Check out some healthy versions of holiday classics!

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie
Prep Time
45 minutes, plus 4 hours set time
Number of Servings
Serves 8
Ingredients
  • Coconut oil and brown rice flour (superfine) for greasing pan
  • [q:1 1/2] cups brown rice flour (superfine)
  • [q:1/4] cup + 1 Tbsp arrowroot, divided
  • [q:3/4] cup + 1 tsp coconut sugar, divided
  • [q:1 1/4] tsp sea salt, divided
  • [q:1 3/4] + [q:1/8] tsp cinnamon, divided
  • [q:1/2] cup coconut oil, solid
  • [q:1 1/2] Tbsp + 2 tsp vanilla extract, divided
  • 3 Tbsp agave nectar
  • [q:1/2] cup + 1 Tbsp ice cold water
  • 1 can (15 oz) organic pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full fat)
  • 2 Tbsp potato starch
  • [q:1/8] tsp ground ginger
  • [q:1/8] tsp nutmeg
  • [q:1/8] tsp cloves
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly oil and then flour the bottom of a pie pan with coconut oil and brown rice flour.
  2. To make pie crust, sift together in a medium bowl the brown rice flour, 1 tablespoon of the arrowroot, 1 teaspoon of the coconut sugar, [q:3/4] teaspoon of the sea salt, and [q:1/4] teaspoon and [q:1/8] teaspoon of the cinnamon.
  3. Gradually add solid coconut oil to dry mixture (preferably with a standing mixer set on low). Once mixture is crumbly, add in [q:1 1/2] tablespoons of vanilla extract and the agave nectar. Slowly add in the water—2 tablespoons at a time. Remove resulting dough from the bowl and form it into a ball shape with your hands. Next, flatten dough into a round disk and place it into a pie pan. Using the heel of your hand, press dough into pan and up along the sides to form a crust. Crimp edges with your fingers. Place pie crust into the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill it.
  4. To prepare the filling, place pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla into a medium bowl. Sift in remaining [q:3/4] cup of coconut sugar, [q:1/4] cup of arrowroot, and potato starch. Then add in remaining [q:1 1/2] teaspoons of cinnamon, [q:1/2] teaspoon sea salt, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix ingredients together (preferably with a standing or hand mixer) until they are incorporated. Remove pie crust from refrigerator. Pour [q:2 3/4] cups of filling into pie crust. Cover edges of pie crust with aluminum foil or pie shields.
  5. Bake pie for 30 minutes. Let it cool and then transfer it into the refrigerator to set for 4 hours before serving. Serve with a dollop of Ryan’s “Whipped Cream” (optional).
Nutrition Info
459 Calories, 4 g Protein, 0 mg Cholesterol, 56 g Carbohydrates, 26 g Total sugars (24 g Added sugars), 4 g Fiber, 25 g Total fat (21 g sat), 376 mg Sodium, [nutrition:4] Vitamin A, [nutrition:2] Vitamin B6, Phosphorus, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweetened with Maple Syrup
Prep Time
10 minutes
Number of Servings
12
Ingredients
  • 5 lbs red-skinned sweet potatoes
  • [q:1/2] cup vegan margarine
  • [q:1/3] cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt vegan margarine in microwave or over stovetop. Add maple syrup and cinnamon and stir until combined.
  3. Drain potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash with a hand mixer or potato masher until smooth. Stir in maple syrup mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Info
253 Calories, 3 g Protein, 44 g Carbohydrates, 13 g Total sugars (5 g Added sugars), 6 g Fiber, 7 g Total fat (2 g sat), 272 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin A, [nutrition:3] Vitamin B6, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium

A Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Feast

A Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Feast
Lynn Tryba
friends and family enjoying a feast for special dietary needs

The star of the Thanksgiving table is often the turkey, closely followed by homemade rolls or stuffing and veggies. Gluten-free and meatless dishes are delicious, healthy and easy to include in your traditional Thanksgiving line-up.

The following is a traditional Thanksgiving menu featuring gluten-free and vegetarian options for each course.

These dishes are sure to thrill your guests with special diets while being enjoyed by the entire family.

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Contributor
The Taste for Life Staff
Tags
thanksgiving

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The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
Lynn Tryba
a plate of traditional turkey dinner with stuffing and gravy

As strange as it seems now, it’s thought that venison, ducks, and geese were served at the first Thanksgiving. These days, though, turkey is the meat of choice.

How can you make sure your bird is moist, delicious, and worry-free? Follow these tips.

Cooking The Perfect Bird

  • Plan Your Pounds

    You’ll need about one pound of turkey per guest. Add up how many pounds you need for your guest list—and then tack on an extra few pounds if you love leftovers!

  • Contain Leaks

    If you buy a fresh (not frozen) bird, store it in the fridge on a tray that can collect any leaking juices.

  • Thaw Safely

    If you buy a frozen turkey, keep it in its original packaging and thaw it in the fridge. It usually takes 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird. You can also thaw the turkey in its wrapper submerged in cold water in a clean sink, advises the Mayo Clinic. For this method, plan for a half-hour per pound, and change the water every 30 minutes.

  • Get The Right Temperature

    It takes about four-and-a-half hours to roast a 20-pound turkey at 325°. Use a food thermometer to check for a minimum internal temperature of 165°.

  • Butter The Skin

    Brush the turkey skin with melted butter or oil before roasting. This adds flavor and helps with browning.

  • Baste With Care

    If you decide to baste, do so only up until the last hour of roast time, otherwise crisp skin can turn soft.

Sources

“Let's Talk Turkey—A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey,” USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, www.fsis.usda.gov

“Turkey Roasting Instructions . . .” https://whatscookingamerica.net

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Contributor
Lisa Fabian
Tags
turkey
thanksgiving
holidays
kitchen / cooking

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