Vegan holiday menu

Posted by Johan on Friday, December 16, 2011

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Planning a menu for a holiday party is no easy feat, especially when catering to vegan family and friends. However, meatless meal planning doesn't have to be hard and you certainly don't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to creating your entrees and sides. Simple swaps, like soy milk for regular, vegan cheese for cheddar, and Tofurky for red meat can turn any meal into a vegan one! Plus, with such decadent dishes like shepherd's pie and rich cranberry cheesecake, people won't miss the heaviness that accompanies meat and cheese!

Share the joys of healthy food and healthy living with your family and friends by introducing them to these incredibly delicious vegan recipes. If you are eager to reinvent some of your favorite holiday dishes, like green bean casserole or cheesecake, just swap out the dairy ingredients with soy or coconut milk.

Tofurky stuffing bites

One of the easiest and most delicious holiday dishes to prepare is stuffing. However, to change things up a bit this year, I decided to turn this side into a bite-size appetizer! The great thing about these stuffing bites is that they can be made with both vegan and non-vegan ingredients and the taste is the same -- amazing!

Tofurky stuffing bites

Yields 12

Ingredients:

  • 12 pre-cooked phyllo shells
  • 1-1/2 cups vegan stuffing, prepared
  • 2 basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 links Tofurky breakfast sausage links
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. In a medium size nonstick pan, cook sausages until fully cooked and browned, about five to six minutes. Take off heat and let cool. Once cooled, chop into small bite-size pieces.
  2. Place about one tablespoon of stuffing into each shell. Top with chopped sausage and basil leaves. Garnish with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Greek roasted potatoes

These seasoned potatoes are the biggest hit around our house. Every time we make a batch, the whole thing is gone in less than 20 minutes. Besides being incredibly delicious, these potatoes are naturally dairy and meat free, so no swapping or sacrificing is necessary! Plus, the whole dish is ready in 30 minutes or less, so you can spend more time eating and caroling!

Greek roasted potatoes

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium size red potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a large pot, boil six cups of water . Place whole potatoes in water and boil until soft, about eight minutes. Rinse and let cool completely.
  3. Once potatoes have cooled, quarter and place in a glass baking dish. Cover with olive oil and Greek spice. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are browned and have a little crunch on the outside. Enjoy!

Savory butternut squash soup

There's nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a freezing cold winter day. What makes this soup recipe perfect for holiday gatherings is that it can be prepared up to three days in advance! Made with rich potatoes, celery, carrots, onions and fresh butternut squash, this soup is a great starter or side dish to any holiday meal.

Savory butternut squash soup

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery with leaves, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large russet potato, quartered
  • 1 medium butternut squash, seeded and cubed
  • 32 ounce container of vegetable broth
  • 2 basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegan sour cream for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a medium pan, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potato and butternut squash and heat until lightly browned, about five minutes. Cover vegetables with broth and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
  3. Pour soup into a blender and blend until pureed. Serve with vegan sour cream and enjoy!

Vegan shepherd's pie

This popular Irish meal is incredibly rich, hearty and filling, especially when prepared with ground beef and butter-laden mashed potatoes. Not only is this vegan recipe lighter on the waistline, it's healthier for you since it's packed with fiber rich kidney beans! Plus, who doesn't want a big ol' heaping of warm and cozy comfort food around the holidays?

Vegan shepards pie

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 3 to 3-1/2 cups vegan mashed potatoes, prepared
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups kidney beans
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 parsnips, chopped
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon basil
  • 2 teaspoons rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons shredded soy cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, carrots, parsnips and mushrooms. Heat until softened, about six to seven minutes. Add peas and kidney beans and heat for an additional six minutes, or until peas are soft. Pour broth and wine over mixture and simmer until mixture thickens, about six to eight minutes. Add salt, pepper, rosemary and basil; stir and remove from heat.
  3. Pour mixture into a casserole dish. Scoop mashed potatoes over vegetable mixture, completely covering it. Cover with shredded soy cheese and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Vegan cranberry orange cheesecake

The seasonal ingredients, the creamy filling and the homemade graham cracker crust make this festive dessert recipe a perfect end to your holiday celebration. Each bite has all of the flavors you love in regular cheesecake, without any of the hard-to-digest dairy. Serve each slice with a garnish of fresh cranberries, grated orange peel and a dollop of vegan whipped cream. Or, if you're feeling jolly, serve a slice of this to Ol' St. Nick for a sweet he'll gobble down in seconds! .

