Category: Vegetarian

  • Vegan School: Holiday Recipes

    Vegan School: Holiday Recipes

    Many dishes at my holiday table are vegan by nature, like maple acorn squash, three bean salad, raw veggie platters, and cranberry sauce. But most holiday dishes aren’t vegan, which makes it a challenging time of year.

    Mr. WebDom and I are in the middle of moving this month, so I haven’t had a chance to do much cooking. Instead of delighting you with one of my custom recipes, I thought I would do a round up of Vegan Holiday Recipes to inspire you this holiday season.

    Vegan Christmas Roast

    Image from The Easy Vegan

    The Easy Vegan put together this recipe, which I keep meaning to try. I expect I will in January once I get my kitchen at the new house setup.

    OMWC has tried this recipe using this brand of wheat gluten and it seemed to work well. There was something that he wanted to improve, and I’m sure he’ll mention it in the comments.

    While this is not a recipe, I do want to mention the Gardein Holiday Roast. It’s delicious and tastes far more like turkey than you would expect. I had it with SP and OWMC last year. This year I tried the smaller single serving version for Thanksgiving. It’s awesome, and definitely hit that “holiday” food jones.

    The Best Damn Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    Image from Minimalist Baker

    Mashed potatoes are a necessity at any holiday table. Most of the time, they’re not vegan. On Thanksgiving I gave in anyway and tried the mashed potatoes my sister in law made. The phrase wallpaper paste comes to mind.

    For Christmas I’m doing the mashed potatoes and I am using this recipe by Minimalist Baker. It’s simple, requires only a few ingredients, and looks like it will fool my non-vegan relatives.

    Vegan Stuffing

    Sadly, I have no photo for this one.

    But, Epicurious has the best vegetarian stuffing recipe I’ve ever seen. It uses butter, but I just swap for a vegan alternative. Aside from just being, well, delicious, I love that stuffing is simple, and easy.

    Vegan Eggnog

    Image from Simple Vegan

    I. Fucking. Love. Eggnog.

    Yet it’s very much not vegan.

    Then I discovered this recipe last week. As soon as I get a blender, I’m doing it! It uses coconut milk and cashews to create the consistency and flavour profile. Supposedly (I’m a little skeptical…) it tastes very close to the real thing.

    Vegan Pumpkin Pie

    Image from Loving It Vegan

    Uhm, yes, please. I didn’t get any pumpkin pie yet this year because I had to leave my family’s Thanksgiving Dinner before pie. (Migraines suck.) I am going to be making this pumpkin pie recipe as soon as my kitchen is setup again. This recipe from Loving it Vegan uses full fat coconut milk in place of the cream. After much searching, I prefer this brand of coconut milk. No other brand even comes close.

    Bonus: Vegan Pot Pie

    Image from Minimalist Baker

    Not really a holiday recipe, but the holidays always make me crave pot pies. I usually make pot pie in a 9×11 pan, and between the two of us, we usually finish it off in one night. Maybe two if we use restraint. I’ll post my recipe next time I make it (because truth be told I don’t measure anything unless I’m turning it into a recipe for you guys).

    In the interim, this vegan pot pie recipe, also by Minimalist Baker, looks simple and delicious.

  • Enslaving Yeast – Mead

    Enslaving Yeast – Mead

    So we’ve made cider and wine, let’s move on to what is commonly claimed to be the oldest fermented beverage in the world, Mead.  What is mead? Mead is a fermented beverage where the majority of the sugars are coming from honey. Honey is naturally antibiotic, and is unique in that it doesn’t spoil (while it will crystallize, it stays edible).  So, since we want the yeast to survive, we’re going to need to water it down. There’s several different paths you can go to add water to the honey, each with different drawbacks:

    1. Boiling – Get water up to boiling, then add in honey.  This runs the risk of scorching the honey, as well as driving off aromatics, but will ensure that the honey is equally mixed into the water.  You’ll also need a way to cool the must before putting it into a fermentor and pitching yeast.
    2. Hot water – Get water up to ~160 F, and mix in the honey.  This will help the honey dissolve, but will drive off some aromatics.  This also may require some method of cooling before putting it in a fermentor and pitching yeast.
    3. Cold water – Mix water with honey.  This will require more mixing and more stirring to make sure the honey is fully dissolved, has the highest risk of infection (still not a high one), but preserves the honey aromatics the best.

    You won’t need any new equipment for making mead, but you may need a couple of additional ingredients.  Yeast nutrients and yeast energizer.  Fruit (and barley) have the compounds that yeast need naturally occurring in them, honey does not.  While you can make mead without yeast nutrients and energizer, using both will help the yeast do well and convert the sugars into alcohol.  With the cost of honey, it’s well worth the extra couple of dollars to ensure a good ferment.

    There’s an ongoing debate in most of the mead forums about the best way to use yeast nutrients, with everyone certain that their way is the best (sound familiar?).  You can either add it all in at the beginning of fermentation, you can do step additions (add 25% at the beginning, then an additional 25% each following week).

    For those who think there’s too many different styles in beer, there’s a large list of different types of mead.  For those of you here, I’m guessing the most popular will be:

    • Braggot – A mead made with malted barley and honey
    • Capsicumel – A mead flavored with chili peppers
    • Cyser – A mead that users cider instead of water to dilute the honey
    • Hydromel – A light/low alcohol mead (think around 5% ABV)
    • Pyment – A mead that uses grape juice instead of water to dilute the honey
    • Sack mead – A strong mead with more honey then a standard mead (to get to ~15% ABV)

    For your standard mead, plan on between 2.5-4 lbs.of honey per gallon.  Adjust as you wish for higher/lower ABV, and based on if you’re using a fruit juice to dilute (which will have sugar of its own).  Be aware of the different types of honey, and realize that they will have different flavors when the fermentation is done. I recommend starting with small batches until you find something you like, then ramping that up to a higher volume.

    Now for the recipe of a mead I made that came out really well, and should be ready for your next Thanksgiving.  Yes, I’m talking about the one in 2019, most meads do well with a lot of mellowing and aging on them.  Since it’s a 1 gallon batch, I generally bottle this into about ten 375 ml bottles instead of risking only getting four and some change into 750 ml bottles (remember that there’s sediment you don’t want in your bottles).

    Cranberry Mead (1 gallon batch):

    • 1.5 lbs Cranberries – Reduced to juice (or just buy cranberry juice)
    • 3.5 lbs honey
    • Water to top off to one gallon

    Blend the cranberries (or buy juice) and run the resultant liquid through a filter.  Mix that with 3.5 lbs. honey and top off with cold water to get to one gallon. Shake it up (which will both aerate it, and make sure that the honey is mixed in with everything else) until the honey is dissolved.  Figure out what nutrient schedule you want to use, and pitch a white wine yeast. Fermentation will take at least a month, so be patient with this one. After fermentation is done, wait for it do drop clear (sediment will settle at the bottom of the carboy), then bottle it up.

  • Vegan School: Thai Coconut Soup with Fried Tofu

    Vegan School: Thai Coconut Soup with Fried Tofu

    I love me some Indian and Asian food, and none more than Thai Coconut Soup.

