December 25, 2024December 26, 2024 by betsy

Beer Bread with Optional Christmas Tree Garnish (vegan & plant-based)

Yield: 12-16 servings

Beer Bread for Christmas…and Beyond! (Vegan & Plant-based…of course!)

If you are still in the Christmas spirit, you can whip up this beautiful and delicious no-rise yeast-free bread in about 45 minutes with most of that baking time.

If not, you can transform the rosemary garnish into a branch with berries all winter or with vegetable flowers come warm weather.

Plus, the bread is just as crave-worthy with no garnish at all.

I had seen these breads on Pinterest, but didn’t want the rise time even of focaccia. I remembered beer bread, which is typically baked in a loaf pan for about 50-60 minutes, and decided to press it into a square pan, more like focaccia, and shorten the baking time.

I also added garlic powder to the mixture and changed the amount of butter I had seen in several recipes, from 1/4 to 1/2 cup, to 6 tablespoons. Some melted it and used in the bottom and over the top, some sliced it over the top. I melted it and used 2 tablespoons in the bottom and 4 over the top.

With a flavor and texture reminiscent of a sourdough biscuit because of the fermentation of the beer and all the butter, I find it irresistibly tasty and easy.

Next time, I would add the garnish about halfway though so it doesn’t get crispy and take on a hint of that Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree look.

Note: I actually found fresh currants at Harris Teeter for the ornaments, but you can use halved grape tomatoes, peppedew peppers, red bell pepper pieces, sliced black olives, etc.

However you garnish or not, enjoy all year long!

Beer Bread

6 tablespoons vegan butter
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1-12 ounce beer (Barnivore lists vegan beer)

Optional Christmas Garnish: fresh rosemary stalks, fresh red currants, halved grape tomatoes, peppedew peppers, red bell pepper pieces, black olive slices, etc.

Turn oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in pan–8-inch round or square–and place in oven to melt while it preheats.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and sea salt with a fork. Drizzle in beer, stirring with a fork, until a smooth dough forms.

Transfer all but 2 tablespoons melted butter to a small cup or ramkin. Transfer dough into prepared pan and smooth with fingers. If not garnishing, pour or brush remaining butter over the top and place in oven for thirty-five minutes or until lightly golden brown.

If garnishing, do not pour butter over the top. Bake about 20 minutes; remove from oven; arrange rosemary stalks in a Christmas tree shape; place fresh red currants, halved grape tomatoes, peppedew peppers, red bell pepper pieces, sliced black olives, etc. as ornaments; brush and dab butter over the top; and bake for remaining 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Cool slightly, slice, and serve right away. Cover any leftovers tightly.

#vegan #veganism #veganshare #veganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegansofinstagram #vegansofig #vegansoffacebook #vegansofvirginia #goveg #veganforlife #govegan #doitfortheanimals #animalsarefriendsnotfood #herbivore #crueltyfree #thebloomingplatter #foodstylist #recipedeveloper #foodphotography #beerbread #Christmas

@vegan_community

December 15, 2024December 26, 2024 by betsy

Cheesy Creamed Spinach (vegan & plant-based healthful decadence)

I created this flavorful holiday-colored recipe last year for a Christmas brunch, and plan to reprise it this year, maybe with a sprinkle of pomegranate arils on top.

Cheesy Creamed Spinach

1 tablespoon olive oil or plant-based butter
1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
Pinch sea salt
1/4 cup water
2 large cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves, processed in batches, until finely chopped (process and add as onions are finishing their sauté)
1 tablespoon flour whisked with 1 tablespoon cold water in a small container to make a slurry-paste
1/2 cup (4 ounces) Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese (Plain or Smoked)
2 ounces plant-based cheese of choice (such as smoked gouda slices, torn into pieces, or shredded parmesan)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or 1 more ounce plant-based cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional garnish: sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme

In large skillet, bring olive oil to shimmering over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of sea salt, and sauté for about a minute. Add water, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until water evaporates and onion is very tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté, stirring, for another 30 seconds to a minute.

Reduce heat to medium-low, process first batch of spinach leaves, and add to skillet, stirring well. When wilted, add second processed batch, and continue until all spinach is used. It will take about 3 to 4 batches in a large food processor.

Cook, stirring frequently, until most of moisture is released and evaporated. Add flour slurry-paste, stir well, and cook for a couple minutes, raising heat if desired. Add dollops of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and the plant-based cheese of your choice, cooking, and stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Stir in nutritional yeast, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Serve immediately garnished, if desired, with a sprig of herbs, or cool, cover tightly, refrigerate until serving time, and reheat for 2 to 3 minutes in microwave.

*Created exclusively for #Tofutti Brands, Inc.

#vegan #veganism #veganshare #veganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegansofinstagram #vegansofig #vegansoffacebook #vegansofvirginia #goveg #veganforlife #govegan #doitfortheanimals #animalsarefriendsnotfood #herbivore #crueltyfree #thebloomingplatter #foodstylist #recipedeveloper #foodphotography

@vegan_community

December 14, 2024December 26, 2024 by betsy

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars or Tart (vegan, plant-based & gluten-free)

This was my contribution to our Friendsgiving at our dear friend and neighbor’s with her family and my bew favorite dessert.

But, I didn’t want dessert after our lunchtime feast, so I took some with us on a 90-mile drive to our weekend home in Southern Shores, NC, and enjoyed it the next day.

It travels well and is just as delicious plain with coffee or gussied up as a full-on dessert with plant-based ice cream or whipped topping and caramel sauce. Similarly, you can bake it in a straight-sided baking dish or a fluted tart pan for a fancier presentation.

For the Gluten-Free Crust:
2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking mix
¼ cup natural sugar
½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
Pinch sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, allowing paper to hang over edges. Or use a tart pan sprayed with non-stick spray. In medium bowl, combine baking mix, sugar, and pinch sea salt. Add the melted coconut oil or vegan butterand stir the mixture with a fork until it forms a crumbly but moist dough. Press dough into bottom of prepared pan, spreading evenly with fingers or, my preference, bottom of a sturdy glass sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. The edges may not turn golden, especially if using coconut oil.

For Pecan Filling:
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoon water in small cup or bowl (flax egg)
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan pieces
1/2 cup or so pecan halves
Pinch sea salt
Toppings: plant-based vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, plant-based caramel sauce, and/or plant-based whipped topping, like Cocowhip

In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, and coconut milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer. Reduce heat and simmer 3 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Whisk cornstarch into flax mixture to create a smooth slurry. Whisk slurry into syrup mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a caramel-like consistency. Stir in pecan pieces, bourbon, vanilla extract, and pinch sea salt. Pour filling evenly over crust, using a wooden spoon or spatula to spread the pecans out evenly. Arrange pecan halves over top (I think diagonal rows are pretty). Bake 25 minutes, or until pecan filling is set and edges are slightly bubbling. Cover loosely with foil after 20 minutes if pecans are becoming too dark (so far, not necessary when I prepare them). Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. If using a tart pan with a removeable bottom, release by pressing on bottom from underneath and lifting out. Or lift them out of pan using parchment paper overhang.

Cool slightly or completely, cut into bars with a sharp knife, and serve topped as desired.