A Simple Yet Delicious Plant-Based Christmas Menu

Ingredients:

• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 1/4 Cup melted Earth Balance Butter (or any vegan butter)
• 1/4 Cup unbleached white flour
• 2 Cups unsweetened soy or oat milk
• 2 Cups vegetable broth
• 1 Large head of broccoli, cut into 1" pieces (stems included)
• 2 Carrots, shredded
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup shredded vegan cheese
• 1 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
• 1 tsp 'Not Chicken' seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Saute onions in melted butter until transparent.
• Add flour to make a roux and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
• Add milk and vegetable broth, whisking continuously to avoid clumping. 
• Bring to a boil, then whisk in cheese, nutmeg, and nutritional yeast.
• Add shredded carrots and broccoli and cook for 15 - 20 minutes until vegetables are soft.
• Add salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

LENTIL LOAF

Ingredients:

• 1 Bag Country Life french lentil soup
• 1 1/2 Cup oats
• 1/2 Cup walnuts, blended into flour
• 1/4 Cup ground flax meal + 1/2 cup water to form flax egg
• 1/4- 1/3 Cup 'Not Chicken' Seasoning

Directions:

• Cook french lentil soup as directed on the package.
• Pulse 3/4 Cup of the mix into a food processor and puree.
• Transfer puree to a bowl and add the remaining whole lentils, oats, walnut flour, flax egg, and Not Chicken Seasoning. Mix well.
• Place into a loaf pan and bake at 350 F for 50 min.
• Add mushroom gravy on top and parsley for garnish.

MUSHROOM GRAVY

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Crimini mushrooms
• 1/2 Onion minced
• 3 Cloves of garlic minced
• 1/3 Cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Cup vegetable broth
• 1 Cup non-dairy unsweetened milk
• Aromatics of choice (Thyme, Sage, Rosemary)

Directions:

• Sautée onion until translucent; add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add mushrooms and cook until reduced.
• Add flour and veggie broth until absorbed, and then add milk slowly.
• Add aromatics, salt, and pepper to taste
• Let simmer until thickened.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Block silken tofu
• 2 oz vegan dark chocolate, melted
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp peppermint flavor
• 2-3 Tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk if using firm tofu (for blending)
• Crushed cookies like Oreos
• Coconut cream
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries (optional)

Directions:

• Blend tofu and melted chocolate in a blender.
• Add cocoa powder, peppermint, and plant milk and blend until smooth
• Time to serve in individual glasses or mason jars:
• Make a parfait by layering the following: crushed cookies, mousse, cookies, and ending with coconut whipped topping.
• Add chocolate-dipped strawberries and mint leaves for a beautiful serving (optional).