Vegan cranberry orange cheesecake

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

  • 1 prepared vegan pie crust
  • 14 ounce package firm tofu
  • 1 package Tofutti Better than Cream Cheese
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
  • 1/4 cup low sugar cranberry juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Set prepared crust aside.
  2. Place tofu and vegan cream cheese in the food processor and process for at least one minute. Add in sugar and process until smooth, about four to five minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
  3. Add orange zest, almond extract and cranberry juice to bowl and stir until fully combined. Whisk in cornstarch and cranberries until completly mixed. Pour mixture into the pie crust and bake for at least 40 to 45 minutes.
  4. Chill for at least two hours. Garnish with fresh cranberries and enjoy!

More vegan and vegetarian holiday ideas

Top vegan Christmas recipes
3 Vegetarian holiday recipes
Holiday gifts: Vegan cookbooks

17 Dec, 2011


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Crispy spiced duck breast with orange sauce recipe

Posted by Johan

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Duck is a great dish to serve during the holiday season. This recipe is a twist on the French classic, Duck a l'Orange. If you've had duck at fancy restaurants before, cooking it yourself is an entirely different experience and you begin to realize how simple it is! The recipe is fairly easy to follow making it great for those who haven't previously cooked duck. You will love the combination of spices along with the orange sauce. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
Crispy spiced duck

Duck is a great dish to serve during the holiday season. This recipe is a twist on the French classic, Duck a l’Orange. If you've had duck at fancy restaurants before, cooking it yourself is an entirely different experience and you begin to realize how simple it is!

A delicious way to serve duck for the holidays!

The recipe is fairly easy to follow making it great for those who haven't previously cooked duck. You will love the combination of spices along with the orange sauce. The flavors complement each other perfectly.

Serving duck is a wonderful alternative to your traditional Christmas fare. The duck breast is seasoned with salt and then the skin is crusted with ginger, cumin, chili and star anise. This spice mixture amps up the earthy poultry flavor and creates a wonderful crispy skin when seared in the pan. It is complemented by an orange sauce made by deglazing the pan drippings with shallots, agave syrup , orange and lemon juice. Serve with a healthy side of vegetables and a nice bottle of pinot noir.

Spiced duck breast with an orange glaze sauce

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless duck breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, or canola
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons agave syrup, or honey
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, or butter
  • Salt, to taste

Directions:

  1. On both sides of the duck breast, season with salt; then add cumin, star anise, coriander, ginger, white pepper and chili powder to the skin side.
  2. Add coconut oil to a large pan over medium heat. In the pan, place the duck breasts skin side down. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook until the skin is crisp and golden brown, for about 12-15 minutes. Flip the duck breasts and cook for about three to four minutes, until medium-rare. Transfer to the cutting board to rest.
  3. Raise heat to medium, and then add sliced shallots and cook until soft. Add agave syrup, lemon juice and orange juice and allow liquid to reduce. To finish the sauce, whisk in the butter or coconut oil. Season with salt.
  4. Cut duck breasts into thin slices and pour the orange shallot sauce over top.

More holiday recipes

Cheers to 5 festive cocktail recipes
Thyme and rosemary au gratin potato recipe
3 Low-fat holiday appetizer recipes

17 Dec, 2011


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Rodney Atkins' divorce is right out of a country song

Posted by Johan

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Country superstar Rodney Atkins is getting a divorce after a violent he said/she said fight with his wife, Tammy Atkins.

Rodney Atkins files for divorce after domestic violence arrest

Country singer Rodney Atkins doesn't need to look far for songwriting inspiration. The popular singer has filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years, Tammy Atkins, after a November fight turned violent.

Court documents show that Atkins was arrested on Nov. 21 and jailed on $2,500 bond after a booze-fueled fight with his wife. Tammy alleged that her husband threw her down a hallway and attempted to suffocate her with a pillow — all within their 10-year-old son's view.

"This was an unfortunate verbal dispute between Mr. and Mrs. Atkins within hearing range of their child, and when Mr. Atkins realized their child was in hearing range of the argument, his first priority became getting out of the earshot of the child," Rodney's lawyer, Rose Palermo, said in a statement. "That is when Mrs. Atkins called the police and gave them her version of the argument, which is completely untrue."

More celebrity divorce dirt >>

He filed for divorce on Wednesday, citing "irreconcilable differences," according to court documents obtained by TMZ. He also denies the domestic violence charges against him.

"Under Tennessee state law, anyone can swear out a warrant to the police and have a warrant issued to an arrest," Palermo said. "Obviously that is the case here, since according to the explicit terms of the warrant, it's entirely based on the word of Mrs. Atkins. The police did not witness any assault because none occurred. The police did not witness any violence between Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. It is entirely based on her word."

