Thanksgiving Day Menu

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year. I love the cold and colors and the FOOD! Things that make autumn my kind of season are the earthy spices, like clove and cinnamon, hearty veggies like acorn squash and butternut. All the warm colors, reds and orange. It's no surprise to my friends and fam that I like food. It was a huge surprise to me a few years ago when I learned that I am dairy and gluten intolerant. Rain on my parade. Actually it's a blessing in disguise, I've learned (still learning) about REAL food, how to eat healthy, free of chemicals and boxes and enjoy nutrition. Not that I'm always perfect because I do get lazy. 

Here is a Thanksgiving menu that I have created mostly based on this wonderful gluten free blog, Tasty Yummies. Be sure to check it out there are so many great recipe ideas! Click on the photos to view the fabulous blogs were you will find the recipes.

DRINKS 

Spiked Apple Cider

This looks absolutely delicious! Embodies all the things I love about autumn. Yum!


Pumpkin Blinis

This recipe calls for Parmesan cheese. Since I'm dairy free I'll be trying either nutritional yeast or non-dairy parm from my health food store.  I love nutritional yeast I use it on popcorn and many other dishes!

BREADS

Multi-grain Rolls
 

These look like something to curl up to a warm fire with a brick of butter (dairy free of course).

SALADS

Acorn Squash Salad


I've actually made these twice in one week already. So easy and so good. I used red palm oil instead of olive oil and it was delicious. Goat cheese is my weakness so I splurged and then suffered. 

VEGETARIAN MAINS

Butternut Squash Risotto
 

I've got a vegetarian/risotto fanatic in my life so this recipe is perfect!!

Vegetable Pot Pie

The epitome of autumn. Warm veggies, crusty goodness. Yes please!!

MEATY MAINS


Organic Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter


Photo and recipe adapted from this recipe here

I've never cooked a turkey with vegan butter but I would try Earth Balance vegan butter. 

SIDES

Mashed Potatoes

http://www.naturalwellnessgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/002_Chive-and-Garlic-Mashed-Potatoes_s4x3_lg1.jpg

Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots




Persimmon Cranberry Sauce



Vegan Mushroom Gravy




Mushroom Stuffing
 

 Sweet Potato Casserole

DESERTS

Maple Apple Galette

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

I wish you all a happy thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful day, enjoy!

♥ Carol

HAPPY MONDAY

My weekend adventure...What did you guys do?

Marathon shopping at Nordstrom Rack for a new wardrobe.  I was there for 5 hours!! I bought a TON of great pieces, which I'll share more on later.

Toured the farmers market with the boys (Koa & Jasper). I love going to the farmers every weekend.  I'm a big fan of buying locally especially when it comes to produce.  Organic makes it even better! 

Koa checking out the market

Koa has flowers in his beard

How was your weekend??

CHOCOLATE PUDDING RAW VEGAN STYLE

This is my favorite chocolate pudding recipe!  Super rich, creamy, decadent! This chocolate bliss is so good it's hard to believe that its made with avocado!!  Say what!?  Yep, what makes this dessert so rich and creamy is the beautiful buttery avocado.  When flavored with chocolate cocoa the pudding comes to fruition (no pun intended). To keep this dessert as whole food as possible I've sweetened it with homemade date paste and vanilla.

Steps:
1. Scoop out 2 medium avocados

2. Add your cocoa powder, date paste* and vanilla extract

3. Place all ingredients into your food processor until its smooth and creamy and your done!

It's that easy!!  Awesome all on its own but I love to top with fresh strawberries or sprinkle with a touch of sea salt.  Your entire family will love this and your kids wont even know that its good for them ; )  

Recipe:
2 medium avocados
5 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp date paste (or more if you like things sweeter)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1 whole vanilla bean

*Date Paste
1 Cup pitted dates
1/2 Cup filtered water

Blend in food processor until completely smooth

♥ PORTLAND VS. SEATTLE ♥

♥ PORTLAND VS. SEATTLE ♥

Hi everyone!  So I need a little advice! I'm planning a trip to...well Portland, OR or Seattle, WA, and I'm trying to decide which one to visit and what to see and do.  What do you think?

I've heard of all the great food in both places.  I consider myself to be an avid foodie, food truck follower, just plain love good food, slow food, organic, healthy.....you get what I'm sayin' 

Maple braised pork belly waffle►Skillet Dinner, Seattle, WA

The Waffle Window►Portland, OR

What about places to visit within the cities????

I love the outdoors, parks with lots of trees, city scenes with great atmosphere, awesome local beers....

Pikes Market►Seattle, WA

Portland Japanese Garden

Obviously, I briefly touched on things to do in these two wonderful cities.  I'd love to hear your suggestions on your favorite things to do in these great places.  Please comment below with your suggestions!!

STOCKPILE

STOCKPILE

I am fortunate to not have to always be indoors for work. However, for some reason when i do work in an office having to sit behind a computer stimulates my desire to munch on something.  If you know me, you know that i LOVE, which is not a strong enough word, Trader Joe's grocery store!  Today i shopped for "healthier" treats, that would satiate my need to munch.  Trader Joe has great salads, lately my favorite has been the Bistro, a kale salad with cranberries, edamame, and almonds.  Other favorites are the Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, Plantain Chips, Air popped pop corn, and Salted Seaweed.  If your near a TJ's try some of my favorites, let me know what you think!

BREAKFAST POWER SMOOTHIE

REFRESHING

I love this tasty blueberry breakfast smoothie.   I know your thinking "blueberry, why is it green?  Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!!

Ingredients:
1-2 frozen bananas (best if pre-cut into small pieces)
1/2 cup of frozen blueberry/mixed berries
1 big cup of spinach
1 big cup of kale (ribs removed)
1 1/2 cups of almond milk(dairy or any other kind of milk you prefer)
Optional: Freeze dried blueberries for sprinkles (Trader Joe's)


Directions:
Toss all ingredients into a blender and whiz away until everything is completely smooth. Enjoy!!
You can get creative with this and add your favorite berries, pears, apples etc.... You can also add a sweetener, like honey or agave nectar 1 tblspoon should do or to taste : )