fancy dining table setting

It’s that magical time of the year again! When the air is tinged with festive warmth, the thought of the holiday season awakens anticipation. It can also be a hard time for those who are plant-forward attending festivities that involve food with family and friends. Holiday meals often overflow with animal based ingredients, so there’s an exciting challenge and opportunity for sustainable, plant based meals. For those inclined towards a more planet-friendly or plant-based approach, navigating the often meat or dairy heavy season can be stressful. With determination and some creativity, you can create unforgettable plant based meals that will have your guests completely forget about the missing cheese and meat! Below are a collection of planet-conscious recipes:

 

Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

1 Whole Cauliflower Head Washed
⅓ Cup Olive Oil
3 Tbsp Gochugang
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
Salt/Pepper to taste

Creamy Tahini Sauce:

½ Cup Tahini
¼ Cup Water
¼ Cup Lemon Juice
¼ Cup Chopped Parsley
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt/Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F
  2. Mix together gochujang, olive oil, soy sauce, and spices
  3. Massage the marinade into the cauliflower (make sure to get it in the crevices as well)
  4. Allow the cauliflower to sit in the fridge wrapped with cling film for 30 minutes
  5. Wrap the cauliflower with foil and bake for 30 minutes
  6. Unwrap the cauliflower and bake for an additional 30 minutes (Optional: broil for 5-10 minutes for crunchy cauliflower!)

Sauce:

  1. Whisk together the tahini, water, lemon juice, and olive oil
  2. Stir in the chopped parsley and spices
  3. Refrigerate and serve cold with the roasted cauliflower

 

Sweet N’ Peachy Holiday Foccia

4 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Packets of Instant Yeast
2 Cups Warm Water
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
2 Tsp Salt
¼ Cup Olive Oil + 1 Tbsp to grease pan

Sweet Topping:

1 Block Violife Feta Cheese
2 Large Peaches
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tsp Rosemary

Instructions:

  1. Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl thoroughly
  2. Gently stir in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until completely combined and a shaggy dough is formed
  3. Brush your pan with olive oil
  4. Tip your shaggy dough into the pan and cover with a kitchen towel. Leave in a dark place for an hour or until the dough has doubled in size
  5. Preheat the oven to 430 °F
  6. Cover the surface of your dough with remaining olive oil and poke holes into the dough
  7. Add your feta and grilled peach topping all over the surface of your dough and poke it into the dough
  8. Bake for 20-25 mins of until surface turns golden brown

Sweet Topping:

  1. Cut your peaches into wedges
  2. Heat up your pan and add your olive oil
  3. Grill your peaches until they are a deep golden brown
  4. Turn off the heat and add your rosemary
  5. Allow the peaches to cool
  6. Chop up the feta into large cubes and combine with the peach mixture
  7. Top the focaccia dough with this delicious topping

 

Enjoy!