A staple dish in most American celebrations, mashed potatoes and gravy is the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to even the coldest of evenings. What I love most about this dish is that no one will even know it is vegan. You can just show up, put in on the table, and the whole family will enjoy. People disagree about the perfect way to make mashed potatoes, but for me the best mashed potatoes have plenty of salt, pepper and butter.

I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes for mashing because of their fluffy texture and slightly buttery flavor. They also have a nice yellow color that adds to the warmth of this dish. Learn more about potato varieties in this post.

Rich mushroom gravy turns basic mashed potatoes into something special.

Make it a Meal

These mashed potatoes take center stage in this recipe for Vegan Shepherd’s Pie.

This famous pie hails from the Florida Keys, where key limes grow prolifically. These limes are smaller, thinner skinned, and more tart and aromatic than regular limes. With an added touch of lime essential oil, I actually prefer this Vegan Key Lime Pie recipe to the dairy versions I have had in the past.

Limes are a power-packed citrus fruit with numerous health benefits. Loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients, these little fruits support liver, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and neurological health. Fresh limes and lime essential oil add a delicious energetic tartness to beverages and other foods. In this vegan key lime pie, the combination of tartness, sweetness and creaminess creates a refreshing summer dessert few can resist.

Gather all ingredients.

   

• To make the crust, process graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse food processor a few times to combine. Press mixture firmly into prepared springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.

      

Combine filling ingredients in a mixing bowl, and blend on medium speed until smooth. Pour mixture over cooled crust, and decorate with lime slices. Place pie in the freezer for a few hours to set.

 

Finally, remove pie from freezer, decorate with lime zest, and serve.

Looking for more delicious vegan desserts?

Try this irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake!

I Love Thanksgiving.

This year I am grateful to be surrounded by tons of vegan friends, and I am hosting a full-scale vegan Thanksgiving feast. Many of the recipes are also gluten free or can be made gluten free.

Let’s Eat!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It feels a whole lot less stressful than Christmas. The reminder to give thanks regularly is more gracious than the just outright fun of Halloween.

And the food. Nothing bums me out about spending an entire day cooking.  I love slow food nation, hosting a dinner party, and doing the corny, cheesy activity or making everyone go around the table and say things they are thankful for.

Most years, I get drafted into cooking a turkey. This is a bit odd because I don’t even like turkey, and I really don’t eat much meat at all. But I care deeply about the animals that I do cook, and this gives super delicious eats.

Here’s What’s on the Menu at My Vegan Thanksgiving

Beginning

Make hosting vegan thanksgiving a breeze by making both of these starters a day or two ahead of time. Simply reheat the borscht on the stove as guests arrive. You can leave all the crudité on the table for nibbles as people settle into a glass of prosecco or chardonnay.

Get the Recipe

Borscht

Middle

I’m not messing around this year. When I say epic, I mean epic.  Going meatless does not mean that you have to be hungry or wanting. Here’s all the feast on this year’s table. Be sure to have plenty of pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.

Get the Recipes

Shepherd’s Pie and Gravy

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Grapes, Pecan, Balsamic Vinegar

Barely Braised Greens

Butternut Squash Salad

End

Because every meal needs a sweet ending, we are polishing this meal off with Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

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During the feast, why not diffuse one of these 4 Fall Diffuser Blends that aren’t Pumpkin Spice? Perfect way to get your autumnal spirit on!