My Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Pie

A gluten-free, vegan pumpkin pie 

that actually tastes good...?
  

Heck Yes! This year for Thanksgiving I wanted to treat my family to something sweet, but also healthy! Given that Thanksgiving is full of rich and hearty foods, this was quite the challenge! My recipes this year are not only nutritious, but are delicious and guilt-free! 

Above is my test run of the vegan pumpkin pie with a gluten free crust from scratch. I must say - It was a big hit! I have never baked such a special pie (without the eggs, butter, etc.) so I wanted to make sure that I was able to actually bake such a thing! The photo to the right is a raw, homemade cashew cool whip that I offered with the pie tasting. It is a vegan, dairy free alternative to the high-fat, heavy cream cool whips that are traditionally used during the holidays. 

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The Crust

(Click here for Crust recipe)

I used Bobs Red Mill gluten free, all purpose flour for this recipe :)

Pie Perfect

(Click here for Pie recipe)

Here is my mixed, poured, and ready to go pumpkin pie filling! YUM :)

Whip It!

(Click here for Cashew Whip recipe)

This here is a magically delicious, dairy-free version of whipped cream! 

 A  100%  raw / vegan alternative to the traditionally milky condiment!

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Now before I went and made this the day of  Thanksgiving, I decided it was best to practice these new recipes! Here are some things I found out while making them:  

  

1) It is so much fun

  

2) The process of mixing, cutting, kneading, rolling, pouring and baking take time

  

3) Preparing the ingredients beforehand is very helpful

  

4) When you make something with love, it will always be appreciated - no matter the taste ;) 

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Here is the finished product of pumpkin goodness! 
(I had a little extra and made myself a small treat!)

 

I hope that you enjoy these recipes as much as I have! Much love to you and your families this season. May you all have a wonderful holiday and blessed Thanksgiving! 

~Namaste ~

"Food Bullies"

Featuring:

Fully Raw Kristina!

After going vegan/vegetarian a few months ago I received much backlash from not only friends, but also family over the matter. As confusing and hurtful as it has been, I am beginning to understand why they have acted out. 

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For the past few years I have maintained a diet that mainly consists of fruits and vegetables. Occasionally I would have some chicken or turkey meat, and had refrained from eating beef altogether... Many people knew this about me. Some would even call me a vegetarian! (I would kindly inform them that I was not, but had considered it.)

Since telling people about my lifestyle choice of going 'Raw Till 4,' I have surprisingly been criticized and hit with a handful of negativity. Why? Well I wasn't quite sure to be honest!  Before --when I was not a full-on vegetarian-- everyone seemed very accepting of my lifestyle and food choices. For me, it was a subtle step forward to inform friends, co-workers and family members that I had made a choice to stop consuming animal products. But for everyone else this was not a very subtle transition! Until I saw this video by the AUM-azing Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram (aka Fully Raw Kristina), I had not been able to completely cope with the reactions I have been receiving. Thank you for this video Kristina!!!

Here are some important messages I took from this video:

• Have confidence in what you are doing

• Communicate

• Be the best version of you that you can be!

• Show acceptance 

• Love yourself, show compassion!

• Speak kindly -- to others and yourself

• Practice patience . . .    *ommm*

• Live as an inspiration always

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No matter what lifestyle you choose to lead, do it with an open mind and kindness in your heart friends. We are all very different and unique in our own beautiful ways, and hopefully we all begin to see that!