How’s this Holiday, and hopefully short, week been for you so far? I just got back from sitting in on the yoga class I’m going to be teaching next week, like I mentioned before. It was a great group of people and a lovely facility and I am so excited to get started teaching there!
And, there are just a couple more days til Turkey Day Tofurkey Day. Just kidding, there will be no Tofurkeys here. But, I’m actually making a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for One: My Husband. Skylar and I are of the veggie persuasion, but Scott adores traditional Thanksgiving Day fare, and since we have no family in town that I could just send him to to mooch a meal from, yours truly is cooking. I have to brush up on my turkey & stuffing making skills. I’ve got the raw vegan desserts down pat, though!
Speaking of which, I’m glad you enjoyed my Thanksgiving Desserts & Grocery Finds post. I had great comments from so many of you. Thanks for your suggestions about which dessert I should make. Lots of you said, Make Both Apple and Pumpkin. Love your thinkin’ on that!
My Vegan No-Bake Pumpkin Pie (Gluten & Soy Free, too!) is really easy and in case you still have an extra can of pumpkin puree laying around, that recipe will help you use it right up, for sure.
And the Raw Vegan Apple Crumble. Totally a fave of mine. I love that dessert!
Especially the slurpy cinnamon-infused agave juice that I love to drink sauce. Uhhh-huhhh, love it!
But moving along….
In case you’re not interested in making a Vegan Pumpkin Pie or a Raw Vegan Apple Crumble, then maybe I can twist your holiday dessert arm with my…
Raw Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes – 5 Minute Recipe It’s extremely fast & easy. And, other than the cooked pumpkin puree, they’re raw. Some people get very technical & uptight about verbiage so I wanted to clarify for the undies-in-a-raw-bunch-crowd. They’re no-bake but rather than screwing up all my existing labels & tags, I am just sticking with the word Raw.
And they are pumpkin-ey and slightly sweet, without being over-powering in either of those departments. Try a Raw Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donut Hole, you’ll like ’em!
Options, Tweaks, & Tips:
Substitute canned sweet potato, fresh or canned squash puree you may have on hand, or something else that floats your boat instead of the Pumpkin Puree.
Roll donuts in coconut flakes at the end
Roll donuts in cinnamon & sugar
Add Chocolate, Carob, or Raw Cocoa Nibs either in the mixture or dust over the top at the end
Add a Smear of Nut Butter or as a Dipper on the Side
Whatever you do, if you’re looking for a last minute dessert, these Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are sooo fast & delish!
But maybe you’re not in the need of any dessert recipes and you’d like to roast some potatoes as a lovely side dish…
Well, I roasted these potatoes. Maybe these will float your tater boat.
Or maybe you’re a Curly Girly and the Curly Sweet Potato Fries are where it’s at for you.
You need Raw Veggie & Salad inspiration, you say?
Try a lovely massaged Kale Salad with Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing
Or a Vegan “Cesar”-Dressing Inspired Salad
Or just a lovely, simple, Green Salad with…
Averie’s Vegan Holiday-Spice Orange Vinaigrette
1/4 c Orange Juice
2 Tbsp EVOO
1 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp of Agave
Pinch of Ginger and/or Nutmeg and/or Cinnamon and/or Black Pepper
Whisk Until Combined
Yoga and Tip of the Day: Camel (Ustrasana). Open your heart chakra, let the love in. And give extra special thanks & gratitude to the Universe this week for all the lovely blessings you DO HAVE in your life.
What’s your picture taking strategy on the holidays with Friends & Fam? Some families are very into getting that staged, perfect shot. Other people roll with the impromptu & candid photos, but some people despise getting their picture taken, and nothing worse than an relative getting all bent out of shape over a “bad picture”. Usually though, I think the candid shots are the best shots. And for those of us with kids, we all know, that trying to plan or stage a photo op is like asking for trouble because it never pans out. So I guess I lean more towards candid shots but I do enjoy getting a big massive, staged group photo, too. What’s your strategy with holiday photos?
Stay Tuned For Holiday Food & Photos…
oooh yes those do look tasty, going to have to make!
I will be making these mint bars ASAP. Chocolate and mint are my fave combo ever (can you say junior mints??) Heck I'd make these tonight if it weren't 11:40p.m. I SUPPOSE I can wait until tomorrow. Thank you – these look divine!
I have made vegan desserts before and my hubby shuns them after giving a polite taste. But I think he may have finished these off himself if I hadn't gotten my little paws on some! SOOO GOOOD! thank you!!
those creme de menthe bars look so amazing!! and i'm wishing i had picked up those chocolate mint chips i saw last week…
Your dessert recipes never cease to amaze me! I just wish I could eat them all:)
Holidays can be hard, but being gluten and sugar free really narrows my choices. I have had family who didn't understand my food allergies trying to get me to eat cake etc. In a way, Celiac saves me from a lot of unhealthy eating! I try to always make sure I have some kind of treat for myself though–or else I will end up cheating.
