Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 28
December 10, 2021
8 Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry Brands
Jewelry is gorgeous; it’s sentimental, too. But did you know it can also be incredibly damaging to the environment? Jewel mining can hurt people and destroy nature. Here’s everything you need to know about why it’s important to choose sustainable and ethical jewelry whenever possible.
Jewelry MiningJewelry mining is toxic and dangerous; according to the EPA, it’s a leading cause of waterway pollution in the U.S., and around the world. Mining poses human health risks, bringing harm to local communities as hazardous gas emissions pollute the air. Mining is also a leading cause of land erosion, impacting ecosystems and local biodiversity.
Slave LaborAnother leading cause for concern in the jewelry industry is the use of forced and child labor. According to the International Labor Organization, Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the most child labor in the world. Children account for 21 percent of all labor across the region. The US Dept. of Labor found that child labor is common in diamond mining regions such as the Republic of Sierra Leone. This work can involve heavy labor, such as carrying more than 100 pounds of gravel.
But not all jewelry comes from these conditions. In fact, there are a number of eco-conscious brands creating gorgeous options that are improving the jewelry industry on a number of levels. According to jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning, the best way to change the industry is to demand better product. “Consumers control the market- when they demand transparency in the supply chain by asking where and how things are made designers and corporations will have to provide it,” she told me in an interview a few years back. “If we pay more for a label why can’t we pay more for a belief?”
Here are my favorite sustainable and ethical jewelry brands.
1. IdylThis gorgeous jewelry maker uses “green gold,” which comes from conflict free regions where no one is harmed during the mining and uses sustainable lab grown diamonds. I like this earring for a little sparkle!
Find it here.
2. Elisa Solomon JewelryThis line is made to order, ensuring there is no waste. All stones and diamonds are responsibly sourced and this maker keeps a small environmental footprint by making everything in her studio!
Find it here.
3. LinjerLinjer makes really nice, delicate pieces. They use recycled gold, and conflict-free diamonds. Their rings are perfect for stacking, and come at a great price point.
Find it here.
4. MamMam makes really funky unique pieces. They use recycled metals, FSC wood, and sustainable shipping to offset their CO2 emissions. Everything they make is extremely thoughtful to the environment while still being super stylish and unique.
This multi-finger ring and hand ring is pretty cool.
Find the hand ring here.
And the fun multi-finger ring here.
4. Balentria JewelryI’m really excited about this company. They use 100% recycled metals, as well as upcycled materials. They are very conscious about waste—any shavings or extras are melted down and re-used. They also are currently working with the Oceanus Foundation and donating 10% of sales to the cause.
Find my favorite statement rings here.
And my fun, perfect for date night earrings here.
5. Faeber Studio This is another great new find for the season! All items are handcrafted and made to order. All of the silver is 100% recycled, and the brass is 30% post-consumer recycled material. They work with local suppliers like family-owned businesses and artists/refineries. I swear I had a pair of earrings that looked just like this when I was 14!
Find the pretty statement earrings here.
And my easy go-to hoops here.
6. Tumbleweed Bead Co.This company makes all of its jewelry from recycled materials and natural stones. They have a lot of very pretty, simple styles, like this one.
Find it here.
7. ChimeChime’s jewelry comes from used drum cymbals. These fun earrings caught my eye.
Find it here.
8. McFarland DesignsKind-Lifer Tamara makes eco-friendly jewelry using fair trade gems and recycled materials at McFarland Designs. This pretty stack is drool-worthy!
Find it here.
December 8, 2021
How to Have An Eco Christmas: From Trees to Ornaments
There are so many easy and festive ways to have an eco-friendly Christmas. One big way to make a difference is with the tree. That’s right, the tree. But ornaments, gifts, wrapping paper, and food too can help reduce your impact.
Check out these simple and fun alternatives to cutting down a live tree.
On top of those options, an awesome company called The Living Tree in California brings live trees to your home for the holidays! Then, after the holidays, they pick it back up and replant it. How cool is that?