Find out which other celebrities are getting arrested >>

Atkins' lawyer was adamant that he's spent considerable amount of time with his son, Elijah, since the incident and is seeking custody.

"Since filing the complaint for divorce, he has exercised substantial parenting time with the parties' son and he will continue to do so while the divorce is pending. The criminal complaint does not allege that any harm came to the child or Mrs. Atkins and as a result the Court has not prohibited Mr. Atkins from having parenting time with his son," Palermo said.

More country music news >>

Tammy also wants custody, along with child support and "equitable distribution" of the couple's growing wealth. Each side claims that the other is "guilty of such inappropriate marital conduct as renders further cohabitation unsafe and improper."

The divorce is a surprise to country fans. Tammy was featured in the video for Atkins' song "Farmer's Daughter." Now, they're both more likely to sing Tammy Wynette's "D-I-V-O-R-C-E."

Watch Rodney Atkins and Tammy Atkins in "Farmer's Daughter"

 Image courtesy Judy Eddy / WENN

17 Dec, 2011


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Life imitates art: Alyson Hannigan is pregnant

Posted by Johan

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Alyson Hannigan is pregnant -- just like her How I Met Your Mother character Lily!

Alyson Hannigan is pregnant! A rep has confirmed the How I Met Your Mother actress and husband Alexis Denisof are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a little brother or sister for their daughter Satyana.

Alyson Hannigan

Alyson Hannigan, pictured here with her husband and 2-year-old daughter shopping in Brentwood earlier this month, is in good company with her pregnancy -- her HIMYM character Lily is pregnant, too! While the public knows Lily and Marshall are expecting a boy, no word yet on if Alyson Hannigan is shopping for pink or blue baby clothes.

The actress and Alexis Denisof met during filming of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel. The pair exchanged vows on Oct. 11, 2003.

"Alyson is thrilled to be pregnant!" a source described as close to the 37-year-old star tells Us Weekly. "She's been wearing baggy clothes to cover the baby bump."

Of becoming a mother to Satyana, she shared previously, "[Being a mother] has changed me in every way because my life is so much greater. It filled a void I never knew was there -- it's the most amazing experience of my life. I just feel so blessed to get to be on this journey, to be a mommy. [Satyana] is just the greatest baby."

Earlier this year, Alyson Hannigan denied rumors she was pregnant, blaming her bumpy appearance on bad wardrobe choices and overindulgence in the food department.

"NO, I’m not pregnant!” she tweeted. "I just ate too much carnival food, that time of the month, hurt my back & couldn’t suck my gut in, & need 2 do cardio!"

Though she hasn't tweeted in response to her pregnancy news hitting the press, Alyson Hannigan did recently share on her official Twitter page a bit of young Satyana's humor: "My daughter: 'Mommy I have a really funny joke to tell you!' Me: 'Okay, what?' My daughter: 'Poop!'"

Best wishes to Alyson Hannigan for a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Image via WENN

17 Dec, 2011


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The Beach Boys are back with a 50-date tour

Posted by Johan

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The Beach Boys are getting back together to celebrate 50 years of music. Read on to find out what sort of music they're readying for the road.

'Round, 'round, get around — they get around! The Beach Boys are back with a new album and tour, according to band members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks.

The Beach Boys reuniting for tour

"This anniversary is special to me because I miss the boys," Wilson said in a statement. "It will be a thrill for me to make a new record and be on stage with them again."

The Beach Boys are recording a new album that includes a re-recorded version of their 1968 song "Do It Again." They're going back in the studio this month to record more songs. The release date for the new album is a secret, but it'll likely coincide with the tour.

The Bangles reunited for a new album and tour, too >>

"It sounded so good we just decided to continue," Jardine said. "There are some new things that Brian has come up with that are really remarkable. 'Do It Again' was done in an afternoon. These songs will take a little more putting our heads together." 

The tour is set to kick off in New Orleans in late April with a special appearance at the Grammys in February.

"There will be a surprise at the Grammys," Jardine added to Rolling Stone. "We'll do something really exciting. There's a lot of interest in it, which is nice. It's going to be a very big operation."

Bruce Springsteen "incredibly excited" for 2012 tour >>

Differences broke up the legendary group, now the biggest selling band in SoundScan/Nielsen history. However, they're looking forward to getting back on the road together and revisiting the good ole days.

"We haven't played together in a long time," Love said. "The fans are going to want to hear the hits. But there should also be lesser-known ones that are so important."

