Christmas is seen as a time for togetherness, joy, cheer and indulgence. However, not everyone can enjoy all the treats of Christmas due to dietary restrictions whether it be by choice or necessity. We will be looking at a couple alternative vegan option for persons who need to satisfy a sweet tooth. Sometimes it may seem challenging to fill the craving for your favourite food with food allergies or restrictions but take the time to search online there is something for everyone. Here are a few I am sure you will love!
Vegan Christmas Cake
Equipment
- Blender
- Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried chopped mixed fruits (drained previously soaked in wine is optional)
- 2 cups Red Grape Juice (Wine& Rum alternative)
- 1/2 cub Molasses
- 1 cup Non-dairy butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Grated Lemon Zest (lime zest alternative)
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (or gluten free alternative)
- 1 cup Almond Flour (whole almonds in food processor until made into a fine powder)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Ground Flax seeds
- 2 tsp Ground Allspice
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9” round baking tin and line the bottom with parchment paper, set aside. If using dried fruits (not pre- soaked) bring to a boil in a pan on medium heat fried fruit and grape juice, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes and let cool.
- Blend to a puree 1 cups of fruits and liquid. Pour puree in a bowl with molasses, butter, almond and vanilla extract, and lemon zest and mix well.
- In a separate bowl combine remaining dry ingredients and mix well. Add dry into wet ingredients and stir well. Add remaining dried fruit and stir. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until skewer or toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and enjoy!!
Jamaican Christmas Eggnog
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 3 cups Dairy-free Milk
- 14 oz Full fat Coconut Milk
- 5 tbsp Maple Syrup (alternative 3 tsp maple syrup flavouring & 5 tbsp corn syrup)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp Ground Cardamom (optional)
- 1 oz Bourbon (alternative rum) (optional)
- 1 tbsp Molasses
Instructions
- In a blender add dairy-free milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract and cardamom. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Taste and add more spices and syrup or molasses as needed for sweetness.
- Serve chilled or warmed and add your favourite rum or bourbon to kick it up a notch!
Going vegan does not have to be a chore with a few sweet treat options for the Christmas. So, give these a try, I am so sure you will be just as merrier and a little less heavy after Christmas!
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #8 in a store near you.