    Ok, maybe curry.

    And maybe dosas.

    But Thai Coconut Soup is right up there at the top of my list.

    The biggest problem I’ve encountered with Thai Coconut Soup, however, is that most of them use a fish sauce which is #NotVegan. This recipe is modified for vegans. The cilantro is added at the end so cilantrophobes like SP can omit if desired.

    I use this sesame oil, this nutritional yeast, and this not chicken base. And if you can’t get sambal oelek in your grocery store, Amazon carries it here.

    Often this soup is served over glass noodles. If you choose to do so, simply cook the noodles according to package instructions and add to the bowl before dishing the soup.

    Thai Coconut Soup

    • 1 package extra firm tofu (drained and pressed)
    • 1 large white onion (chopped)
    • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
    • 1 tsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
    • 2 stalks lemon grass (trimmed to bottom 6 inches and minced)
    • 2 tbsp garlic (minced)
    • 1 can coconut milk (15oz)
    • 64 oz not chicken broth
    • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 tbsp sambal oelek (or to taste)
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 5 oz lime juice
    • 1 tbsp white sugar
    • 16 oz grape tomatoes (halved)
    • lime wedges
    • fresh cilantro (chopped)
    • green onions (chopped)
    1. Cut the tofu into cubes, and fry in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with no oil or butter. Flip occasionally until golden brown on all sides. This takes longer than you expect it to. Resist the urge to mess with it for the first few minutes. If it’s still sticking to the pan, it’s not ready to be flipped. 

    2. In a soup pot, add the oils and the onion and ginger. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add the lemon grass and garlic, stir until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Add sambal oelek, broth, sugar, lime juice, soy sauce. Reduce heat and simmer partly covered for about 20 minutes.

    3. Add tofu, grape tomatoes, snap peas, and coconut milk. Simmer until tofu is warmed through. 

    4. Dish into bowl and garnish with cilantro and green onions.

  • 2nd Annual Glibertarians Feast of Thanksgiving Recipes

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_accordion module_class=”my_accordian” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Happy Thanksgiving!” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”on”]A note about the format for this post: I’ve added the recipes accordion style to avoid having multiple tabs open and to prevent having to scroll for miles to see them all. When you click on the + on the right side of an item, the previous item you were looking at will close. Depending on the speed of your connection, it may take a second for your browser to bring the new item to the top of the screen.

    Each item has a print button. You may save or print the recipe as a pdf, or just simply make it easier to have the one you want open on your mobile device without all the rest of the page clutter.

    I’ve included the recipes from last year’s post, but not a couple items that were narratives. You can read that post here.

    Enjoy these Thanksgiving recipes contributed by your fellow Glibs!

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    ~ SP
    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”A note on Thanksgiving wine pairings by Spudalicious” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    print as pdf

     

    I’m going to go through what I consider to be decent wine pairings for the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

    We’re talking turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, a boatload of gravy, cranberry sauce and the token side dishes that only Aunt Martha eats.

    This is a high salt, high fat, carb rich environment. It can also be a wine killer. And turkey really doesn’t pair well with heavy wines. My overall suggestion is that you want a wine that can cut through all of that. Meaning, leave your high dollar Cabernets and your big, blousy, oak filled Chardonnays in the cellar. All they will do is add to the heaviness of the meal.

    White wines

    Light, crisp, aromatic, those are all descriptions to look for in a white wine pairing. One of my favorites is a dry Gewurztraminer. I’m not talking about the majority of the wines available that have too much residual sugar, I’m talking about a lighter in body, fruity, spicy dry white. A producer I would point to is Navarro Vineyards.

    Another white that would fit the bill is a dry Riesling. DRY people, DRY. Navarro also fits the bill quite well here. You could also go German and look for a Riesling in the Kabinett, or maybe the Spatlese category. It will depend on the producer.

    Sauvignon Blanc is also a good choice. Just keep an eye on the alcohol level. Some of the New Zealand brands would fit well, just don’t go too crisp and dry. You want to cut through the richness of the meal, not hack it to bits with a machete.

    If you insist on Chardonnay, go with one of the many unoaked versions now on the market. They are crisper and still maintain the Chardonnay flavor profile. Two to choose from would be Joel Gott and Mer et Soleil Silver Label. These are both in the $15-20 range.

    Rosé

    Avoid domestic producers. Almost all of them have too much residual sugar. Look to Rosés from the south of France, such as Provence, or Italy. They are dry and crisp and would be a good foil to the meal.

    Red wines

    As I mentioned earlier, avoid the Cabernet. Save it for Christmas Eve prime rib.

    Georges Debouf is a marketing genius. Around this time of year, Beaujolais Noeveau is released. It’s a young, fresh light red from France made from the Gamay grape. It goes well with heavy dishes. Traditional Beaujolais would also work well. Fruity and not too heavy.

    Pinot Noir. Love, love, love a good Pinot for Thanksgiving. This is my go to. Go with what you like but given what’s happened with the alcohol levels in Pinot Noir, I would avoid anything much above 14% and most preferably, below. Oregon Pinot would be a good choice here.

    Domestic Syrah these days are pretty much a variation on Pinot in structure. Stay away from the big alcohol versions and you should do okay. Sierra Foothills and some of the choices from Washington State should be just fine. As much as I would love to tell you to go with a Cote Rotie from France, I just don’t think this is the place for it.

    One big red that I have found does seem to work well on Thanksgiving is Zinfandel. Avoid the monsters over 15% alcohol and try and find something a little more balanced. Sierra Foothills is again a place to look to to fit the bill.

    What about the pumpkin pie?

    This is where the sticky white wines go. As long as your pie isn’t too sweet, this is the time to pour small glasses of late harvest Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Muscat, or a Sauternes. Again, go with a small pour. It’s the end of the meal and a few sips will be plenty to cap off the event.

    The other alternative to the above suggestions?

    Drink whatever you want. Box, jug, homemade, whatever. If it you like it and it makes you happy, go with it. It is, after all, Thanksgiving. A time to enjoy friends and family, and reflect on just how good we’ve got it compared to those poor saps who didn’t hit the lottery and get to be an American.

    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Autumnal Cocktail from RC Dean” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Autumnal Cocktail from RC Dean

    Not sure what the name of this one is, but the maple syrup makes it very autumnal.