I truly believe there is not one single dessert out there that you can't make vegan and/or raw. You know those "Eat This, Not That" books? You could so easily do that with desserts only it could be like an "eat THIS (recipe provided) and not that." Ok probably overkill but I just think you're amazing.
I love the last little bit you wrote about staying slim during the holiday season and that it's important we not deprive ourselves. I also completely agree that it's important to stay mindful and indulge in a taste, bite or piece of something rather than thinking you have to eat as much as you can because you'll never get it again. I get caught up in that mentality way too often and it's NEVER true!! I think that's why diets always fail. People always want a "last supper" to eat as much as they can because they don't think they'll ever get it again.
You know the drama of my week with the in-laws here…let's just say that skydiving was a breeze compared to having 6 in-laws and a one-year old screaming baby in the house! :)
gahhhh…those creme de menthe bars are ridiculous. seriously. you are a genius. i must bow down to you each and every time you make something because they always look that good!
and yes, i think it is important to remember there will be more meals, more snacks, more times to eat healthy, more times to indulge – don't stress…it's just food!
Oh my, those mint bars look scrumptious!
Thank goodness there will always be more kale chips! : ) Yes, moderation is the key and when that doesn't work just get the flu over the weekend ; o
I'm working on buff arms like yours, I'll let you know how it goes…..
Wow.. this whole post made me want to eat my monitor. Thanks so much for all the great recipes!
oh my, my, my … those creme de menthe bars look AMAZING!
I have a question too. In the Creme de Menthe bar recipe you used oat or oat flour. Is that gluten free? The oats I have say it's not considered gluten free since it's processed in a factory that also processes wheat for wheat flour & since it gets into the air.. it can get mixed into the oats. Any amount of wheat drives my body crazy, I have to be really careful. Thanks, Heather :)
What a wonderful holiday recap Averie! I'm so glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving with your family. :)
OMG, these bars look amazing! I'm truly amazed by your skills at adapting nearly any recipe to fit your needs. That's something to take pride in!
xxoo
Heather
Genius! You are a genius, Averie! This is a perfect recipe to make and bring to my parents' house over Christmas. My mom is oooobsessed with Creme de Menth!
As far as practicing moderation during the holidays, I go ahead and splurge on the dishes that are really worth the calories to me – the dishes I don't often get to have for one reason or another. And you're so right about the other stuff-there will always be more! :)
have a great Monday!!
Averie! Your creations, never cease to amaze me!
I conquer the holiday season by only having what I truly want, or what I feel is worth the calories. I try to avoid anything I can make at home or that doesn't look fabulous. When I had an office job I made a rule for myself (Despite the fact that I don't like rules) that I would not eat anything that was brought to the office unless it was a 10 on a scale of 1-10. That was rarely the case.
On another note, I wish I could find an affordable boutique fitness apparel store!
mint bars look awesome… I love chocolate and mint together! :)
Love your eating philosophy… and your un-baking talents :) amazing.
adult style girl scout cookies?! count me in!! I mean I could eat a whole box of the thin mints but they look no where as pretty and delicious as this!! you never cease to amaze me averie!!
i am making teh orange holiday dressing today with my salad for lunch! I try to not let the holiday time get in the way of me staying healthy and on track. If I receieve something that I just know I won't eat or dont want to eat, I simply re-gift it! yes, i said it haha! its the perfect thing to do sometimes because then I don't even break into it! just simply pass it on(obv to someone I know won't know I am regifting!)
i alawys try to remember when I am eating something delicious "I can have this again! why have so much of it right now?" and thats just what I do, i take a little bite or taste and then move on!
I just sent you an email with my guest post!
xo
Yum as always!!! It's funny that you bring up being mindful about what your eating- I had at least a handful of people mention on Thanksgiving that i have amazing will power against everything that was being served. But I don't see it like that. There are very few times in life where I wish I could eat something… mostly it doesn't phase me. I don't see it as a big deal… it's just something that comes naturally. I like to share my goodies- but honestly, most people I know don't homemake stuff- so I know it's not great anyway!
Check out this informative and inspiring video on why people choose vegan: http://veganvideo.org/
Also see Gary Yourofsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bagt5L9wXGo
wow you totally rocked that yoga pose ;)
i wanne have a vegan christmas now after seeing this yummy spread here
xoxo
I love chocolate and mint! Fabulous recipe!! Thanks for sharing. It looks so pretty too=)
You are right, I love your outlook on food…we are so lucky to always have access to food so no need to pack in it like crazy. When I do eat around the holidays I pick out a few things that are my favorite and I just limit myself to a small tasting of those treats. That way I never feel deprived or have that guilty feeling after. Seems to work for me.