Here are a few more companies that offer potted, living trees (yay!):
Denver, Colorado,Tagawa Gardens sells potted trees that you can keep inside for up to seven days, then plant in your own yard. If you go this route, be sure to dig the hole you plan to plant the tree in before the ground freezes – that means early December according to their website, so if you want to plant a tree in your yard, dig that hole soon!
Somers, Connecticut, Pell Farms is another company that sells both cut and potted Christmas trees. The potted trees are available from 2ft to 6ft high ranging in price from $20 – $90. They also have a location offering the same in Grafton, Massachusetts.
InSpringwater, New York – All Western Trees sells potted trees.
More Eco OptionsInstead of buying a tree, decorate one in your yard using decorations you already have, along with energy-efficient Christmas lights, if you like. You can also hang these DIY pine-cone bird feeders on your outdoor Christmas tree to celebrate the season with your feathered neighbors. Be creative!
If you’re going to have a tree, it might seem like an artificial tree is the more eco way to go, since they are reused—but really, it’s not. Surprising, right? People usually only use them 4 times or so and then toss them out where they will sit in a landfill forever. They also use lots of energy to produce, package, and ship. Not to mention that they are made with really gross toxic materials.
If you are going to get a cut tree, search for an eco-friendly tree farmer near you. Check out LocalHarvest.org or GreenPromise.com. Your most green option is to find a sustainable grower from a certified organic farm. You will also be supporting your local farmers. If you go this route, be sure to recycle your tree after Christmas by chipping it into mulch or composting it. You can also visit Earth911.com to find tree recycling.
I’m always so sad when I walk the streets of New York after the holidays. All the trees layout dead and discarded on the street. It feels so wasteful and sad. Luckily, there are lots of alternatives- let’s not be the people who leave our discarded Christmas trees out on the curb!
Tree Ornaments & DecoratingJust a few notes on this….I like to use things I’ve found or made to decorate. This will also save you $$$ instead of buying them all-new from the store. You can use a baby shoe or an old children’s toy as an ornament and add a little one’s name and date. Hang cookie cutters from a ribbon, use memorabilia like concert tickets, airline tickets…any tickets! You can use craft supplies to adhere them to wood patches too. Make ornaments from nature!! Pinecones and twigs and pebbles. Go crazy….buttons, silverware, things in your sewing kit….glue photos onto wood scraps or lids. Use cutouts from old holiday cards and magazines.
If you do buy ornaments, try to find groovy used ones on eBay, Craigslist, or from your local thrift store. If buying new ones, choose the most eco ones you can get your hands on. This usually means lead-free, Fair Trade, or ethically sourced options.
Stockings
They don’t have to be something super fancy, in fact, the more you use them, generally, the more you start to love them and enjoy pulling it out each year. You can look for used stockings and big socks, or even big oven-mitts from your local thrift shops, garage sales, or online. If you buy a new stocking for the holidays, look for ones made from recycled or organic animal-friendly materials (that means no wool, too).
Holiday Cards
I save the fronts of holiday cards and reuse them. I keep them in a little box and pull them out when I need them. Try to reuse old cards, or make them out of stuff you have at home…magazines, old wrapping paper, etc.
But if you will be purchasing new ones, definitely try to go for 100% recycled cards….made from 100% post-consumer waste. And if they are printed with soy-based ink, that’s even better! Green Field Paper sells recycled cards and hemp cards too!
Gifts & Gift Wrapping
Visit my gift-giving blog here for some tips. For wrapping paper use old newspaper or thrift store fabrics and ribbons. You can also re-use brown paper bags (although hopefully you don’t have a tone of these, because you are using your reusable canvas bags), or get creative with magazines and even junk mail (hopefully you have stopped your junk mail. If you haven’t, go here to learn how).
Holiday Meals & Parties
I’ve chosen my favorite recipes so far in the past recipe blogs. These would all be great for your holiday gatherings!
Try to make your party a little or no-waste event. Go for your own plates, cloth napkins, glasses, and silverware, but if you will be buying disposable, try for recycled or compostable/biodegradable dishware and utensils.
December 6, 2021
The 12 Best Sustainable Gift Ideas for Him
Is it just me or are guys hard to shop for? I always struggle to find the best gift for guys, and so I have started keeping tabs year-round for ideas. It helps! I love that all of these gifts have a sustainable or vegan component. Most will certainly also work for the women on your list too (and even some kids).
