Vegan Egg Nog

Just like cooked egg nog, this version starts with a custard base then is loaded with flavor and thick coconut milk. If desired, add rum in lieu of the extract, but keep in mind it won’t be as thick.

Vegan Egg Nog

3 cups nondairy milk
1 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch ground cloves
Pinch salt
1/2 cup agave nectar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons sorghum flour
1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled in the refrigerator (I like Thai Kitchen)
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 teaspoons rum extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutmeg, for serving

Put 2 1/2 cups of the nondairy milk, the nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer.

Put the remaining nondairy milk, agave nectar, cornstarch, and flour in a large measuring cup. Whisk well. Pour about 1/2 a cup of the warm nondairy milk into the agave nectar mixture. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the pot with the simmering nondairy milk. Bring to medium heat, continually whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Once thick, remove from heat and whisk for 30 seconds vigorously. Scrape the mixture into a bowl. Cover with a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the mixture. This will prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until it has set, at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.

After the custard has set, take the coconut milk out of the refrigerator. Pour it into a blender and blend for 2 minutes, until fluffy. Scrape in the custard mixture, as well as the rum and vanilla extract, adding rum extract to taste. Blend until completely smooth.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving, reblending just before serving. Pour into serving glasses and dust with nutmeg.

Just a note: I felt the cloves could have been omitted, it was a little strong at first. But once it sat for a few hours, the flavors came together and it was delicious! It didn’t stay as thick after a day or two in the fridge.

Tomato-Basil White Bean Soup

So simple, so delicious, this super quick soup is thick, creamy, tomato-y, and basily, and you  probably have all the ingredients on hand.

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Tomato-Basil-White Bean Soup

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 (28 oz.) can of diced tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
About 6 large leaves fresh basil
Fine sea or himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat, and saute onion until translucent. Add garlic, and stir until aromatic, about 45 seconds. Pour in diced tomatoes, followed about 1/2 tomato can of water. Add white beans, and bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for, well, 10 minutes or much more. It doesn’t really matter – I’ve made this in a pinch, then made it and let it simmer for an hour while I tool around with other things.

Add basil, and stir, then let simmer a little longer, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and puree til smooth with an immersion blender. If you don’t have one, let cool and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste.