recipes to get through the upcoming holiday season

[monkeygirl]

I want to share my favorite holiday recipe for raw Eggnog Milkshake. It's not the healthiest raw dish in the world, but it has helped me get through many a holiday dinner in the past without being tempted by the cholesterol-laden original. This is a very rough recipe . . . unfortunately I have never measured the amounts I use.

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First, cut up a few ripe bananas and stick them in the freezer.

Next, make a batch of flavored almond milk. Combine a few cups of soaked almonds in a blender with a chopped half of a vanilla bean, freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, 2 or 3 whole cloves, and optional honey/agave to taste. Use whatever spices you like, but I think the basic eggnog-ish flavor comes from nutmeg. Blend and strain through a fine mesh strainer or nutmilk bag.

Clean out the blender and put in some frozen bananas. Add a mix of almond milk and water to cover (add more almond milk for a thicker shake, or less if the spice flavor is too strong). Blend.

[thunderdancer]

ohhhh it sounds lovely monkeygirl! if only i could make almond milk :)

Are you any relation to monkeyboy??

[monkeygirl]

No relation. I didn't realize there was someone here with a primate-related name until after I registered! :)

Do you have a blender? If so, almond milk is a snap to make, especially if you soak the almonds first (they become softer and easier on the blender's motor).

[Analeah]

Hey what a great recipe, thanks for posting. I will definately have to try this one out. Does anyone else have any good holiday recipes? Thanks again for sharing Monkeygirl!

[Alissa]

“Noasted Turkey”

From the Sprout Café in Atlanta, this tastes just like traditional turkey stuffing to me. Although the Mock Turkey Loaf is prettier, this one is so good I thought I’d give you both…after all, Thanksgiving can be the toughest holiday to get through when you first go raw. I top this with marinara sauce to give it a bit more moisture.

2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 Tablespoons fresh sage
2 Tablespoons rosemary
2 Tablespoons fresh thyme
2 cups walnuts, soaked 12 hours and drained
2 cups almonds, soaked 12 hours and drained
1 Tablespoon organic unpasteurized white miso
1 large onion, chopped very fine
6 stalks celery, chopped fine
1 cup parsley sprigs (as garnish)
1 cup cranberries (as garnish)

1. Place garlic in a food processor and process well.
2. Add sage, rosemary, and thyme, processing well.
3. Add walnuts, almonds, and miso, one at a time and process well.
4. Remove to a bowl and stir in onion and celery.
5. Place on a sheet of Teflex and form into an oval loaf shape. Dehydrate at 105 degrees for 6 hours.
6. Remove and turn loaf over, removing the Teflex sheet from the bottom. Dehydrate for 4 to 6 hours more.
7. Garnish with parsley and cranberries
----------------------------------------------------------
Miss Hamlin’s Cranberry Sauce

Special thanks to a good friend of mine for this recipe. This sauce is always a hit at holiday dinners!

12 ounces cranberries
4 apples, peeled and chopped
8 ounces raisins, soaked

1. In a food processor, blend the cranberries with 2 of the apples
2. Remove from processor and fold in the remaining 2 apples and raisins.

[Alissa]

heres another recipe from my book that is sooooo goood!

Pumpkin Pie
This recipe is taken from Jamey Dina and Kim Sproul’s book, Uncooking with Jamey and Kim. It is one of the best pumpkin pies I've ever had and easy too!

Crust:
2 cups almonds
1/3 – ½ cup dates, pitted and soaked

Filling:
2 cups shredded pumpkin or butternut squash
1 cup dates
½ cup almonds (soaked) or sunflower seeds
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ cup water

For Crust:
1. Add all ingredients and blend until smooth
2. Pat down into a pie plate.

For Filling:
1. Mix shredded pumpkin or squash in a food processor for several minutes.
2. Add other ingredients and blend until smooth
3. Place filling on top of pie crust.

Best served chilled.

Alissa’s note: I use squash instead of pumpkin and the almonds instead of the sunflower seeds.

[FEELIN'GOOD]

I have to try that pumpkin pie, that egg nog and the stuffing... like right now! You guys are making me so hungry!!!!! I'm actually excited about Thanksgiving now... I ws wondering what the fam would say while they gorge on dead bird and I feast on my huge salad... now I have some options! Thanks!

[qetta]

I'm reviving this thread because I made a sprouted wild rice pilaf yesterday that I think will be great for Thanksgiving. I bet even my non-raw (and non-vegetarian for that matter) parents will love it.

When you sprout wild rice, it doesn't sprout like lentils or garbanzos or whatever. You use the same method, but it's "done" when the rice has split open and become soft. It doesn't grow a tail. :)

I don't measure things very often; here's an estimate of my recipe:

2 cups wild rice, sprouted
a couple of carrots
a couple stalks of celery
a couple green onions
a diced tomato
a diced avocado
1/4 cup lemon juice
about 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons agave nectar (honey substitute)
3 tablespoons nama shoyu
parsley

So good!

[vegbaby]

I was just looking for Thanksgiving recipes tonight - thank you! We are doing a joint dinner with another family, and I'm doing all the salads. This looks like a good one!

[vegbaby]

Here is one that I plan to make for the holidays from RawSome Recipes by Robyn Boyd:

Broccoli & Cranberry Salad
From RawSome Recipes By Robyn Boyd

1 large bunch of broccoli, broken up into bite-sized bits
3/4 cup dried cranberries, sweetened in apple juice
1/2-1 cup Vegenaise mayo (is this raw?)
3/4 cup cashews
red onion, diced (opt.)

Place all ingredients in a festive salad bowl.

[qetta]

That salad sounds really good but I'm wondering too if Vegenaise is raw?? I don't have any in the house. I'll have to check it out the next time I'm at the co-op or Whole Foods.

[SimplyRawesome]

[QUOTE=Alissa…after all, Thanksgiving can be the toughest holiday to get through when you first go raw...[/QUOTE]How interesting. I told my husband that I was starting my 30 Day Challenge today and he said, "What about Thanksgiving?" :eek: I thought about it - yes it may be a challenge; however, I have 2 1/2 weeks to try out all these incredible recipes. Who knows, I may have all my family eating out of my plate! LOL!! :D

Hey Mel,
Do you think we can use fresh cranberries in place of dried? This sounds yummy.

[vegbaby]

Do you think we can use fresh cranberries in place of dried? This sounds yummy.

I think that would be good, but they might still need to be sweetened if too tart. :)

[carolg]

I thought I read at this topic Alissa sharing a Mock Turkey Loaf. Is this in Alissa's book or did I miss the recipe? Thanks.
carolg...........lilac name till get back to old one, carolg --Alissa help still!

[greengirl]

This thread came along just in time!! The Broccoli & Cranberry Salad sounds really good... anyone know about the Veganaise? I, too, would like to have the Mock Turkey Loaf recipe... is it in Alissa's book?

[greengirl]

By the way, the word "monkey" just happens to be my favorite word in the English language!! :p

[dstar]

[QUOTE=Alissa]“Noasted Turkey”

5. Place on a sheet of Teflex and form into an oval loaf shape. Dehydrate at 105 degrees for 6 hours.
6. Remove and turn loaf over, removing the Teflex sheet from the bottom. Dehydrate for 4 to 6 hours more.
[QUOTE]

My dehydrator does not have a temperature setting, only on or off. What can I do in this case?

[rawjojo]

DStar -
Before you throw away your reciept you might want to exchange it for one with a temp control. I have heard that the ones with only on/off switches get too hot to keep teh food actually "RAW". Apparently they get much warmer than 110 in order to dry teh food faster. I also have the same dehydratore as rawkinlocs (from wal-mart). IT was around 30 bucks and it does have a temp control! Hope this helps!
rawjojo

[qetta]

This thread came along just in time!! The Broccoli & Cranberry Salad sounds really good... anyone know about the Veganaise? I, too, would like to have the Mock Turkey Loaf recipe... is it in Alissa's book?

The Mock Turkey Loaf recipe is in Alissa's book. (Do you have her book? If not, I can bring it on Tuesday.) Before Thanksgiving, I'm going to try the Mock Turkey Loaf and the Noasted Turkey recipes to see which I like better and to decide which might go over better w/ my family. Oh - and Mushroom Gravy. Mmmm.

Also, I'm going to Whole Foods today - I'll peep out the ingredients list on Vegenaise...

[Alissa]

heres the mock one as well, scroll up and you'll have the noasted turkey.
xo a

Mock Turkey Loaf

Adopted from the book The New Raw Energy, this is a favorite of mine, especially at holiday times. It has a wonderful flavor and looks beautiful on the table.

1 cup cashews
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup Brazil nuts
5 stalks celery
1 scallion
1 teaspoon sage
1 cup cranberries
Honey

1. In a food processor, grind the cashews, pumpkin seeds, and Brazil nuts until fine.
2. Add the celery, scallion, and sage and blend until smooth.
3. Remove from food processor and place on a large plate. Form into a loaf.
4. Blend the cranberries in blender. Add honey to taste. Blend until smooth.
5. Spread cranberry sauce over the loaf.

Serving suggestion: Decorate the plate with whole cranberries and parsley.

[greengirl]

Duh... I came across the Mock Turkey Loaf recipe while reading Alissa's book last night on the treadmill... I think this is the one I will make, since the Noasted Turkey needs more vertical space in the dehydrator (I have an old American Harvest dehydrator). I'm hoping for an Excalibur for Christmas!! :)

[qetta]

I'm hoping for an Excalibur for Christmas!! :)

Hey - until then, you can borrow mine if you want to make the trek!

Whole Foods didn't even have Vegenaise when I looked for it yesterday. I swear, that store is always changing out their products. (I'm still mad from over 5 months ago when they quit carrying Tropical Source vegan chocolate chips!)

Anyway, here's the list of ingredients from Vegenaise that I found online:

canola oil, purified water, apple cider vinegar, brown rice syrup, soy protein, sea salt, lemon juice and mustard.

My guess: not raw. Anyone else have a different take on it?

-Lisa

[qetta]

I made Alissa's mock turkey loaf w/ mushroom gravy last night for dinner. MMMMMM. The turkey loaf was really good - it does taste just like stuffing! I used pistachios in place of brazil nuts, which worked just fine. I didn't make the cranberry sauce that Alissa suggested to spoon over the turkey loaf, because I'm not sure if I like cranberries. I can see, though, how the sweetness of a cranberry sauce would really complement the (sort of) saltiness of the loaf. (Should've just trusted Alissa!) The mushroom gravy was good with it, though.

[yeahbethany]

I'm working on a yummy stuffing/dressing recipe right now for a Thanksgiving potluck tomorrow...I'll keep you all posted....I have high hopes =).
-Bethany

[Rawmommie]

YUM! :p (that's me drooling)

I'm going to have to scrape up some money to get a dehydrator, b/c these recipes look amazing! Thanks.
Karen

[carolg]

Alissa,
Thanks for sharing Mock Turkey Loaf. Sounds also delish and simple. Bethany's recipe she shared would be nice to bring to the table with your recipes too. For her Stuffing, I'm thinking no dehydrator for that, but "make and eat" version of "fast food concept."


Alissa,
Think I can get my carolg status back or am I the "lilac"? Just trying to be consistent, but hey, just email me and let me know who I am tomorrow and for long time. Thanks.

carolg......

[Sharon in Colorado]

Hey - until then, you can borrow mine if you want to make the trek!

Whole Foods didn't even have Vegenaise when I looked for it yesterday. I swear, that store is always changing out their products. (I'm still mad from over 5 months ago when they quit carrying Tropical Source vegan chocolate chips!)

Anyway, here's the list of ingredients from Vegenaise that I found online:

canola oil, purified water, apple cider vinegar, brown rice syrup, soy protein, sea salt, lemon juice and mustard.

My guess: not raw. Anyone else have a different take on it?

-Lisa


Veganaise is always in the refrigerated section, which makes me think it could be raw.

[carolg]

Nuts, nuts, nuts...

I know it's holiday time and I wanted to make the Mock Turkey Loaf. I don't like using nuts, nuts and more nuts in my recipes so wondering if the consistency would be same if used only 2 types of nuts and less in quantity as well. I know I would have to eat, but then I can go heavy on the cranberry sauce. What about almonds as one kind of nut as have lots of them and could also make a cranberry pie or the pumpkin/squash pie Alissa posted. I have to use squash as that's what I have.

Any thoughts as I am thinking of making this for our rawluck in a few days and since it looks so simple, I can make it up a few hours before or mayhbe even last minute. Think I need give it a few hours to blend the flavors? I was also thinking of using some fresh sage in some recipe along the way, but not sure which one yet. Thanks.
carolg

[Allison]

I made the Noasted Turkey the other day. We ate it rolled up in lettuce leaves with pomegranate seeds on the side. It was delicious, and the pomegranate was the perfect addition to take the place of cranberry sauce.

Allison

[chilove]

bumping this up. i'm going to try alissa's mock turkey for thanksgiving. i read on another group i belong to that it is really good. if i get really ambitious, i'll make the pumpkin pie too.

[qetta]

bumping this up. i'm going to try alissa's mock turkey for thanksgiving. i read on another group i belong to that it is really good. if i get really ambitious, i'll make the pumpkin pie too.

The mock turkey loaf is delicious. And so easy to make!

[smasty]

Here's a raw eggnog recipe I found!

Vegan Eggnog Recipe

Here is a vegan version of the classic holiday drink.


2 cups coconut milk (or you can substitute fresh almond milk)
2 fresh bananas
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg or to taste
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
grated nutmeg
muscovado or natural sweetener of your choice (if you like it sweeter)


Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Add additional muscovado or natural sweetener if desired.
Serve immediately with a dash of grated nutmeg on top.
Use it up immediately, since the banana tends to separate and change flavor.

Variation: To make the recipe thicker, substitute one cup of Coconut Cream for one cup of the Coconut Milk. Chilling the Coconut Cream or Coconut Milk will make it thicker, too. You can also vary the amount of bananas to create another variation.