    • 3 oz. Rye or bourbon (- I prefer rye for just about any cocktail)
    • 3/4 oz. Orange Juice
    • 1/3 oz. Lemon Juice
    • 3/4 oz Dark Maple Syrup
    • 4-6 dashes bitters (Angostura works, but I also like Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel)
    • Seltzer couple ounces
    • Orange garnish (optional)
    1. I originally saw this “stirred, not shaken”. In my experience, you may not get the maple syrup to fully dissolve by stirring, so I prefer to make this one in my trusty shaker (also, drinks with citrus are classically shaken). The RC Dean method is to put everything but the seltzer and garnish in a shaker, pour over ice, top with seltzer and garnish.
    2. Protip: if you add the seltzer to the shaker, you will get a spectacular mess, so don’t do that.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”DblEagle’s Aged Eggnog” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    DblEagle's Aged Eggnog

    • Dozen egg yolks (reserve the whites for something else)
    • 1 lb sugar
    • 1 pint half and half
    • 1 pint heavy cream
    • 1 pint whole milk
    • 1 cup rum
    • 1 cup cognac
    • 1 cup bourbon
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg ( freshly grated is best)
    • 1/4 teaspoon (kosher) salt
    1. Beat egg yolks, sugar and nutmeg until falls off a whisk in a smooth ribbon
    2. Combine the dairy, booze and salt in different container
    3. Slowly beat the booze mixture into the egg mixture
    4. Store in glass container(s) for 2 weeks to 2 months* in refrigerator
    5. Serve in glasses with nutmeg (fresh is best) garnish

    * You can drink immediately (and I have) but the aging time enables the tastes to smoothly combine


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Artichoke Dip by jesse.in.mb” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Artichoke Dip

    Use fresh dill because dried dill is for little bitches, as is spinach in artichoke dip…get that filler out of here!

    • 1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts (drained)
    • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
    • 1 cup grated good Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 clove garlic peeled
    • 1 teaspoon dill weed or to taste
    1. Preheat oven to 400F
    2. Process the artichoke hearts in a food processor until smooth.
    3. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic and dill to the artichoke mixture in the food processor and process until desired texture, but well blended.
    4. Spoon into a 9-inch pie pan.
    5. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until bubbly and light golden brown.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”SP’s Easy Dinner Rolls – Vegan (or Not)” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    SP’s Easy Dinner Rolls – Vegan (or Not)

    (Use the ingredients in the parentheses for Not Vegan)

    • 2 tbsp white sugar ((or honey))
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 2-1/4 tsp packet rapid-rise yeast
    • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour give or take – divided
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened plain almond milk ((or regular milk))
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 2 tbsp margarine and a bit more for finishing ((or butter))
    1. With a small whisk, combine the sugar, salt, yeast and 1 cup of flour in a small bowl.
    2. In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, heat milk, water, and margarine or butter to about 105F. If it’s too hot, let it cool a bit before using.
    3. Place the dry ingredients into the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer. With the machine running, pour in the liquid ingredients. Process or mix for 2 minutes or so. Scrape the bowl sides, add 1/2 cup more flour and beat or process until a soft dough forms, about 2 more minutes. The dough will be sticky, but should loosely hold its shape.
    4. If the dough is too soft, mix in the rest of the flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is still soft but holds shape. Turn the dough out and let it rest on a floured surface, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
    5. Meanwhile, grease an 8-inch round cake pan. An actual 8-inch pan, not man “8-inches.”
    6. Divide the dough into 8-12 pieces and shape into rounds. (I am a little compulsive, so I weigh the dough to have rolls of the same size at the end.) Place the shaped rolls in the greased cake pan, cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
    7. While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 375F.
    8. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until nicely browned. If you wish, brush the top of the rolls with a little melted margarine or butter. Serve pretty close to immediately.

    And you thought you couldn’t bake yeast breads from scratch!


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Tulip’s Mother’s French Landlady’s Bread Recipe” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Tulip's Mother's French Landlady's Bread Recipe

    This no fuss recipe is what a French housewife actually made. To make the recipe even easier, my mother, who is in her 80s, uses a food processor to mix the dough. Just be careful not to over work it. I get better results with the spoon. If you over work it, you don’t get the air pockets.

    • 1/2 c scalded milk
    • 1 c water
    • 1 1/2 T sugar
    • 1-1/2 T butter
    • 1/4 c additional warm water
    • 1 pkg yeast
    • 4 c flour
    • 2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 T sugar
    1. Add 1 c water, butter and sugar to scalded milk.
    2. Cool to lukewarm.
    3. Add 1/4 c water and yeast. Rest 10 minutes.
    4. Add flour salt and sugar. Beat 100 strokes with wooden spoon.
    5. Let rise 2 hours.
    6. Cut into 2 and shape into loaves.
    7. Put loaves on greased sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal. Slash tops and let rise 30 minutes or more.
    8. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes then at 350 for 30 minutes more.

    It is not as good as what you get with a poolish, but adding steam during the bake gets the flaky crust. It is also easy easy easy, so worth it. I use it as a canvas – so easy to change to a honey wheat or oatmeal etc. I also think of it as truly authentic.

    My favorite variation is sub 1 cup oatmeal for 1 cup flour and replace the sugar with brown sugar. Put the oatmeal in a bowl with the butter and brown sugar. Pour the scalded milk over the oatmeal and let cool to lukewarm. Then continue as normal.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Jennifer Reese’s Cornbread – contributed by jesse.in.mb” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Jennifer Reese's Cornbread

    • 6 tablespoons 3/4 stick unsalted butter
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup white or yellow cornmeal (whatever grind you like)
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 4 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup milk
    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Put the butter in a 10-inch pie plate and place it in the oven to melt.
    2. Mix the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
    3. When the butter has melted, take the pie plate out of the oven and swirl the butter around to coat the pan.
    4. Let it cool for 1 or 2 minutes, then pour the butter into the milk-egg mixture. Whisk to combine.
    5. Whisk the liquid into the dry mixture–not too strenuously. A few lumps are okay.
    6. Pour into the pie plate and bake for 25 minutes. When it is done, the bread will be slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean.
    7. Serve immediately. Leftovers keep for a few days, covered, at room temperature.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Semi-Spartan Dad’s Cranberry Compote” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Semi-Spartan Dad's Cranberry Compote

    These are simple recipes that are easy for anyone to reproduce. I don’t use measurements when cooking so these are just estimates. The recipes have been cobbled together from various sources over the years, including online sites, but I can’t remember where to give credit or where I modified. I set up a buffet of warming trays and my recipes are all portioned for the half-size trays (gravy excluded).

    1. Put (3) 1-pound bags of whole cranberries into large saucepot.
    2. Add 1.5 cup of orange juice, 2-1/4 cup sugar, nutmeg, pinch of cinnamon and salt.
    3. Start on high heat, once boiling- cover and turn down to simmer.
    4. Cook 30-35min and stir every 10 minutes. Turn heat off and let sit with cover for 20-25 min.
    5. Pour into tray and place in the fridge.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Spudalicious’s Cranberry Sauce” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Spudalicious's Cranberry Sauce

    1. One bag cranberries, one cup sugar, one cup orange juice and some orange zest.
    2. Bring to a simmer and cook until the berries pop.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”westernsloper’s Candied Jalapenos” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    westernsloper's Candied Jalapenos

    There was a place in Phoenix (can’t remember the name) that topped one of their burgers with candied japs and it was great. I had to try and duplicate it and this is what I came up with.

    • 10 japs sliced
    • 6 baby carrots sliced longways into 1/4’s
    • 1 c water
    • 1/2 c White Vinegar
    • 1/2 c Apple Cider Vinegar
    • 1-1/2 c sugar
    1. Bring liquid to boil, add sugar and dissolve.
    2. Add japs and simmer/slow boil/reduce until mixture is bubbly and thick (couple hours or so).
    3. Jar it up and refrigerate. Top burgers, pulled pork, anything.