And like we recommend on our gifts for her list, there are lots of DIY options and charities to support in honor of your giftees.
For guys, I really like making some clean body care products. While the industry is starting to cater to men with high-quality skin and body care products, they can still be difficult to find.
Try a few of these.
DIY shaving cream or a DIY beard oil.Dads love brownies. It’s true. Make up a batch of vegan brownies. We have a great recipe in the Kind Diet for Coffee Fudge Brownies that dads go crazy for. Pack them into a nice tin for a really thoughtful, yummy gift. Did you ever make paperweights in school as a kid? Decorate a rock, a piece of driftwood, or upcycle a box or bottle.A subscription to an audiobook app or Spotify.For guys with a green thumb, seed starters or mushroom growing kits are super fun too.Be sure to also check out our list of nonprofits. A donation made in honor of the guys on your list can be really nice for the guy who doesn’t ever seem to want or need anything.Best Gift Ideas for Him
1. Don’t Eat the Homies hoodieFor the vegans on your list, a fun mens/kids hoodie with an important message. Please don’t eat the homies.
2. Solios Solar Powered Watch
For the tech buff: A solar-powered, super stylish sustainable watch. Choose a mesh band or a vegan leather strap.
3. Save the Duck Men’s Jacket This super warm and stylish men’s jacket from Save The Duck makes a great gift for the dads, brothers, husbands, and young men on your list—or for anyone who loves a good-looking, cozy puffer.
4. Hawkins New York Whiskey TumblersThese recycled glass whiskey tumblers are perfect for an Old-Fashioned, a whiskey sour, or just a neat sip.
5. Miomojo Marco Vegan DuffleA sleek travel duffle bag made from recycled fishing net—how cool is that? Perfect to gift alongside a little weekend getaway.
6. Pangaia 365 HoodieA cool organic men’s hoodie that’s dyed with a recycled water system. No yucky wastewater, all the gorgeous color.
7. Hyperboom Portable Bluetooth SpeakerFor the techies or your next dance party, a cool speaker made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Turn up the volume on that.
8. Mate the Label Organic sweats, beanies, and teesThe men in your life will love Mate the Label. Made from organic cotton and made in LA, this is a brand walking the walk.
Plus, for Kind Lifers, use KINDLIFE20 for 20% off anything at Mate The Label!
9. Magic of I planner and journal comboA gorgeous 2022 planner and journal made of high-quality vegan leather that you’ll want to take everywhere. Perfect for everyone on your list, but for the guys who love to jot ideas down, this is a great one.
10. Spruce and Pine Zero-Waste Kit
For the hard-to-shop-for men or women on your list, the ultimate zero-waste kit.
11. Earth Hero Recycled Bamboo Chopsticks Finger Hockey Game and Serving BoardA fun game for the whole family, made from recycled bamboo.
12. Maddy’s Mookies CookiesSure, you can bake cookies for Santa, but you can also send the best of the best to anyone (everyone?) on your list. These delicious cookies come in vegan and gluten-free varieties and ship nationwide.
December 2, 2021
The 29 Best Sustainable Holiday Gift Ideas for Her
The holidays are here again, and if you’re like me, it can all be overwhelming. Mostly in good ways, of course, but also—all the busy-ness of the season, especially the gift-giving. I’ve pulled together some suggestions, from meaningful gift ideas to products I’ve personally tried, tested, and love. And for the person on your list who insists they don’t need anything (good for them!), why not consider a donation to a nonprofit organization doing meaningful work for others? You can read about charities I love, here.
Meaningful Gifting Ideas:
Bake assorted desserts (from my book or any other vegan recipe book) and gift them in boxes or decorative jars. Be sure to include the recipes (printed on recycled paper of course), so your friends and loved ones can recreate the kind treats.Pay the donation fee to an animal shelter or rescue group for your giftee to adopt an animal of their choice (when they are ready to adopt, of course!).A package of online or IRL yoga classes to a favorite studioA package of life-altering health supplements from Mykind, for beginners or health pros Hand make caramels and package them in vintage jars (be sure to send me some! My favorites!)A Gift Certificate to The RealReal for stunning, eco-friendly gently used high-end fashionMight I add that the Kind Diet and Kind Mama make excellent gifts? Mykind Organics sprays and vitamins make great stocking stuffers, too!