There's one question they haven't answered, though: Will mega-fan John Stamos hit the road with The Beach Boys for a few dates? We hope so!

Image courtesy Gaelle Beri/WENN.com

17 Dec, 2011


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Mission: Impossible's impressive midnight IMAX debut

Posted by Johan

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Tom Cruise is back on top! Thursday night, the actor's latest film Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol made its IMAX debut and pulled in some big numbers.

Tom Cruise: Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol PremiereMission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol is giving Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked a run for their money. The newest sequel in the action franchise is making a huge splash at IMAX.

According to Deadline, early box office estimates report that Ghost Protocol has earned $1.1 million  from evening and midnight shows. The film debuted Thursday night at 425 theaters and somehow managed to match Mission: Impossible 3's midnight gross.

So, what's the big deal? In 2006, Mission: Impossible 3 also debuted with $1.1 million but on over 2000 screens! Ghost Protocol is playing at a  fraction of that.

Ghost Protocol's numbers can be attributed to several factors. The film's biggest asset is the inclusion of The Dark Knight Rises prologue. Warner Bros. partnered with Paramount to release the first six minutes of their Batman sequel with IMAX screenings of Mission: Impossible.

Dark Knight Rises prologue: Where to watch?  >>

It's no secret that The Dark Knight Rises and IMAX ticket prices are giving Ghost Protocol a box office boost. But the film itself isn't too shabby. It currently has a fresh rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and is being touted as the best Mission: Impossible yet. The film features Tom Cruise back in full force, performing most of his stunts and oozing charisma.

Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers wrote, "This is Cruise's show and the actor brings the role a startling athletic grace and becoming maturity. If someone asks you what a true movie star is, point to Cruise."

Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol is currently playing in select IMAX theaters and opens nationwide Dec. 21.

Will you be seeing the latest Mission Impossible this weekend?

Photo credit: Zibi/WENN

17 Dec, 2011


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Top 10 most extravagant celebrity holiday gifts

Posted by Johan

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What holiday gifts can Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Victoria Beckham expect? Hint: Most don't fit under the Christmas tree! Check out the top 10 most extravagant celebrity holiday gifts.

Wondering how much the uber-rich spend on holiday gifts? Celebrities spare no expense when shopping for Christmas gifts. Check out these over-the-top and outrageous celebrity holiday gifts. Cha-ching!

 Paris Hilton pink Bentley

1. Mariah Carey — Rolls Royce Phantom

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey aren’t exactly known for being frugal.  Cannon gifted wife Mariah, who recently gave birth to twins Roc and Roe, with a $400,000 Rolls Royce Phantom, complete with a cheesy personalized license plate that reads "mommyMC."

2. Mike Tyson — $2 million bathtub

Mike Tyson bought his ex-wife Robin Givens a $2 million bathtub for the holidays one year — and it suddenly makes sense how he could have landed himself $38 million in debt.

3. Paris Hilton — Pink Bentley

Paris Hilton bought herself an extravagant Christmas gift by splurging on a $285,000 pink Bentley Continental GT with a diamond-encrusted dashboard.

4. Victoria Beckham — Hermes bag

David Beckham bought Victoria Beckham a posh purse for Christmas. He spent $129,000 on a Hermes Himalayan Birkin bag. This sounds like the perfect gift to pass on to baby Harper Seven.

5. Oprah — Mediterranean cruise

Oprah is famous for her gift giving, so it should come as no surprise that she gave her staff of over 100 employees a 10-day luxury Mediterranean cruise, costing her $750,000.

6. Jay Z — $350,000 worth of bags

He's got 99 problems, but a padded bank account ain't one! Jay Z bought his wife Beyonce $350,000 worth of Birkin bags from Hermes.

7. Beyonce — $2 million car

If you can believe it, Beyonce went even more extravagant as she gifted Jay Z with a $2 million Bugatti Grand Sport car last December.

8. Suri Cruise — Pony, diamond earrings

Suri Cruise, the pampered daughter of Scientologists Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, will reportedly get $130,000 worth of holiday gifts, including a pony, diamond earrings and designer dresses.

9. Jude Law — Baby Grand Piano

Jude Law gifted his girlfriend Sienna Miller with a restored baby grand piano that contained a diamond and sapphire ring in a box inside, worth $200,000.

10. Ben Affleck — 7-carat diamond ring

Ben Affleck gave wife Jennifer Garner a 7-carat diamond ring for "being a good mom." Say it with me, awww…..

Photo: WENN

17 Dec, 2011


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