    SP’s note: I bet this would be killer on a leftover-turkey sandwich!


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”KibbledKristen’s Ma’s Grape Juice Mold” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    KibbledKristen's Ma’s Grape Juice Mold

    • One box lemon gelatin
    • One box raspberry gelatin
    • 16 oz. one bag frozen unsweetened raspberries
    • 1 brick of cream cheese
    • 1 1/2 cups grape juice
    • 1/2 cup boiling water
    • ~2 tbsp sugar
    1. Coat a standard loaf pan with cooking spray.
    2. Place raspberries in a wire strainer over a large bowl and sprinkle sugar on top. Allow to thaw completely, tossing occasionally. Reserve juices.
    3. Bloom/dissolve lemon jello in boiling water (approx. 5 minutes). Add cream cheese and grape juice to blender. After jello is bloomed, crank blender to high and slowly pour in lemon jello while blender is running. Pour into loaf pan. Cover and refrigerate until jello is firm set.
    4. Add water to reserved raspberry juice to equal 1 3/4 cups (sometimes I go to 1 1/2 cups if the raspberries are particularly juicy). Nuke juice/water to just shy of boiling. Add raspberry jello and stir until dissolved. Gently stir in thawed raspberries.
    5. Cover and refrigerate raspberry jello until is it cool and egg white consistency. Pour/spoon raspberry jello over lemon jello/cream cheese in loaf pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
    6. Slice with a spatula and serve over a leaf of Bibb lettuce.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”24 Hour Salad by Hayeksplosives” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    24 Hour Salad by Hayeksplosives

    Stays good for days, even after tossing. Great with Thanksgiving leftovers.

    • 6 cups chopped lettuce 2-3 Romaine or one large iceberg (divided in half)
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
    • 6 hard-boiled eggs sliced
    • 1 10- oz pkg frozen green peas thawed
    • 2 stalks celery chopped
    • 1 small can sliced black olives drained
    • 1 lb bacon cooked (drained and crumbled)
    • 16 ounces swiss or cheddar cheese (shredded. I usually chop pre-sliced swiss.)
    • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1/4 cup green onion chopped
    1. Place 3 cups lettuce in bottom of large glass bowl. (Doesn’t need to be glass, but it makes for a nice layered presentation before tossing.)
    2. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper.
    3. Layer eggs over lettuce, lining up a few around the edge of the bowl for looks.
    4. Layer peas, celery, olives, remaining lettuce, bacon, and cheese.
    5. Whisk together mayo and sour cream. Spread over top, sealing to edge of bowl.
    6. Sprinkle green onions over the top.
    7. Chill for 24 to 48 hours.
    8. Toss. Add a little cream or water if needed to thin dressing.
    9. Make additions/substitutions as desired.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Web Dom’s Bean Salad” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Web Dom's Bean Salad

    • 1 15 oz can black beans
    • 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans
    • 2 15 oz cans dark red kidney beans
    • 1 15 oz can great northern beans
    • 1 pkg frozen corn
    • 1 pkg frozen peas
    • 1 large white onion chopped

    Dressing

    • 3/4 c olive oil
    • 2-1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 2-1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
    • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
    • 1-1/2 tbsp maple syrup can be omitted
    • 1/2 tsp celery salt
    • 5 cloves garlic grated on a Microplane
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
    • salt (to taste)
    1. Drain and rinse beans.
    2. Combine with onion, peas, and corn in a large glass bowl.
    3. Make the dressing to taste, adjusting the vinegars, etc., as needed.
    4. Pour dressing over the veg.
    5. Mix well and chill before serving.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Celeriac Gratin by OMWC” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Celeriac Gratin by OMWC

    Celeriac (celery root) is the red-headed stepchild of winter root vegetables. Yet this is a dish that Spudalicious and I used to make on the regular, and our non-vegetarian friends would start demanding it in advance. I can’t ever recall having leftovers. It features Raclette cheese, the pride of Switzerland. Gruyère will work but not be nearly as fun-funky. Take the trouble to find Raclette, and the Swiss kind is slightly better than French for this. Yes, this recipe makes a lot of pots to clean up, but that’s why God invented dishwashers and orphans. It’s worth it, trust me.

    • 2 lbs celeriac peeled and cubed (peeling is a pain in the ass, but necessary)
    • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes ( peeled and cubed)
    • 1 c heavy cream
    • 1/2 c butter
    • 1/2 – 1 tsp saffron depending on your bank balance (it's definitely cheaper in Indian groceries than at Whole Foods)
    • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
    • 1-1/2 c Gruyère grated
    • 1 c Raclette grated
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1/2 c Italian flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
    1. Boil the celeriac in salted water until it’s soft (check by piercing with a skewer or paring knife). Scoop out and drain. Return the water to a boil and add the potatoes, cooking until they’re soft. Drain.
    2. While the potatoes cook, heat the cream until it boils, then stir in the butter, saffron, and garlic. Reduce the heat, then simmer for 5 minutes until the saffron is extracted and the mixture slightly thickened. Set aside.
    3. In a large bowl, puree the celeriac (you could use a food processor; I prefer a hand-held Braun immersion blender), while gradually adding the cream sauce. Mash the potatoes coarsely, or use a ricer if you want a smoother texture. Combine the potato, celery root, and one cup of the Gruyère; season to taste with salt and pepper.
    4. Spread the mixture in a greased oven-proof dish, top with the remaining cheese and the parsley, then bake in a preheated 400F degree oven until the top is browned, about 20-30 minutes.

    Wine pairing would include crisp whites like Seyval (Bully Hill makes an excellent and inexpensive one). Chardonnay from Macon or (if you’re lucky) Beaujolais is a superb match as well. I would not fart in your general direction if you defaulted to a dry Vouvray, which might be easier to find.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Mom Lachowsky’s Chile Cheese Grits” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Mom Lachowsky's Chile Cheese Grits

    • 3 cups water
    • salt
    • 1 garlic clove minced
    • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
    • 1/2 cup butter cubed
    • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    • 3 tablespoons chopped green chilies
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 cup milk
    1. Bring water, salt and garlic to a boil in a pan, then stir in grits.
    2. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat.
    3. Add butter, 1 cup cheese and chilies; stir until butter melts.
    4. Beat eggs and milk; add to the grits and mix well.
    5. Pour into a greased baking dish and then bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes.
    6. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and serve.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Semi-Spartan Dad’s Pecan Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Semi-Spartan Dad's Pecan Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole

    These are simple recipes that are easy for anyone to reproduce. I don’t use measurements when cooking so these are just estimates. The recipes have been cobbled together from various sources over the years, including online sites, but I can’t remember where to give credit or where I modified. I set up a buffet of warming trays and my recipes are all portioned for the half-size trays (gravy excluded).

