Tag: Christmas

Nog Wild

Eggnog is like the festive Swiss army knife of the culinary world. Having such a distinctive flavor and singularly rich texture, it may seem like anything but a versatile multitasker, but there’s a world of possibilities lying just beneath the nutmeg-speckled surface.

Spiced Liquid Gold

Think about it: The base components for conventional eggnog are, of course, eggs, heavy cream, and sugar. What else starts from this foundation? Pretty much any dessert you can think of. While I wouldn’t be so bold as to claim that all vegan versions are created equal, they do reasonably approximate that same essential composition with a thickener/stabilizer, non-dairy equivalent, and sweetener. Just like that, you have a ready-made liquid custard in a carton.

Easy Eggnog Upgrades

Before we even get into the formal recipes, there are scores of treats you can make with zero measuring and minimal effort.

  • French toast: Simply use eggnog to soak sturdy slices of bread and griddle to crispy, custard-y perfection.
  • Bread pudding: Toss cubes of stale bread with eggnog, let it soak until saturated, then bake until golden and set.
  • Ice cream: Pour eggnog straight into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the best results, add a splash of brandy or bourbon, both for flavor and a creamier, less icy texture.
  • Overnight oats: Mix with oats, a pinch of salt, and maybe some dried fruits and nuts. Wake up to an easy breakfast indulgence.
  • Coffee creamer: A splash in your morning brew turns it into a holiday latte without the syrupy sweetness of store-bought options.
  • Pancake or waffle batter: Replace the liquid in your mix with eggnog. Add an extra pinch of nutmeg to further the theme.
  • Cake glaze: Whisk with powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle over pound cake or cinnamon rolls.

Honestly, I could go on, but it would become tiresome to read a laundry list of every cream-based option that could be converted to use this holiday staple.

Stock Up and Start Cooking

I always buy extra vegan eggnog, because it’s delicious, yes, but also because the leftovers are invaluable. Make sure you stock up early so you can make a few of my favorite nog treats. If you play your cards right, you can bask in the afterglow of holiday joy well into January.

Continue reading “Nog Wild” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)3 Comments

Devil’s Advocate

Deviled eggs are the ultimate in classy party food. With the air of high society and the accessibility of middle class, they’re just fancy enough to pass through both worlds with equal esteem. Popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they possess a certain retro chic while remaining a timeless staple. Hosts so well equipped as to own designated deviled egg trays, dimpled with indents specifically designed to cradle the elegant halves, clearly have it together.

The Devil That You Know

For all their enduring charm, deviled eggs are ripe for reinvention. This holiday season, I’d invite you to go one step further than crafting a vegan version. Lean into vintage cocktail kitsch and a healthy dose of playful absurdity with Deviled Eggnog Jello Shots; a boozy, bite-sized tribute to tradition with a twist. Surprisingly sweet for their savory appearance, they’re the kind of festive fun that keeps guests talking long after the last toast.

Sweet, Spiked, and Surprisingly Light

Much lighter than the conventional mug of heavy cream and whole eggs, these delicate, jiggly bites could be considered a smart approach to portion control, not to mention a far healthier alternative to the former cholesterol bomb. Airy egg whites made from vegan nog, spiked with light rum for a gentle buzz, become the convincing cushion to golden turmeric-infused coconut whipped cream. The effect is complete, and completely convincing, especially when sprinkled with a touch of ground nutmeg to garnish.

Achieving Egg-celence

Before you ask, yes, it’s worth investing in an egg-shaped silicone mold. If not for this treat, consider all the other egg-centric events when it will come in handy. Sure, you can use regular old plastic shot cups, but how many opportunities do you have to go all-out? Celebrate Christmas to the fullest, treat your friends and family to a slightly eccentric sweet surprise, and indulge in a new way to nog!