And that tea is my absolute favorite! I drink it year round…its ssoo good!
Hey Darlin'!! These bars looks amazing and I bet I could eat the whole tray!! I must experiment with mint, that is the perfect combo for the holidays!
I love your comments at the end of this post about listening to your body. I think it is so important and you can really watch the waist line during this time if you pay attention!
This scale pose is intense!! You are so fit!
You are very welcome for the shout out – that is way too funny that we were thinking chia puddin at the same time!!
XXOO
hola and welcome to a really long comment. gotcha open in my reader.
post 1: you know i am addicted to sweet potato fries! and the photo thing. omg we tried to get the dogs to cooperate with a fam photo the other weekend. uh. not happening!
post 2: "Hanumanasana" that is all.
post 3: that was nice of you to do a bird for scott. i am sure he appreciated that! loved your thankful list :)
post 4: YOUR FEAST LOOKS AMAZING! and honestly that really is so thoughtful of you to make the turkey for your hubz. and you just commented on my blog haha i am mid comment!
post 5: thanks for the reminder on those cute cookies. one of these days i am going to get into the kitchen and make some treats. but still have not broken out the vita since the move! LOVE the move bustin' ala skylar!
post 6: yum. i love this layered dessert. it is so pretty! coooookbook averie!
i love the frame of mind that we are not going to go hungry. so many times people will eat like it is their last time to eat.. not a good way to do things! thanks for the reminder!!
ok, all caught up, love you so much! xoxo
Hahahaha the "vegan- but not cal" quote. I'm in love. So true though! Just because its superdiduper healthy, doesn't mean we can eat the whole pan?! But hey- if you want to eat the whole plan, I say take it one day at a time.
My strategy- I like to sink my teeth into my favorite foods, so I indulge only in what I know I really really want. If I'm not excited about something- I always pass. Sooo not worth it to me!
Saaaaa-wooooooon! Lady, those look so freaking good! I need to add some creme de menthe to the ole shopping list! I definitely agree with you on the there will always be more philosophy. When it comes to food that I love, like peanut butter, I know that the world is not in a massive pb shortage and I can eat more tomorrow!
OMG. I must try that dessert. NOW! my boyfriend will love it! He is such a chocolate-mint addict.
Thanks for always having such wonderful posts! You are the raw/vegan dessert queen! you should really write a cookbook! You are so inspiring.
Love!
Brooke
OH I DO LOVE MINT and CHOCOLATE!
I either need to find some almond flour or make my own. Do you think coconut flour can be used in part?
I keep trying to find uses for it.
I wish I had the umph tonight to make some!
I think we do have Creame de minthe! YUM.
I am all about a BITE of everything I love to eat, healthy or not…just a bite is all I ever need. (okay maybe 2) but really that does it.
Sees candy will and always is my biggest hurdle. I Love it…but also went from 1 or 2 a day to 1 a day to now…just 1 or 2 for the season. I have really gotten pretty good at dealing with the office crap food!
GAWD…I can't wait to try that dessert!
Thanks for another decedent dessert
I try and keep your advice to be mindful in mind, but it is sooo easy to overindulge, especially as I have a habit of doing so in holidays past. It's almost like a holiday ritual, and one that I am determined to break this year! I didn't have the best start with Thanksgiving, but I will use it as a lesson learned and forge ahead with my head on straight through December. Having reminders help!
Is the freezing in your bars just for set up? Or do they have to stay frozen? Like for example, if you were to take them to a holiday party, they would be fine left out for hours?
americangourmande.wordpress.com
OOH, thin mints for adults! Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of mint, but yours do look delish!
My strategy for the holidays is not to deprive myself at a function. Eat normal most days and at a party or something, try whatever I want in small quantity. Hopefully it keeps me from a much bigger splurge.
Oh, those minty bars! That middle layer looks so fluffy — love the layering! They look marvelously minty :)
Love how easy and no-fuss your recipes are — you really need to write a cookbook…a No Fuss Dessert Recipes book :)
Cheers to your "There Will Always Be More" theory. Love it, and live by it myself!
Averie, you never cease to amaze me! Creme de Menthe bars? They looks so amazing, I almost don't want to make them in fear that I will eat the entire batch!
Thank you so much for the sweet comment you left on my blog. I really appreciate it! :)
Once again – your desserts have blown my mind!!!
I went to my first yoga class in a while and thought of you! I loved it and will definitely make it a habit!
I have always followed your blog and think you are amazing. I have just started a blog and maybe you will visit some time.
So glad you had a nice Thanksgiving :) We did too! The company was the best part, but the food a close second ;) It was my first fully vegetarian Thanksgiving and I loved every minute. Great bars!!!!!!! Your prove that you can make a vegan/healthier version of any recipe. I am book marking your dressing to try. Have a nice Sunday night!