    1. Roast 5 large sweet potatoes in oven for 1.25 hours @ 375F

    2. Mix sweet potato, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup milk (cut with cream), 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, cinnamon. Place in baking dish.
    3. For topping: Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup flour. Cut 4 softened tbsp butter in until mixture is course. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
    4. Layer topping over sweet potatoes. Bake 30 min @325F.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Chipping Pioneer’s Party Potatoes” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Chipping Pioneer's Party Potatoes

    • 1 bag frozen hash brown potatoes little cube form (thawed)
    • 1/2 c butter (melted)
    • 2 c cheddar cheese (grated or your choice – – something smoked is good)
    • 1/2 c chopped onion
    • 2 c full fat sour cream (I cannot stress to the wife enough how low fat sour cream is inadequate yet there it is in the refrigerator)
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tin cream of chicken soup
    1. Preheat oven to 350F.
    2. Mixed thawed potatoes with melted butter.
    3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
    4. Spread in a greased 9×9 casserole dish.
    5. Bake 1 hour at 350.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Mashed Potato Croquettes by Nephilium” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Mashed Potato Croquettes by Nephilium

    • 3-4 lb. potatoes
    • 8 oz. butter
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Panko

    Optional:

    • 4-6 strips of bacon (cut into lardons [small pieces] and fried)
    • 2-4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese
    • 1/4-1/2 tsp. Roasted Garlic powder or crushed rosemary
    1. Cut the potatoes into equal sized pieces, and boil in salted water until fork tender (approximately 20 minutes). Mash the potatoes with the butter, salt, pepper, and any other optional ingredients. Let the mashed potatoes cool to the touch. Then roll them into approximately 1-2″ balls (or cylinders), and coat in panko.
    2. You have several options to finish them, you can either freeze them and then deep fry them (if you’re already deep frying your turkey), or you can oven roast them at ~350 F for 30-45 minutes (or until golden brown). If you’re baking them, and want them to get more golden, you can mix in a couple of drops of oil into the panko (you want it barely damp, not wet).

    For the optional ingredients, do what ever flavors you want. Chorizo, Garlic, Cheddar, Bacon, Pancetta, Rosemary, Pepper jack, Sour Cream, Chives, Chipotle pepper are all valid options. Just remember you don’t want the potatoes too loose, and if you’re deep frying them, you may want to wrap the potatoes around any cheese to seal it in.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”DblEagle’s Zucchini Strudel” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    DblEagle's Zucchini Strudel

    • 6-8 decent sized squash all zucchini or mix with yellow squash depending on your garden and taste
    • 8 eggs
    • dill
    • black pepper
    • 3-6 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 8 oz feta cheese
    • phyllo dough
    • melted butter
    1. Preheat oven to 350F.
    2. Grate squash.
    3. Layer into a strainer with salt between layers.
    4. Let drain 3 hours.
    5. In a bowl mix: Eggs, dill, black pepper and garlic. (Don’t be shy with the dill or garlic).
    6. Crumple feta cheese into the egg mixture.
    7. Mix the ingredients.
    8. Return to the squash. Squeeze the fluid out handful by handful (generally 2X per handful since drier the better).
    9. Add squash to egg mixture and mix well.
    10. Pour into baking pan/casserole pan.
    11. Cover the mix with 5-8 pieces of phyllo dough, covering dough with melted butter between layers.
    12. Bake at 350 for one hour.
    13. Serve hot or cold.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Semi-Spartan Dad’s Stuffing/Dressing” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Semi-Spartan Dad's Stuffing/Dressing

    These are simple recipes that are easy for anyone to reproduce. I don’t use measurements when cooking so these are just estimates. The recipes have been cobbled together from various sources over the years, including online sites, but I can’t remember where to give credit or where I modified. I set up a buffet of warming trays and my recipes are all portioned for the half-size trays (gravy excluded).

    1. Get 1.5 loaves of French or Italian bread, cut in half, dice into cubes
    2. Toss cubes in bowl with melted butter, olive oil, and seasoning (pepper, salt, sage)
    3. Put in oven on sheet tray for about 15 minutes
    4. Toss cubes in large bowl with salt, pepper
    5. Add sautéed green onions and mushrooms
    6. Add chicken broth to moisten bread (maybe cup and half)
    7. Place in casserole dish and bake in oven for 35-40 minutes @ 350F


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Semi-Spartan Dad’s Gravy” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Semi-Spartan Dad's Gravy

    I don’t use measurements when cooking so these are just estimates. The recipes have been cobbled together from various sources over the years, including online sites, but I can’t remember where to give credit or where I modified.

    1. Add giblets to sauce pot with a couple celery stalks, few carrots, half an onion, bay leaves, and parsley.
    2. Fill to top with cold water and simmer while the turkey cooks. Replenish as the liquid cooks down but not close to the end as doing so dilutes the flavor
    3. If roasting a turkey, pour everything in turkey roasting dish through a strainer into new, clean stockpot. If not roasting, there should still be plenty in the giblet stockpot.
    4. Pour the giblet stockpot through strainer into said stockpot (use back of spoon to work through strainer)
    5. Taste, now is the time to add salt and pepper, if needed, and a heavy dose of sage
    6. Use beurre manié or corn starch slurry (1:1) to thicken
    7. Thicken with whisk at slightly below boiling
    8. Place gravy pot in cast iron pan to keep warm


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Playa Manhattan’s Superior Turkey & Gravy” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Playa Manhattan's Superior Turkey & Gravy

    If you’re roasting your turkey whole, you’re doing it wrong.

    1. Dark meat: Dry rub and rest for 6 hours. Tightly wrapped in foil, 300F for 6 hours.
    2. White meat: 2 day brine in pineapple juice, MSG and friends, citrus peel, sodium phosphate 10%, smoked salt, peppercorns, and powdered bay leaf. Sous Vide at 145F for 3 hours, 5 minute sear at the end.
    3. Gravy: 1 container Empire Kosher Chicken fat, 2/3rds cup flour. Cook to blonde roux. Add 3 cups rich unseasoned veal stock, whisk in. Seasoned with onion salt, yeast extract, MSG and helpers, and a touch of garlic powder. Skim unincorporated fat from the top.

    I’m pretty comfortable serving this to 30 people next week.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How To Roast a Stuffed Turkey by Count Potato” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    How To Roast a Stuffed Turkey by Count Potato

    Based on casual observation most people do it wrong. They try using bacon, aluminum foil, etc. to keep the bird from drying out. Or they soak it in brine which alters the taste and consistency of the meat. Whereas the best way is to keep the natural juices inside the turkey from the beginning.

    1. Get a covered roasting pan with a rack. Mine has a tight-fitting lid with an adjustable vent.
    2. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
    3. Find out how much the turkey weighs. If you bought from a store, it will be written on a label on the package. Otherwise, weigh it on a scale.
    4. Wash, dry, and stuff the turkey. Make sure to sew the neck and tail openings shut. Season it with salt and pepper. I also rub the outside with a mixture of dried herbs. The important thing is that the skin is well-salted.