[smasty]

here's another recipe that looked good! Especially w/ chopped nuts added

Cranberry Relish Recipe



14 apples, peeled
4 oranges, peeled
2 - 14 oz. bags of fresh or frozen cranberries
honey, maple syrup, muscovado, or stevia to taste


Peel and slice apples and oranges so they will fit in your food processor chute.
Using the grating attachment of your food processor, grate the apples, oranges, and cranberries.
Place the grated fruit into a bowl. Add the sweetener of your choice to taste. Mix well.
Cover and place in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to thoroughly blend throughout the relish.

Variations: Try adding a small amount of cinnamon (around 1 teaspoon) or ginger (1/2 teaspoon).

Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts.

[Veganmama]

I found some recipes for a Christmas cake and mince pies the other day i'll hunt them up and post them later

[vegggeeemom]

I have not looked through this entire thread, but I am searching for some Thanksgiving recipes and came across this.

Hope if someone else is planning their Thanksgiving menu, something here might help!

Pam

[Rawadventures]

I can't wait for Thanksgiving. I am definetely going to make my own nibblies between the jalepeno poppers and the pesto mushrooms!!! I think the mock turkey loaf sounds soo good too and will probably make this. I am excited about keeping my Thanksgiving raw this year. Last year it is what "blew" my raw life!! (only because I let it, I know!)

We are going to some friends house, so the great part is that I won't even have to cook anything SAD for Thanksgiving! Woo hoo. I will probably take a frozen pie or something that I don't have to "make".

Anyway, this thread is great!

[ReneeSC]

My husband told me that we're doing THANKSGIVING RAW!!

( bowled over )

I even offered to agree to he and the children cooking their own ...whatever...they wanted... He said.. "NO!"

( muuuuuhahahahahahaa..... dancin' the jig. )

So, next week I get to start stocking up on all of the nuts and things I'll need and begin the recipe planning.... and the week following it'll be the sprouting and the soaking.

True, there's some prep time when it comes to the more-complicated raw recipes, but hey.... there was prep time eating cooked; it was just a different sort of prep.

Raw Jubilent Disclaimer: We don't have family near - neither are we in the habit of visiting many peoples' homes for holidays. Therefore, your mileage may vary this holiday season with different celebratory situations.

I wish you well, though! It's a celebration we're to have, not a dread. Please don't dread the holidays!

[vegggeeemom]

Renee,

It seems many spouses are agreeing to do an all raw Thanksgiving.

That is a wonderful thing!

Oh, I need to prepare my list and shop as well, so I am not out doing it all last minute.

I cannot wait to make some things and have some extra on hand to try early! :)

Thanksgiving is a great celebration time! I am so excited about this RAW Thanksgiving!

Lots of people doing the jig around here! LOL

[ReneeSC]

Wow... what meteorite hit your house, Pam?
Just recently your husband had a "raw meltdown". Has he transcended this?

FWIW: I completely understand having a "melt-down" period during a transition phase. I'm happy your husband is giving you the place to eat as you please and to UNcook for your growing family. That's a blessing to give THANKS for right there!

..Dance... dance... Boooogie Ooogie Oooogie...

[tvillemom]

I think that is sooo awesome. I'm going to make the Mock turkey loaf (about half of the recipe) just to try it and see if my DH likes it. If he does, I will probably make it to take to our family's house. I will also be trying the pumkin pie, they all sound good, even the cranberry salad dish. I'm looking forward to making these dishes, and enjoying the holiday. BTW, my cousin saw me on Monday, and was asking all kinds of questions about HOW I buy my nuts (and where) and wants to go with me to the HFS next time I go!! Her mother is following the Halleluiah Acres diet (lots of raw foods also), and is battling Chronic Fatigue....her health is improving because of this, and my health is definitely improving.....I think my cousin wants what she sees!! :D
Happy holidays!
Wendi

[Angelina]

Figured I bump this up since we've been discussing a few of these recipes. Happy Thanksgiving everyone :)

[Raw Jewelrylady]

bumping up-great ideas for us all. :)

[salsababy]

Alissa~ Thanks for sharing some recipes with us. I was looking for a raw pumpkin pie recipe so I am excited to see one posted. :D

[IamLoved]

Bumping this up for this years Thanksgiving

Alisha

[Fruit Bat]

I looked around on line and found that vegenaise is most likely not raw but I found this recipe for mayo. Hope you like it.

Mayonnaise

Blend (I use a mini-prep FP, but a blender would work) until smooth:

About 1 cup cashews
Water (eyeball it to get the consistency you want)
½ lemon, juiced
1 small garlic clove
½ tsp salt
Apple cider vinegar to taste
Olive oil (if desired) to taste
(Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for a week.)