Friday, November 22, 2013

This is Martha, the turkey we "adopted."


The holiday season is all about traditions. Some families like pumpkin pie, some like apple and some go for pecan for Thanksgiving. 

Some host every year, and others go to a restaurant.

My family has traditions, too. We all go to my sister's, where everyone brings the same dishes each year (pie from me, stuffing and sweet potatoes from my mom, etc.). 

Traditions seem to be static, but really they are always changing a little year to year. New babies grow into grown-ups who bring new people into the family. Tastes, and in our case, allergies change what goes on the table. A new recipe lights a fire in someone's imagination. And on and on.

I've got two new considerations for additions to your Thanksgiving traditions.

This year, my family and I are going to "adopt" a turkey as part of Farm Sanctuary's Adopt a Turkey fundraiser. It's a great way for us to support the important work Farm Sanctuary does to rescue animals in need and support their animal sanctuaries. Here's a little video that explains the program.





We also will have a new snack as we get ready for our Thanksgiving. I have been seeing these pumpkin pie dips all over the internet that use Cool Whip and boxed pudding mix.

I like the idea of a pumpkin-flavored dip for apples or other fruit, or even cookies. I want to stretch the Thanksgiving flavors as long as I can, so a dip that we can munch on the week before sounds perfect for me. What doesn't sound great to me is a sugar-filled, chemical-laden dip.

I knew I could do better and still keep it simple. Here's my healthier version of a pumpkin dip using just three ingredients. You can have your Thanksgiving-flavored-treat as often as you like leading up to your feast with this easy dip.

vegan, glutenfree pumpkin pie dip



Three Ingredient Pumpkin Dip (vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free)
Makes 1 3/4 cups

Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or follow these directions for fresh)
1 6-ounce container or 3/4 cup vanilla coconut-milk yogurt (I used So Delicious.)
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Preparation:
Stir all ingredients together to combine.

I shared this recipe with Wellness Weekend.

Happy Cooking!
Kim

My new book Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.

Monday, November 18, 2013




I am so excited to tell you about a new resource for gluten-free living.

I have long been a fan of Gluten Free Find. It's a website that is chock full of recipes, resources and information for folks following a gluten-free diet. It can feel really lonely when you first embark on a special diet. Finding a good resource is like making a new friend. It's even better when one of these new friends introduces you to more friends!

That is just what has happened with the new Gluten Free Smart Store. This new online shop is the result of three gluten-free "friends" coming together. Gluten Free Find has joined together with celebrity author and nutritionist Kathy Smart and Allergic Solution (a line of allergy-friendly baking mixes) to create a unique online shopping experience. 

What makes this online store special is that it not only is all gluten-free, but each of the items is carefully selected before it's included in the shop, ensuring that each item is high quality. For shoppers with multiple dietary needs, you can sort through using several different filters, including nut-free, dairy-free and vegan.

If you are looking for a gluten-free resource, visit Gluten Free Smart Store. They are adding new items all the time, too. 

I didn't receive anything to give this review, and the opinion is mine.

Happy Cooking!
Kim

My new book Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

vegan, gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes


I LOVE Thanksgiving food. I know there might be some degree of pumpkin-flavored stuff fatigue out there. Not here. Not for me. I say, Bring It On. 

vegan, gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal


How about:

Not just pumpkin, though.

Give me squash and sweet potatoes.   

vegan, gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes
Chai-Spiced Sweet Potato


I'm pretty fond of:
And of course, there's always pie made with an easy-peasy pie crust

vegan, gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes
Cranberry Sauce with Apples and Pears


But, don't forget the cranberries! Today on The Balanced Platter, I share my Cranberry Sauce with Apples and Pears.

I promise to have a new recipe for you in the next couple of days.  I'm working on a fantastic Thanksgiving-y dip. Yum! 

Happy Cooking! 
Kim

My new book Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.