    5. Place the bird on the rack in the pan. Then pour in a quart of low-salt stock or broth. I used to use chicken stock before turkey broth became widely available.
    6. Cover it with the lid. Put it in the oven.
    7. Estimate the total cooking time by multiplying the weight in pounds by 20 minutes. Leave it in the oven for half that time without opening the lid. No peeking.
    8. After half the total estimated cooking time has passed, remove the lid. Don’t be dismayed if the turkey “looks boiled”. It’s because it will be covered in a whitish pellicle. This is a coating of fat and proteins that will waterproof the bird like Flex Seal. This was demonstrated by the Indians at the first Thanksgiving by sawing a canoe in half.
    9. If you use a thermometer, stick through the center of one of the breasts while being careful not to touch any bone. Put it back in the oven uncovered. Do not baste it until the skin begins to turn golden brown. When it’s done, the legs should move freely, and there shouldn’t be a large amount of liquid pooled around the thighs. You can check by taking a thin knife and cut above where the thigh attaches to the back — there shouldn’t be any pink flesh or red blood around the joint.
    10. After you remove it from the oven. Let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes before carving. I move it to a dish, so I can make gravy from the roasting pan during this time.
    11. Osteoporosis!


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Deep Fried Turkey by mexicansharpshooter” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Deep Fried Turkey by mexicansharpshooter

    This is a dangerous but delicious dish to make.

    • 20 lbs Turkey

    For the brine

    • 1 gallon water
    • 1 gallon broth doesn't matter what kind (chicken broth is plentiful and cheap)
    • 2 cans kosher salt
    • 1 jar whole cloves
    • 2 lemons
    • 2 pkgs fresh rosemary (You can substitute dried, but why cheap out?)
    • ginger root (You can use candied ginger, but I like to shred it and throw it in the brine. Get as much as you dare.)

    For frying

    • 2 gallons peanut oil (minimum – see instructions)

    The brine

    1. Mix the brine and let the thawed turkey soak in it at least overnight, the longer the better. I normally go 2 nights.

    The fryer

    1. Incidentally, Underwriters Laboratory does not place their coveted seal on any gas fired turkey fryer. This is a dangerous item to have, and can result in serious injury if you are not careful. Especially if you are like me and know how to bypass the thermocouple that acts as a safety device but prevents the oil from getting hot enough. If you are faint of heart—just roast it like the Nancy Boy you are and take up valuable oven space.

    The process

    1. Now that we got that out of the way. You will need a minimum of 2 gallons of peanut oil. Prior to brining, you will need to establish the turkey’s overall displacement by filling the pot with water and marking where the turkey rests in the pot completely submerged. This may exceed the “Do not fill above this line” written inside the pot, but if you made it this far, you probably are ignoring the safety people anyway.
    2. Remove the bird from the brine, and let it dry. A wet turkey will cause you to have a very bad day, and will prove the Nancy Boys at UL right. Don’t do that.
    3. Set the bird in the stand butt down, wings tucked back. Put it in the pot of hot oil SLOWLY.
    4. Ideally, the oil should average around 175F (I can’t help you if you are in Canada), but remember the turkey is cold and will drop the temperature of the oil once you set it in there. I’m usually able to keep it between 150-165F without setting my yard on fire. 3 1/2 minutes per pound should net a result that is moist on the inside, and delightfully crisp skin in the outside. This needs to sit at least 30 mins before carving.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Brown Sugar Cookies from Nosh with Me – contributed by jesse.in.mb” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Brown Sugar Cookies from Nosh with Me – contributed by jesse.in.mb

    • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (about 1 3/4 ounces)
    • 2 cups packed dark brown sugar (14 ounces)
    • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons ( about 10 1/2 ounces)
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 large egg yolk
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    1. Heat 10 tablespoons of the butter in a pan over medium-high heat until melted. Continue to cook the butter until it is browned a dark golden color and smells nutty, about 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer the browned butter to a bowl and stir the rest of the butter into the hot butter until it melts- let this rest for 15 min.
    2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a baking dish, mix granulated sugar and a ¼ cup of the brown sugar until combined well; set this mixture aside to roll dough balls in.
    3. Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl. Add 1 ¾ cup brown sugar and salt to cooled butter and mix until there are no lumps. Add egg, yolk, and vanilla to butter mixture and mix well, then add flour and mix until just combined.
    4. Roll dough into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter, and roll balls in brown sugar and white sugar mixture. Place balls about 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets.
    5. Bake sheets one at a time until cookies are puffy and lightly browned, about 12-14 minutes. (It says the cookies will look slightly raw between some of the cracks and seem underdone, but be careful not to over bake.) Cool on sheet for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a rack to cool.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”jesse.in.mb’s Aunt Sheryl’s Dutch Apple Pie” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    jesse.in.mb's Aunt Sheryl's Dutch Apple Pie

    (It’s the best, fight me!)

    • 1 single 10" pie crust

    Filling

    • 2/3 cup sugar
    • 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
    • ¾ tsp cinnamon
    • ½ fresh lemon
    • 6-8 tart apples pared cored (pared,cored and sliced (equaling 6 cups))

    Crumb Topping

    • ½ cup flour
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • ¼ cup butter

    For Filling

    1. Combine first three ingredients.
    2. Put apples in crust, sprinkle dry mix over apples then squeeze ½ lemon over them (can be left for up to 24 hours in the fridge for more flavor).

    For Crumb Topping

    1. Combine flour and sugar, cut in butter until crumbly.
    2. Sprinkle on top of apples.
    3. Bake at 400 for 45-50 minutes


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Ina Garten’s Pear, Apple & Cranberry Crisp – contributed by SP” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Ina Garten's Pear, Apple & Cranberry Crisp – contributed by SP

    This is pretty close to a crisp I make, except I use fresh cranberries. But this one has the added virtue of already being keyed in.

    For the filling

    • 2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (4 pears)
    • 2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples)
    • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
    • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
    • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

    For the topping

    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 3/4 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
    • 1/2 pound 2 sticks cold unsalted butter (diced)
    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    For the filling:

    1. Peel and core the pears and apples and cut them into large chunks. Place the fruit in a large bowl and toss with the cranberries, zests, juices, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a 9 x 12 x 2-inch baking dish.

    For the topping:

    1. Combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and cold butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.
    2. Place the baking dish on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Pumpkin Imperial Stout Tiramisu by Nephilium” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Pumpkin Imperial Stout Tiramisu by Nephilium

    So here’s a recipe (modified from an issue of BeerAdvocate).

    • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
    • ½ tsp cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp nutmeg
    • 1/8 tsp clove
    • ¼ cup Dry Malt Extract
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree
    • 2 cup mascarpone cheese
    • 24 oz Rasputin Imperial Stout or any other good Russian Imperial Stout
    • 3 packages ladyfinger cookies
    • 1 cup Simpsons Special Dark Roast Malt ground to a powder
    • cinnamon ground
    • powdered sugar
    1. In a medium bowl, add cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and DME. Mix this until soft peaks form, then set aside. In a different bowl, mix together the pumpkin and the mascarpone until fully combined. Fold the pumpkin mixture into the spiced whipped cream until blended (some streaks are fine), and then set aside.
    2. Pour the stout into a shallow bowl or a pie plate. Select your serving container (I usually use a 13 x 9 pan, but you can use whatever size you wish). Then you begin the assembly of the tiramisu.
    3. Dip ladyfingers into the stout for 10 seconds, then flip them, and let them sit for 10 seconds again. Then place the ladyfingers into your serving container until you have a single layer.
    4. Then take a third of the pumpkin cream filling and distribute it over the ladyfingers. Dust with malt powder, then add another layer of soaked ladyfingers.
    5. Top the second layer with pumpkin cream and then garnish with malt powder, some cinnamon, and powdered sugar.
    6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

    DME and Simpsons Special Dark Roast can be acquired at your local homebrew store. Otherwise you can substitute ovaltine for the DME, and cocoa powder for the Special Dark Roast.

    If you use a smaller container, you can go to three layers of each, or even four. Do what you want, it’s your dessert.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Hayeksplosives’s Easy, No Brainer, Creamy Pumpkin Pie” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Hayeksplosives's Easy, No Brainer, Creamy Pumpkin Pie

    Easy, foolproof, and better than anything the store sells.

    • 1 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1 tsp ground ginger
    • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
    • 1 15 oz can pumpkin
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (I ALWAYS use graham cracker–it's great with the pumpkin spices.)
    1. Preheat oven to 425F.
    2. Whisk pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt in bowl until smooth.
    3. Pour into pie crust.
    4. Bake 15 minutes.
    5. Reduce temp to 350F and bake 35-40 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
    6. Cool.
    7. Garnish with whipped cream or Cool Whip.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”SP’s Vegan Pumpkin Chia Pudding” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    SP’s Vegan Pumpkin Chia Pudding

    Even Web Dom can have a seasonal Thanksgiving dessert.

    • 1/4 c chia seeds
    • 1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 tsp sugar (or 10-15 drops liquid stevia, or to taste)
    • 1/4 c pumpkin puree
    • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or equivalent components)
    • pinch salt
    • 2 tbsp pecans (toasted and chopped)
    1. Combine chia seeds with almond milk in a medium bowl. Set aside for one hour.

    2. Add vanilla extract, sweetener of choice, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the bowl with chia seeds and almond milk. 

    3. Process with an immersion blender until smooth. Adjust sweetener to taste.

    4. Pour into a dessert dish and top with pecans.

    We prefer less-sweet foods, so you may want to adjust the sweetness to your preference.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”SP’s Candied Cashews” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ open=”off”]

    Candied Cashews

    • 2 cups whole cashews
    • 1 egg white
    • 1 tsp water
    • 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    1. Preheat oven to 325F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

    2. Beat egg white with the water in a medium bowl until foamy and light.

    3. Add the cashews, sugar, salt and cinnamon to the bowl. Stir thoroughly; nuts should be completely coated.

    4. Spread the mixture as evenly as possible on the baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes or until nuts are beginning to caramelize.

    5. Remove from the oven and allow nuts to cool.  Store in an air tight container.


    [/et_pb_accordion_item][/et_pb_accordion][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Vegan School: Tuscan White Bean Fettuccine

    Earlier this week I made this dish out of ingredients we have in the pantry. It was fast, delicious, and didn’t require a trip to the grocery store. I love meals that involve no extra shopping.

    This can be made not vegan easily by using butter and garnishing with fresh parm. I think this would go quite well with some chicken, but as I’m vegan, I’m never going to know. If any Glibs try it with some chicken, do let me know in the comments how it turns out.

    Tuscan White Bean Fettuccine

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 sm white onion (chopped)
    • 2 cans great northern beans (drained, but not rinsed)
    • 2 tbsp minced garlic
    • 2 tbsp butter alternative
    • 1 box fettuccine
    • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
    • 5-10 fresh basil leaves
    • 1/2 cup white wine
    • salt (to taste)
    • pepper (to taste)
    1. In a pan over medium heat add the olive oil and onion. Sautee until onions are translucent.

    2. Add garlic, tomatoes, white wine, basil, beans, butter alternative. Stir until combined. Cover and simmer until beans are mushy.

    3. Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Drain, add to pan with sauce.

    4. Stir the fettuccine with the sauce over medium heat until evenly coated. Serve.

      If not vegan, top with fresh parm.

  • Vegan School: Turmeric Latte

    My electrophysiologist told me to eat more anti-inflammatory foods to help my heart problem. He recommended turmeric, ginger, and green tea (among others).

    This past week I’ve been drinking a cup of green tea and a turmeric latte daily.

    I was unhappy with the turmeric latte recipes I found, so I made my own. This recipe is quick, simple, cheap, and delicious. (Don’t worry: it doesn’t taste like curry.)

    I use fresh local honey as a sweetener. I buy turmeric in bulk anyway. I am partial to this brand of turmeric. And this brand of ginger.

    I currently use soy milk because that’s what I have in the house, but it’s delicious with Oatly oat milk.

    Turmeric Latte

    • 1/4 tsp turmeric
    • 1/4 tsp ginger
    • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • 2 turns freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 dash iodized salt
    • 6 oz hot water
    • 6 oz non-dairy milk
    • honey (to taste)
    1. In a coffee cup add the spices, hot water, and non-dairy milk. Stir thoroughly. Add honey to taste. Enjoy.

  • Vegan School: Tortilla Soup

    Today’s recipe is super quick and easy. It’s for vegan tortilla soup. You basically throw the ingredients in a pot and simmer til it tastes good. I’m not even kidding.

    I use this vegan soup base to make the “chicken” broth, and this smoked paprika. I find it to be smokier than other brands.

    Vegan Tortilla Soup

    • 64 oz crushed tomatoes
    • 8 cups vegan "chicken" broth
    • 1 medium white onion (chopped)
    • 1 can black beans (15oz, drained)
    • 1 pkg extra firm tofu (drained, chopped into strips)
    • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
    • 1 tbsp lime juice
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
    • 1/4 cup green chile (or more if you're a chilehead)
    • 2 cups sweet corn
    • 6 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
    • salt (to taste)
    • black pepper (to taste)
    • cilantro (optional, to taste)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil (or less)
    1. Dry fry the tofu til crisp. Set aside.

    2. Spread the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake on 300 til crisp. Salt to taste. Set aside.

    3. In a large soup pot fry the onion in the olive oil. 

    4. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer til flavours are melded.

    5. Dish into a bowl, add tofu, garnish with cilantro, and tortilla strips. Enjoy!

  • Vegan School: Quick and Easy Pineapple Curry

    I’m a curry fiend.

    I love it.

    In fact, I love it so much the other night I told my husband I need to open a shop called “WebDom’s House of Pain” and it will only sell curry.

    But, like all things I do, I don’t exactly play by the rules, so my curry dishes are more like a curry-ish because I love to throw in things you wouldn’t traditionally find in that type of curry.

    This week’s vegan school recipe is for my quick and easy pineapple curry.