That dessert looks amazing! All of your creations make eating vegan/raw very tempting!
I have a question… are Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips vegan? I always put them in my vegan baked goods. I get asked this question a lot, but have never researched it since I am not vegan.
Enjoy the rest of your night!
I'll take the big square please!! Amazing. So jealous of the Sugar Cookie Tea…grrr – can't find it here anywhere…I've found the Gingerbread and Nutcracker though -yum – mixed with hot chocolate and marshamallows :)
As for the Holidays – I agree with a poster above – there is no such things as "Bad Foods" and I don't think they should be labelled as such. Everybody is different and has different tastes and wants and needs. As long as you are enjoying the spirit of friends and family and fun, then you shouldn't worry about having a few too many glasses of wine or hor d'oeuvres.
An ND/Yoga Instructor once told me that sometimes when you keep searching for the perfect foods or diets or what is 'right' or going lactose/gluten/sugar- etc etc ''free" …well, you can keep searching forever. It's really about the underlying issue of finding happiness and life! Don't center your life on what the perfect 'diet' is!!
Not that any of that pertains to you!! I'm referring more to others -most of North America! – with distorted ideas/images, etc.
And…now – I want your recipe book?! Are you doing one?
oh wow.. i LOVE chocolate+mint! that would be awesome. gah you with that pose, you are like the fittest momma ever!
that is so cool you lived in myrtle beach! it's gotten a little trashy the past couple years, but I love Litchfield (which is right beside myrtle) I bet Cali was SO MUCH BETTER! .. always wanted to go there!
All I can say is WOW!!!
OH YAY you found Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride!!
Holy crap those Creme De Menthe Bars look positively amazing! You never cease to amaze me.
I channeled you tonight when I came up with my own cookie recipe! ;)
And your tip of the day is so right on. I always try to remember that "I can have this again" and that helps with my urge to over do it. I find that if I let myself have a treat whenever I want it, instead a "just on the weekends" or "just at parties", I don't go nuts when I've finally got the chance to eat something sweet. I don't feel like "this is my chance! Better get it while I can!" Took me a while to figure that out though… you don't lose nearly 40 lbs without going a journey I suppose. Thanks for this great reminder.
I am really a baking novice so I'm not quite sure I'm ready for the creme de menthe bars recipe just yet… but it's something to work towards!
as you well know the holiday season can cause major stressors, but something that really has helped me this past thanksgiving was reminding myself that there are no such thing as "bad" foods. I tend to convince myself that "a slice of pumpkin pie" or "gingerbread cookie" can only be eaten on the actual day of the party — so in past years i've overdone it then and felt deep guilt and self-hatred after the fact. Reminding yourself that these foods will be available to you and it's not a "one shot deal" realllllllly helped me to focus on moderation and balance this season. Bring on the christmas cookies! :)
wow, ramble much? sorry for blowing up your wall – you always provoke my thoughtful side ;) love you for that!
OMG I COULD JUST PEE MY PANTS WITH EXCITEMENT! I can't wait to try your newest dessert! Fabulous!
Your creativity is out of this world, girl!!
Glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Mine was fantabulous. No family drama. Sorry! LOL
Hugs,
Michele
I'm a fan of the "there will always be more" philosophy.
And once again I leave you blog hungry…. :)
When is your recipe book coming out?? :-D
Vegan creme de menthe bars! Mind blown! These look awesome.
Oh my stars, you have outdone yourself again! I will try these mint bars once I am feeling up to it…my annoying cold turned into bronchitis. Boo. No post tonight :) We'll catch up tomorrow!
ummm andes mint candies needs to hire you like now. that's insanely genius girl! you are the queen of easy delicious vegan treats.
HOLY YUM!!!! Creme de Menthe bars?!? OHMIGOSH Averie – you are incredible!!
I am so lucky to have NO family drama. I have an awesome family.
I am right there with you on the food philosophy. It is so true!
I love your philosophy.. couldnt agree more! I used to be all stressed out about the holidays because I focused on FOOD. Now, I understand that its the company you are with. I plan on devoting my time catching up with the fam.. not wondering how long I need to work out after some cookies.
I enjoy your "rabbit food".. love it! Colorful and o so healthy. I feel crappy if I dont get my 2 lbs of raw veggies for the day. lol
Have good eve Averie :)
All your salads with that orange-essence vinagrette look amazing and Summery.
That dessert–wowowowow it lived up to the hype. I must try that with a cocoa powder topping. Now I just need to explain to my parents why I need creme de menthe haha.
I agree that there will always be more and I'm blessed that I have such a supply of food. I try not to let the holidays carry me away: If I can eat all-natural during the summer I can do it during the winter, too. And I feel fine passing up desserts or treats that might not fit my diet because I've been able to find so many delicious ones that do
Like that philosophy….It is so true, there will always be more!