Continue reading “Devil’s Advocate” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)5 Comments

Pinwheeling and Dealing

Is it pure coincidence that one of my favorite holiday cookies is synonymous with joy, new beginnings, and good fortune? Sugar cookies, with their latticework icing and shimmering sprinkles, may get the spotlight on the main stage, but I’d like to pitch pinwheel cookies as the true headliners of any cookie tray. Pinwheels are said to symbolize turning bad luck into good, of transitioning from old to new, and what could be better as we round out the year, doing our best to close it out with a sweet taste lingering on our tongues?

Spinning together two sheets of soft dough, the most common duo tends to be peppermint and chocolate, for obvious reasons. I have trouble resisting the pair myself, often thinking back to my very favorite episode of Alton Brown’s Good Eats, where I first learned of this edible art form. Utterly captivated, I watched The Cookie Clause more times than I can count. All through the holiday season, those spiral cookies would play across my tiny bedroom TV, morning or night, and I remained glued to the screen as ever.

I’ve made a few spirals since then, including a summery strawberry version that ended up in the pages of My Sweet Vegan and then Sweet Vegan Treats. However, compared to the myriad cookies I crank out every year, and especially as Christmas draws ever closer, it’s not nearly often enough. To remedy that, I’m swirling warmly spiced gingerbread, ever the wintry classic, with bright lemon cookie dough, enriched with tangy cream cheese and a heavy dose of fresh lemon zest. Yes, I’m currently obsessed with everything lemon thanks to the bounty of my very own beautiful Meyer lemon tree, but that’s a story for another post.

Don’t be daunted by the length of the recipe. Though more involved than your average drop cookie, they save you all the time and hassle of decorating afterwards. Slicing the logs into rounds to reveal the pattern within makes all the planning and prep worthwhile. Pinwheel cookies come out of the oven fully realized as beautiful, rave-worthy gems, the likes of frosting or sanding sugar would only besmirch.

Plan ahead for the greatest success. The considerable downtime between steps makes these anything but fast food. Fortunately, you can press pause and play in the middle of the process, even more easily than on a recording of that beloved TV episode. Tightly wrapped, the dough can keep in the refrigerator for 3 – 5 days and up to 6 months in the freezer. You can slice just a few at a time to always have freshly baked cookies ready at will.

Simultaneously combining gingerbread and lemon in a harmonious pairing, while keeping them separate enough to appreciate each flavor individually, these pinwheel cookies are the best of all worlds. I’m not sure if Alton Brown would be impressed, but I know that my teen-aged self, once drooling over the untouchable idea of such baking artistry, would be proud.

Continue reading “Pinwheeling and Dealing” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)3 Comments

Fajitas Navidad

Why wait for December when you can unwrap joy twice a year? Celebrate Christmas in July for a second helping of holly, jolly merriment, minus the frostbite. I’m not talking about a big blow-out celebration like the genuine article, but a more impromptu excuse to get into the spirit.

Every time I see all the vibrant greens and reds spilling out of baskets at the farmers market, it’s all I can think about. How different the traditional menu would be, if only our forebears had access to ripe tomatoes, basil, peppers, and pole beans! That’s why even mundane fajitas start to look like a holiday party starter.

The Beginnings of Warmer Holiday Wishes

Christmas in July isn’t just a marketing ploy dreamed up by money—hungry corporations, although of course, they patently encourage the extra gifting opportunity. The first recorded celebration dates back to 1933, when a North Carolina summer camp for girls put on an off-season yuletide celebration complete with fake snow made of cotton, a decked-out tree, and a visit from Santa himself. It wasn’t long before the idea spread, especially in the Southern Hemisphere where July is the colder season.

Eventually, brands caught wind of the novelty and turned it into a commercial mini-holiday, offering midyear sales and peppermint-everything. It endures today because a party is a party, and summer offers a dearth of actual calendar events, so we might as well fill in the gaps somehow.

It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Everywhere You Turn

Christmas is never all that cold in Texas, having spent more than one December evening in a T-shirt, sipping iced coffee next to a half-lit tree. Granted, 100 degrees is a world apart from 60 degrees, but those temperatures offer new opportunities for more refreshing treats.

