During the holidays, it’s always a little tough when you don’t eat meat.
Not that I want to speak for all vegans or vegetarians (or people with food allergies), but for the most part, we don’t want to be difficult guests or make trouble. With that said, it’s not too much work to adjust some of your dishes so everyone can enjoy.
Here are a few simple swaps:
1. Organic non-hydrogenated shortening / Butter - In your pie crusts, one thing that you might want to consider is swapping out your butter with organic shortening. Spectrum has a product that is pretty neutral-tasting (plus they also make a butter flavor) that people with gluten allergies and meat-free diets can enjoy.
Choose the organic shortening because the ingredients are of a higher quality and the product has been sustainably sourced and processed. Even if you’re not vegan, your body will appreciate the wholesome ingredients. This shortening is available at Target, specialty grocery stores, and here, my Amazon Affiliate Store.
2. Canned coconut milk / Cream - Whether you’re making whipped cream for your pumpkin pie or adding something to thicken a soup or gravy, coconut milk can be used. The canned milk is the best because it’s thicker than the carton stuff. You can find cheaper coconut milk in the Hispanic section of food stores and also in the Asian/Thai areas too. If you flavor your soups and whipped cream accordingly, you will barely notice a difference. It’s perfect for those who are vegan and those who are lactose intolerant.
PS - You can find a coconut whipped cream recipe here! Yum!
3. Maple Syrup or Agave / Honey - If you’re making tea or cornbread, or something else that calls for honey, swap it out for maple syrup or agave nectar. Right now, Aldi and Trader Joe’s have both of these items for very low prices. (Agave is usually a little cheaper than pure syrup and pure honey. I don’t use it too often because it’s a little more processed than I would like. It’s still a great alternative, though.) I promise that you won’t miss any honey flavor with these two alternatives!
Guests with the following diets can eat organic shortening, coconut milk, maple syrup, and agave: dairy-free; gluten-free; grain-free; paleo; vegetarian; and vegan. Recipes below with the triple asterisk (***) are okay for all of the aforementioned diets.
*Disclaimer: I am in no way an authority on people’s diets; please be sure to consult the individual to see what his or her needs and preferences are.
Some Paleo subscribers do not use alcohol. Check to see if your guest is one of them. This web site is not for them, haha.
Now, onto the delicious and easy recipes! Both vegan and non-vegans alike will enjoy these beauties!
Appetizers
Autumn Ale Bisque***
Beer-Infused “Cheese” Ball***
Breakfasts
Autumn Apple Butter Pancakes
Boozy Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Boozy Baked French Toast With Blueberry Syrup {V, Veg, and Gluten-free, if Gluten-free bread is used}
Bourbon Coffee Cake With Apple Butter Swirl
Bourbon Spice Granola { {V, Veg, Gluten-free, and Paleo; omit the oats to make it Grain-free}
Fall Spice Crepes With Champagne
Pumpkin Spice Bagels With Bourbon
Vegan Pumpkin Spice French Toast {V, Veg, and Gluten-free, if Gluten-free bread is used}
Side Dishes & Breads
Beer Broth Stuffing With Boozy Mushroom Gravy {V, Veg, and Gluten-free, if Gluten-free bread is used}
Bourbon Pumpkin Bread With Chocolate Chips & Almonds
Bourbon Sweet Potato Biscuits
Cranberry & Courage Holiday Cornbread
Pies
Amaretto Peach Crumble Pie
Blueberry Port Pie
Bourbon Butterscotch Pie With Chocolate Ganache
Porter Pumpkin Pie
Other Desserts
Bourbon Apple Spice Cake
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Cinnamon Whiskey Ice Cream***
Pumpkin Cheesecake With Ginger Caramel Drizzle*** (use this nut/date crust to make it paleo and Grain/Gluten-free)
Enjoy these recipes and let me know which ones you decided to try!
All recipes are vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Recipes with the triple asterisk (***) are okay for all of the aforementioned diets.
Cheers,
-Aileen
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