Sustainable Gifts for Her
1. Kooshoo Organic cotton hair ties and scrunchies
These hair ties are made with biodegradable rubber. Perfect for anyone with hair—kids (AND ME!) especially love these because they don’t tangle like regular hair bands.
Or try the scrunchies. Also Fair Trade, organic and biodegradable. Another great hair product.
2. Idle’s Robes
Super soft, cool to the touch, and sustainable. Made with plant-based and sustainably sourced fibers cupro and tencel. Sexy, yet comfortable! I love mine.
Or try the “Short Robe” from Idle in Mauve ZigZag
3. Cowichan Rose Perfume from Wild Coast Perfumery
A gorgeous, handcrafted scent for the fragrance lovers on your list. Natural, handmade and bottled on Vancouver Island. These clean fragrances contain a blend of more than 20 essential oils, absolutes, and resins.
4. French Girl Organics Lip Tints
Now that masks are somewhat off, lip color is back. These clean lip tints are a perfect stocking stuffer for the lip product lover.
5. Everlane Renew Teddy Bomber
How cozy does this little bomber jacket made from recycled polyester look?
6. Alohas vegan leather booties
These chic vegan booties from Alohas are adorable. I have a pair and I love them. I can’t stop wearing them!
7. Spiritual Gangster “Intent” Eco Jersey High Waisted Leggings
For your workout-obsessed friend these are made from recycled polyester. This specialty fabric is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and offers a compressive 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement.
8. Etnia Barcelona sunglasses
These chic sunnies come from sustainable brand Etnia Barcelona.
9. 100% pure, Pretty Naked Palette
A pretty blush/eyeshadow palette made from fruit pigments and clean ingredients. Great for young girls on your list, too.
10. Mimojo Backpack
High quality, thick nylon, partly recycled from fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic. Love this for traveling! I love mine.
11. Splendid Eco Fleece cropped pant + Eco Fleece Bubble Sleeve Sweatshirt
Comfy basics, made eco! You’ll want to gift this to yourself, too.
12. Éminence Facial Recovery Oil
One of my favorite makeup artists, Kerrie Urban, swears by this face oil. It’s the perfect gift for the beauty lover on your list or those hard to shop for. SHE SAYS No one can resist the magic of this oil.
13. Frida Rome bag
For the fashionista, this respectfully made bag comes from cactus leather. It’s a fully deconstructable stunner, and all bags are made to order.
14. Christy Dawn dress
This gorgeous dress from Christy Dawn is made from deadstock materials. I absolutely love the dresses from Christy Dawn and the shop on Abbott Kinney is a must visit when you’re in LA.
15. Sylven New York Sneaker
A stylish sneaker from vegan designer Sylven New York, this shoe is made from apple leather. Natural sole made from lactae hevea, and a coconut husk insole.
16. Lunar Method jewelry organizer
For the travel addict: a travel jewelry organizer from Lunar Method.
Made from cactus leather, and handmade one-of-a-kind interiors.
17. Sylth Virago Penelope Vegan Leather Boots
The best tall, vegan leather boots for the boot lover on your list. These are made from vegan leather and include a biodegradable sole.
18. Stella McCartney vegan leather wallet
A chic wallet from the one and only sustainable design guru, Stella McCartney.
19. BKR Little James Kiss Kit
A pretty glass water bottle with a cute vegan lip balm right in the cap? That’s a genius gift.
20. Magic Hour Tea
Yummy tea in a gorgeous glass jar. Made with goji berry, peach, and oolong. This will bring oohs and aahs.
21. Sunrise Bliss hair towel
A cute and organic cotton hair towel to help dry your hair faster. This is the gift everyone needs.
22. People of Leisure Vintage Tee
How fun are the vintage-style tees from People of Leisure? These cute tees are sustainable, too, and will bring a smile to the tee lovers on your list.