    This recipe is pretty free-form, and it uses a curry paste as the base. It also uses frozen vegetables. This is what makes it “quick and easy” compared to my usual curries where I make the sauce 100% from scratch and use only fresh vegetables. Once it’s assembled you can basically walk away and let it simmer, only stirring every 5 or 10 minutes.

    I use this red curry paste as it’s what is available somewhat locally. Any red curry paste would yield a fairly close result.

    I use this coconut milk, which I have found to be superior to all other coconut milks. It’s very thick and very coconutty.

    I use this not chicken base to make the 8 cups of not chicken broth.

    Quick and Easy Pineapple Curry

    • 1 pkg extra firm tofu (drained, cubed)
    • 1 sm sweet onion (diced)
    • 8 baby carrots (chopped)
    • 1/2 bag frozen red peppers and onions
    • 1/2 bag frozen peas
    • 1/2 bag frozen cauliflower
    • 1 can pineapple chunks (15oz can)

    Sauce

    • 8 cups not chicken broth
    • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 can coconut milk (see notes)
    • 1 can red curry paste (see notes)
    • black pepper (to taste)
    • sesame seeds (to taste)
    1. Dry fry the tofu until browned on all sides. You may use a little oil to coat the pan. I do not but that is a personal preference.

    2. Add all the veggies. Add the sauce ingredients. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes or until sauce is thick.

    3. Serve over rice. Top with black pepper and sesame seeds to taste. 

  • Three Tapas Outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin

    After a delightful dinner last week at La Bodega in Kansas City, my thoughts have turned Iberian.

    What I love most in the food world is simple dishes with strong and direct flavors. These are especially welcome when 22 oversized millionaires are pounding the shit out of each other on our TV set. Spudalicious and I started a tradition of Football Sunday, wherein we start cooking and drinking early, then never stop until we pass out. Thanks be to all of the munificent gods, SP has kept up the tradition. And here’s some simple tapas recipes which are almost not even recipes because they’re so simple- but beware, this means you have to be super-picky about the quality of the raw ingredients, no cheating.

    After you make these, pop a chilled bottle of fino sherry and start in on a food and drink coma. If you’re still awake by the end of the night game, you’re doing it wrong.

    Tapas 1: Padron Peppers

    Padrons are a wonderfully-flavored Spanish specialty. You can get them fried and salted at nearly every bar in Madrid, but they are unaccountably difficult to find here in the US. A reasonable substitute that’s easier to source is shishito peppers (or the equivalent Korean kuwari), but you miss the Russian Roulette- real Padrons are sweet, but in every bowl, there’s one that has hoarded all the Scovilles and you never know which one it is until it’s in your mouth.

    4-5 tablespoons peanut or corn oil
    1/2 pound Padron or shishito peppers
    olive oil
    kosher salt

    Heat the peanut oil in a cast iron pan over medium-high flame until it’s just beginning to smoke. Drop in the peppers and spread to a single layer. Let them fry undisturbed until the bottoms are charred. Flip them over, char the other side. Scoop out, let the excess oil drain, then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and serve.

     

    Tapas 2: Piquillo Peppers

    Piquillos are what every sweet red pepper wants to be when it grows up. There’s no way you’ll ever find fresh ones to roast and peel, but the jarred ones are usually pretty good. And Trader Joe’s has them at a semi-reasonable price.

    2 jars roasted and peeled Spanish piquillo peppers
    2-3 tbs Spanish olive oil (you want a good, buttery oil here)
    3 cloves garlic
    1/2 c oloroso sherry
    coarse salt (Malden)

    Peel and slice the garlic thinly. Cut the piquillos into strips about 3/4″ wide. Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium flame, then add the garlic. Saute until the slices just barely begin to brown, then turn up the heat and add the sherry. Flame it and reduce by half. Toss in the piquillo strips, stir, then plate and then lightly salt. Allow to come to room temperature, taste for seasoning, then serve. If you really want decadence, grill some bread, brush it with olive oil, smear on some burrata, then top with the piquillos.

     

    Tapas 3: Garbanzos with tomato

    15 oz can garbanzos, drained and rinsed
    Or if you’re ambitious, 1-1/2 c soaked and pressure-cooked garbanzos, cooled (and this does taste better)

    3 tbs Spanish olive oil
    1 sweet onion
    1-2 ripe tomatoes, depending on size
    2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
    1/4 c dry white wine
    1 tbs fresh rosemary, chopped
    1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
    salt and pepper

    Peel and slice the onion thinly. Peel and seed the tomatoes, then cut into 3/4″ dice. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan, sauté the onion until it barely shows some brown, then add the tomatoes and garlic.

    Cook until the tomatoes look wilted, then deglaze with the white wine. Add the rosemary and the garbanzos, then cook until the liquid has turned to a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, then salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the thyme and serve warm over a thick slice of grilled country-style bread. A young Rioja would be an excellent pairing.

    Bonus Entries:

    No tapas assortment is complete without two other things: some Manchego cheese layered with a thin slice of membrillo (a thick jellied quince paste), and  tortilla espanola. I think the definitive tortilla is this one.

     

  • Vegan School: Green Chile Potato Leek Soup

    Predictably on schedule the grey gloom of winter hit New York on the 1st of October. This weather is a blessing and a curse. Mostly a curse, but it is a blessing in that I am fully embracing soups this year.

    Last week I made this delicious green chile potato leek soup that my husband says is the best thing I’ve ever made. (I disagree, but my comfort foods are all Asian.)

    This soup uses zero dairy, and is still delightfully creamy. You’ll need an immersion blender to whir it up at the end and blend it smooth. I use this one.

    You can adjust the spice by adding or subtracting green chile. I used sauce because I had a jar made up in the fridge already, and it was a lot easier than cleaning green chiles just for the soup. But you could use freshly chopped green chile just the same.

    Right before serving, I topped my husband’s dish with some freshly shredded Havarti, and then I stole a taste. It’s delicious. If you’re #notvegan, I highly recommend you add a little at the end.

    Green Chile Potato Leek Soup

    • 6 medium white potatoes (peeled and chopped)
    • 3 leeks (cleaned and chopped)
    • 1 large sweet onion (diced)
    • 1 tbsp butter alternative of your choice
    • 1 cup hard cider
    • 1 cup green chile sauce
    • 8 cups vegetable or not chicken broth
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp thyme
    • black pepper (to taste)
    • salt (to taste)
    • Havarti cheese for garnish if you're #notvegan
    1. Clean the leeks and chop off the rough dark green ends. Leave a lot of green. Slice into thin rounds.

    2. Melt butter alternative over medium heat. Add leeks and cook down until soft. Add the chopped onions. Cook until the onions are starting to go translucent. The leeks will be just starting to brown. Add the hard cider and turn temperature to a simmer.

    3. Add potatoes, broth, a little freshly ground black pepper, thyme, soy sauce, and green chile sauce. Simmer until potatoes can be mashed with a wooden spoon.

    4. Remove from heat, and whir up with an immersion blender until creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’re #notvegan, serve with some grated Havarti on top.

    This potato soup uses zero dairy, but if you’re just going vegetarian and you’re not vegan, add a little Havarti right before serving.