It doesn’t take much to whip up a festive dish with all the fresh fruits and vegetables now at peak ripeness. Just think red and green, and instantly, you’ve got a menu fully decked out for a yuletide celebration. For example:

  • Christmas Tree Crudité Platter – Arrange layers of green veggies, like broccoli florets, cucumber slices, snap peas, and celery, in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large platter. Add pops of color with cherry tomatoes or radish slices as “ornaments,” and top it off with a star cut from a yellow pepper or carrot. Use pretzel rods for the tree trunk, and serve with a few chilled dips on the side, like red pepper hummus or herby green goddess.
  • Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad – Toss cooked and cooled pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and peas. Optionally, top it with finely grated vegan Parmesan for a snowy look.
  • Cranberry BBQ Tofu Skewers – Skewer cubes of tofu, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion, then brush with cranberry sauce mixed into your favorite bottled BBQ sauce. Grill or roast until caramelized.
  • Festive Fruit Salad – Mix cut strawberries, green grapes, kiwis, raspberries, and/or green apples with a light sprinkle of lemon zest and lemon juice. If your blend is a bit tart, add a tiny splash of maple syrup.

Fajitas Navidad

Christmas fajitas could just as easily be everyday weeknight fajitas. The color scheme may even be lost on those simply captivated by the meaty strips of seared portobello mushrooms, distracted by their impossibly umami aroma. Wrapped up in a warm tortilla, each morsel is truly like an edible gift. They’re festive in spirit and flavor, even if no one at the table mentions Christmas at all, which is the real beauty of this half-holiday. You get to celebrate on your own terms.

What makes Christmas fajitas so irresistible isn’t just their visual appeal, of course. It’s the way they manage to feel both indulgent and fresh. Thick portobello caps become tender and juicy after a literal flash in the pan, soaking up every bit of seasoning like a thirsty sponge. Red bell peppers and green poblano peppers bring a sweet and spicy crunch, softened just enough to coax out their natural sugars, while slivers of red onion add bite and depth. A squeeze of lime over the whole pan wakes everything up, brightening the smoky richness with a citrusy kiss.

Assembling everything at the table makes it feel like a real family activity. I love a more interactive, hands-on meal that is meant to be shared. Isn’t that the idea behind the traditional Christmas dinner, too?

Happy Holidays, All The Days

So go ahead, string up lights by the pool. Crank up the carols, even if they clash with the sound of cicadas. Serve up those sizzling Christmas fajitas with all the trimmings, and toast to the idea that joy doesn’t have to wait for December. Whether you’re gathering friends for a backyard fiesta or just treating Tuesday night like a holiday, Christmas in July is your permission slip to celebrate something, anything, right now.

Continue reading “Fajitas Navidad” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)8 Comments

Healthier For The Holidays

Traditionally a time of socially acceptable gluttony and excess, holiday indulgences are an important part of the season, within reason. There’s room for plenty of treats while still making space for some smarter choices. It’s been my distinct pleasure to create some more wholesome options for the winter festivities as part of my partnership with Kim Murphy at Simply Plant Based Kitchen.

Tasked with creating weekly recipes using only whole foods that are oil-free, refined sugar-free, and low-sodium, it’s been an inspiring undertaking that’s helped me eat better at the same time. Proof positive that you can have all the flavors you crave without the junk, I’m thrilled to share some of the best seasonal dishes to help facilitate a healthier, happier holiday season for all.

Cranberry Cheese Ball

Kick off your holiday party with a show-stopping starter! In this twist on the southern staple, creamy cashew cheese meets fresh cranberries simmered in orange juice, turning the soft spread a jolly pink color. Crusted with crisp pistachios and pomegranate arils, each bite is a little bit sweet, tart, and richly savory. It’ll be hard to leave room for the main meal when the appetizer is this compelling!