23. Whimsy + Row Dress
Dance the night away in this fun eco dress made from renewable Ecovera Viscose from Forest Stewardship Council certified trees.
24. Corpus Body Wash and Deodorant
The loveliest of scents and sustainability initiatives, Corpus creates gorgeous body washes and deodorants that actually work but without all the chemical nasties.
25. PE Nation ski pants
How about a fun colorful ski suit made from Recycled Nylon?
26. Coyuchi Organic Cotton Slippers
Give the gift of coziness—it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Every woman on your list will love sliding into these on Christmas morning and any every morning after that.
27. Brilliant Earth Diamond Pendant
Made from recycled metal and ethically sourced diamonds, this is the perfect gift for the jewelry lovers on your list.
28. Bambu Earth toner and moisturizer
Clean skincare brand Bambu Earth makes a lovely toner and moisturizer.
29. Save the Duck Winter Boots
How warm do these look? I love the brand’s jackets and these boots are making me excited, too.
November 30, 2021
8 Nonprofits to Add to Your Holiday Gifting
What do you give that person on your holiday list that already has everything? (Or, better yet, doesn’t want anything.) The older we get the more we know how true it is that it’s the thought, not the gift itself, that counts.
There’s a caveat to that ethos, though. What if the gift is bigger in spirit and meaning? We’re talking about supporting great causes and charity work. These are gifts for anyone, of course, but for the hard to shop for–the person not so focused on material things, these are the greatest of gifts—especially for the people, animals, and communities they impact.
Need some ideas? These are some of the organizations I love supporting. Maybe they’ll make it under your Christmas tree this year, too.
1. Animal EqualityContribute to ending animal cruelty and a kinder planet. Animal Equality works with society, governments, and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals.
2. Farm SanctuarySponsor a rescued farm animal under the care of Farm Sanctuary. This organization was America’s first shelter for rescued farm animals and it continues to rescue farm animals as well as provide education and resources.
3. RE-volvWhy not help fund a solar energy project right in your community? RE-volv helps you do just that so that energy costs can come down for local residents and more clean energy goes up.
4. Mercy CorpsFor 40 years and in more than 40 countries, Mercy Corps has helped communities forge new paths to prosperity in the face of disaster, poverty, and the impacts of climate change.
5. Ethical Choices ProgramHelp middle and high school children make better food decisions for themselves and the planet through the great work of the Ethical Choices Program.
6. Orangutan Foundation International80% of the orangutan population has been lost in the past 75 years mainly as a result of mass deforestation for palm oil production. You can help orangutans and their habitats by supporting the work at Orangutan Foundation International.
7. Sea ShepherdHelp conserve and protect our oceans and marine wildlife by supporting the Sea Shepherd. The international, non-profit marine conservation organization engages in direct action campaigns to defend wildlife and conserve and protect the world’s oceans from illegal exploitation and environmental destruction.
Donate here.
Give the gift of clean and safe drinking water. 785 million people lack basic access to clean and safe drinking water. Charity: Water been on a mission to end the water crisis since 2006. It’s funded nearly 80,000 projects in 29 countries, impacting more than 13 million people worldwide.
Kind Life Jobs: Seeking LA Helper
Hey friends!
I am looking for a family assistant (full-time or part-time) to help manage some house projects, assist with some everyday tasks, and very occasional babysitting/driving to school.
We are looking for:
Local to the LA area (close to Studio City or Hollywood ideal)Has their own carHas experience in assistingDetailed-oriented a must, highly organized, and are house construction/maintenance savvy or capable of managingPassionate about domestic everyday tasksResearch of eco-friendly fashion and beauty and foodAre able to work flexible hoursIf you are interested in this position please email us at thekindlife@gmail.com with your name, email, phone number, photo of yourself, and credentials (resume + brief cover letter + references).
Thanks for your interest!
With love,
Alicia
We will only reach out to those we are interested in interviewing further.
November 23, 2021
Thanksgiving Foragers Pie: Wild Mushrooms, Herb Gravy, and Sweet Potato Mash In A Flaky Spelt Crust
Do your holiday guests right with this incredible vegan Thanksgiving foragers pie.
