12/12/2018

Happy Holidays!

Winter is finally upon us and for many people, this is the ideal time of year. Snowball fights, hot chocolate, infinity scarves, holiday lights. What more could you possibly want? (Well, the sun for starters...)

Regardless of how you celebrate this time of year, between work, friends, and family chances are you’ll be headed to quite a few holiday parties. And you don’t want to show up empty-handed, do you? But what are you going to bring?

Well, it shouldn’t surprise you that there are endless plant-based options for all your holiday shindigs, but we’ll cut to the chase. It’s truly really all about the sweets. ‘Tis the season to be generous, right? And that includes your taste buds!

So, just in case you need some plant-based inspiration, here’s our gift to you: 15 recipes to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth.

Beverages

We’d be remiss not to mention a drink or two -- you’ll need something to wash down all those delicious treats with. Plus, if you aren’t a baker and you don’t want to start, everybody can appreciate a nice drink whether it’s decadent or refreshing.

Eggnog

One the most idyllic holiday drinks has to be eggnog. Thankfully for those that love it, dairy-free eggnog is easy to come by. Brands like Silk, Good Karma, and Califia Farms all have plant-based eggnogs on grocery shelves. But if you want to go the extra mile, try out this simple homemade recipe!

Hot Chocolate

Another winter must-have, hot chocolate is adored by all. (Right?) While powder mixes tend to have milk fat in them, you can make a batch at home in no time at all!. Spice up this recipe with some cinnamon or cayenne for extra flavor -- or for those 21+ some Baileys Almande or peppermint schnapps perhaps.

Mulled Cider

Speaking of alcohol… Sometimes you need it to get through all those holiday parties. Especially the ones with family. Trying bringing a crock of mulled cider to put everyone in a good mood!

Cranberry Punch

Just in case apple cider isn’t you thing. Give this a mix.

Holiday Mule

Okay, last one we swear. Recipe.

*Bonus* Mint and Cocoa Horchata

We lied—though this one isn't alcoholic! (Unless you want to add some rum...) Either way, get your spice on with this creamy and delicious Mexican-inspired recipe!

Baked Goods

When it comes to plant-based baking, you’ll need to replace the eggs and dairy you’ll find in most recipes. Using plant-based milk and butter is easy enough, but substituting eggs can be a little trickier. 1 cup of applesauce and a little extra baking powder per egg will help you bind your low-rising bakes. You can also substitute one flaxseed egg per egg by mixing 3 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed, letting it sit for 15 minutes until gel-like before adding it to your mixture. For cakes that require a greater rise, try 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of vinegar per replaced egg -- the chemical reaction will give your cake the air it needs to stand tall! But here are some tasty, plantified recipes in case you don’t want to adapt your old ones.

Snickerdoodles

They may have a silly name, but boy are they delicious. This cinnamon-forward cookie will surely please any crowd.

Peppermint Bark

No flavor screams winter quite as much as peppermint does. Pick yourself up some non-dairy chocolate and your in business. Try adding some pretzels to this recipe for an extra crunch!

Black Forest Cake

Rich, fruity, and show-stopping, it’s not too often you eat a slice of black forest cake. This recipe is great for those that want to make an extra great impression on the holiday crowd.

Anginette Cookies

Anginette cookies are an Italian holiday classic. The hint of citrus flavor really helps lift the profile of this otherwise rather simple cookie.  

Peppermint Patties

What do we need to say other than peppermint and chocolate are a wonderful combination? Recipe.

Sufganiyot

Eating more plants doesn’t mean you can’t maintain tradition. If your family craves these jelly doughnuts during Hanukkah, try out this plant-based recipe!

Red Velvet Cake

Speaking of rich desserts. Red velvet cake is among the richest. And you don’t even need to bother plantifying a cream cheese frosting recipe. Pick up a container of Duncan Hines Cream Cheese frosting at the store -- it’s already plant-based. (We don’t get it either, but aren’t thinking too hard about it.)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Easy and delicious. What more do you need? Recipe.

Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday classic we had to include. Recipe.

Yule Log

Watch the video and you're sure to salivate... Chocolate lovers rejoice! Recipe.

Decide to make one of these for your next holiday gathering? We wanna see! Be sure to share it on social media with #EatPlantsForAChange and tag us @CompassionUSA. Enjoy!

P.S. Like these resources? Help us keep them funded! Take the Compassion Challenge and your donation will be DOUBLED. Spread some holiday cheer this year by helping others take animal products off their plate!