Gingered Butternut Squash Soup

Warming from the inside out, a steaming bowlful of butternut soup is just what the doctor ordered, even when you’re feeling perfectly well. Roasting the squash caramelizes the natural sugars, bringing out a greater depth of flavor while enhancing the velvety texture once blended. If you’re spice-sensitive, you might want to start with half as much ginger to be safe; you can always add more to taste.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

Everyone loves roasted Brussels sprouts, but have you tried eating them raw? Finely shaved into gossamer shreds, they form the crisp hearty foundation of this ode to autumn’s bounty. Combining juicy pears, crunchy toasted pecans, and bursts of tart pomegranate arils, a hint of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note, making this salad a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Baked Latkes

Meet the healthiest, tastiest latkes ever! Although the miracle of the Hanukkah lights is all about oil, it’s entirely possible to celebrate without a single drop. Baked and not fried, these latkes are crispy around the edges and soft in the center, almost like little hash brown pancakes. Made with zero grease and no mess in the oven, they’re a modern miracle in and of themselves.

Cranberry Banana Bread

Banana bread never goes out of season, a perennial favorite that’s infinitely adaptable. Fresh cranberries dress up this humble loaf in autumn’s finest fashion, adding tart flavor to contrast the moist, maple-sweetened crumb. Sparkling with warm cinnamon and ginger, each slice is a cozy reminder of fall, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or sharing with loved ones during those chilly afternoons.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Warm, creamy, and comforting, bread pudding is the perfect dessert to ward off those autumn chills while celebrating the season’s bounty. Infused with the goodness of pumpkin and sweetened entirely with dates, this version is as satisfying as it is soothing. Consider this your invitation to customize your bread pudding to better suit your personal tastes; apple pie spices or chai spices would be delightful to swap in for this classic combo, and a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit would certainly be welcome, too.

Peppermint Crunch Bark

Homemade peppermint bark is one of the best crowd-pleasing sweets, crafts to make with kids, and last-minute gifts, all wrapped up in one bite-sized package. All you need is chocolate and peppermint extract to make it happen! Give your bark more bite this year by incorporating crispy rice cereal and cacao nibs, creating a texture that’s both lighter and more satisfying. It’s an easy and fun treat that everyone will love!

Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments

Nuts To Nog

Christmastime without eggnog would be simply nuts. Nuts that taste like eggnog, however, and that’s how you get into the spirit!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

For yet another year, I’ve been denied the pleasure of creating a new Nog-Off, with only one fresh contender of note. I will not, however, be denied my nog. For someone who’s never had the original egg- and dairy-based beverage, it has a hold on me like few other foods. And yes, though it is a drink, I think it’s substantial enough to qualify as a food too. That much is certainly true when you factor in a generous handful of crisp, freshly toasted nuts.

Nut Nog or Nog Nuts?

Nut nog is nothing new, of course, with some of the most popular recipes beginning with reliable old raw cashews, blended into creamy submission. What I’m talking about is a snack that straddles the line with dessert, could be served as a party starter or wrapped up as a gift at the end of the night, and has all the hallmarks of eggnog.

Aromatic nutmeg, bourbon, eggy kala namak, a touch of umami nutritional yeast, and lightly caramelized sugar all swirl together in a heady glaze that lacquers any combination of pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and so forth, that your heart desires. In fact, I even snuck in some pepitas for a subtly seasonal addition, so I’m calling seeds fair game, despite the official title.

Use Your Coconut

Coconut milk powder is a specialty ingredient that gives the mixture an additional richness, seeming to melt like freshly fallen snow, while creating a lightly frosted appearance. It’s entirely optional, so don’t fret if you can’t find it. Alternately, you can replace the alcohol with full-fat coconut cream, adding in a small splash of bourbon flavoring at the end if desired.

As the holidays descend and the festivities unfold, don’t let the absence of traditional eggnog dim your spirits. Embrace the joy of eggnog candied nuts; a sweet and savory blend that captures the essence of the season in every crunchy bite. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering, gifting it to loved ones, or hoarding it all for yourself, this novel approach is sure to add cheer to the occasion, all without raising a glass.

Continue reading “Nuts To Nog” →

Hannah (BitterSweet)7 Comments