quality tomatoes you can find.

Like simple vegetarian soups? Here's a few of the most popular vegetarian soups.

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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe

Planning your meatless Thanksgiving dinner menu? Scroll through this huge collection of vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving recipes, with links to main dish dinner ideas, Thanksgiving vegetable dishes, vegan Thanksgiving desserts, Tofurky help and more for the perfect holiday dinner.

1. Vegetarian and Vegan Stuffing Recipes

Stuffing is probably my favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner dish. I love the way all the fresh herbs smell while cooking. Who needs to wait for a special occasion such as Christmas or Thanksgiving to cook up some vegetarian stuffing? A perfect vegetarian stuffing recipe can be used over and over again. Scroll through classic vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving stuffing recipes, along with some contemporary recipes for stuffing with cranberries, cornbread stuffing and more. Pictured: Vegetarian Stuffing with Whole Wheat Bread
Link: Vegetarian Stuffing Recipes

2. Vegetable Side Dishes

Round out your dinner menu (and your plate!) with some creative vegetarian and vegan side dishes. Scroll through dozens of recipes for vegan mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegan green bean casserole and more classic Thanksgiving vegetable and side dish recipes. Pictured: Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole
Link: Thanksgiving Side Dishes

3. Vegetarian Gravy Recipes

Making a meatless vegetarian gravy is more of an art than an exact science, as timing, stirring and heat are everything, so you'll want to add more or less liquid as needed. Just like with regular gravy, however, your vegetarian gravy will thicken slightly as it cools. Most vegetarian gravy recipes are made from a vegetable broth base instead of pan drippings or animal fat, and many recipes add extra flavor by using mushrooms, fresh herbs, or other flavor enhancers such as miso or nutritional yeast.
Link: Vegetarian Gravy Recipes

4. Breads, Muffins and Biscuits

Cornbreads, vegan muffins, breakfast breads and plenty of biscuits and dinner rolls to accent your Thanksgiving meal. Choose at least one for a small gathering, and two or three for a larger crowd. Try these blueberry corn muffins (pictured), or browse through the entire collection of gluten-free breads, vegan breads and more.
Link: Thanksgiving breads, muffins and biscuits

5. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner Entrees

Some vegetarians like to have a centerpiece at the table similar to a turkey, such as a Tofurky, another mock turkey, or a homemade tofu turkey or loaf. Other vegetarians are happy with a non-traditional entree, and you'll find plenty of ideas here. A wild rice and cranberry pilaf or a stuffed acorn squash (pictured) makes a flavorful fall-themed entree.
Link: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes

6. Tofurky Recipes

Glam up your Thanksgiving Tofurky with some of these recipes for Tofurky glazes, marinades, homemade tofu turkey recipes, and of course, a trendy recipe for deep-fried Tofurky. Also, scroll through some recipe ideas for what to do with any leftover Tofurky.
Link: Vegetarian Tofurky Recipes

7. Guide to Vegetarian Turkey substitutes

Tofurky's not the only player in town anymore! Several brands of vegetarian and vegan meatless turkey substitues have hit the market over the past few holiday seasons, and this guide will introduce you to the best of them. can't decide which to try? Have one for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas and try a third for Easter!
Link: Seven vegetarian turkey substitutes

8. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Soups

As an alternative or accompaniment to a Tofurky or a homemade vegetarian turkey, try one of these Thanksgiving soup ideas for dinner. Eating soup as a Thanksgiving entree means you have plenty of room left for stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie! Or, if you're new to cooking vegetarian food, soup is an easy and stress-free choice. Try some of these colorful and easy vegetarian Thanksgiving soup ideas. Pictured: Butternut Squash Soup with Apples
Link: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Soups

9. Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Sure everyone expects pumpkin pie or apple pie at Thanksgiving, but you could also serve up a pumpkin cheesecake, a chocolate pumpkin pie, or a vegan pumpkin spice cake! If you're just looking for a vegan apple pie or a vegan pumpkin pie recipe, you'll find that here too, though. All of these Thanksgiving dessert recipes are vegetarian, and most are vegan and low-fat as well. Pictured: Sugar-free Pumpkin Pie
Link: Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

10. Pumpkin Recipes

Put some pumpkin on your table this Thanksgiving! If you're not cooking a Tofurky or other mock roast, a vegetarian pumpkin dish can be a great entree. Or, serve some vegetarian pumpkin soup, cook up a side of vegan pumpkin bread, or make a batch of pumpkin muffins for a Thanksgiving or day-after (Black Friday!) breakfast. Pictured: Vegan Pumpkin Scones
Link: Vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes

11. Gluten-free Thanksgiving Recipes

Unfortunately, many traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain gluten, so if you're on a gluten-free, wheat-free vegetarian diet, you may need to prepare in advance to make sure you have plenty of foods for your Thanksgiving dinner. Gluten-free vegetarians can still enjoy plenty of delicious meatless fall foods. Scroll through my collection of gluten-free vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner recipes for menu ideas. Many of these recipes are vegan as well.Pictured: Maple-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
Link: Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

12. More vegetarian Thanksgiving tips

If you're a well-meaning host expecting vegetarians or even vegans at your Thanksgiving celebration but you aren't too sure how to accommodate them, read on for some tested advice. Also, if you're a vegetarian who wants to be a polite and well-fed guest, check out my tips, accumulated over 19 years of eating a turkey-less Thanksgiving! Vegetarians, vegans and omnivores alike can share a peaceful and abundant Thanksgiving table. After all, what table isn't big enough for both a turkey and a Tofurky?
Link: More Thanksgiving Tips

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