Thanksgiving Foragers Pie: Wild Mushrooms, Herb Gravy, and Sweet Potato Mash In A Flaky Spelt Crust
Spelt Crust
1.5 cups Spelt Flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 teaspoon baking powder
2 Tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup Filtered boiling water
Directions:
Place the flour, sea salt and baking powder into a large bowl and mix. Use your fingers to rub the oil into the flour, until the mixture resembles something like fine bread crumbs.
Roll out Dough until ¼” thick Line pie pan with dough. Trim off excess dough.
Mushroom Filling
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 garlic cloves
1 1/4 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup red wine
2 tablespoons flour
8 springs of thyme
1/8 teaspoon chili flakes
16 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are starting to soften, Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the flour and cook for one minute. Add the broth, red wine, thyme sprigs, and chili flakes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, Add the mushrooms and let simmer gently until softened. Remove the sprigs of thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sweet Potato Mash
2 Pounds sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Directions:
Put the sweet potato into a medium pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as it starts boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer minutes. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain the water, and put potatoes back into the dry pot (no heat). Add olive oil and salt. Mash the potatoes with a masher, and stir everything together thoroughly Cover pot with a lid and set aside.
Mushroom Gravy
1/2 large onion, chopped
8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons spelt flour
1 cup red wine
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, saute onions and mushrooms in oil until tender and mushrooms release their moisture, about 5 minutes. Add flour and stir to evenly coat. Slowly whisk in wine and then the broth. Simmer until thickened and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Scoop the mushroom mixture into the pie dish with crust so that it covers the whole bottom. Layer and spread the sweet potatoes evenly on top of the mushrooms, Bake at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes, remove from oven, and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
November 22, 2021
Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie
This is an amazing tofu pumpkin pie recipe that I shared a couple of years ago, courtesy of Kind Lifer Megan Lipshultz. It’s so good and perfect for Thanksgiving – your non-veg friends will be amazed, I promise!
I’ve served this time and time again to tofu-haters and they have no clue it’s filled with it. Then, once the pie is safely in their bellies, I smile and tell them that it was super high in protein because of the tofu content. Gotta love that. I feel very 007 every time I make this.
A few notes:
For the tofu, I’ve found the Organic Firm Silken Tofu by Mori-Nu works the best.For the pie crust, get one from your grocer’s frozen section. Try for one that’s sugar-free. You don’t need a sweet crust because the pie is the bomb all on its own.I’m a spice freak, so I always use all the optional spices.I think the pie is best after it has been chilled (which is good because you can make it for a dinner the night or morning before), but it’s still awesome warm.All right, that’s enough on the pie. Go make it! Serve it to everyone you know. And if you’re really feeling crazy, pair it with some non-dairy vanilla ice cream.
Tofu Pumpkin Pie
Serves 8
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 F.Blend the pumpkin and sugar.Add salt, spices, cornstarch and tofu, mix thoroughly.Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 60 minutes.Chill and serve.NOTE: Don’t use the low fat tofu, then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu.
November 19, 2021
The Easiest Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe Ever
Kind Life member Megan Lipshultz sent me this amazing recipe for tofu pumpkin pie. It’s so good, and perfect for Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy.
Love, Alicia
I found this recipe a few years ago, and it’s hands-down the best pumpkin pie I’ve ever had…(ok, maybe 2nd to that insane pumpkin pie they make at Urth Caffe in LA) but still…considering it’s beyond easy to make, it’s freakin’ delicious. I’ve served this time and time again to tofu-haters and they have no clue it’s filled with it. Then, once the pie is safely in their bellies, I smile and tell them that it was super high in protein because of the tofu content. Gotta love that. I feel very 007 every time I make this.
A few more notes: For the tofu, I’ve found the Organic Firm Silken Tofu by Mori-Nu works the best. For the pie crust, get one from your grocer’s frozen section. Try for one that’s sugar-free. You don’t need a sweet crust because the pie is the bomb all on its own. I’m a spice freak, so I always use all the optional spices. I think the pie is best after it has been chilled (which is good because you can make it for a dinner the night or morning before), but it’s still awesome warm. Alright, that’s enough on the pie. Go make it! Serve it to everyone you know. And if you’re really feeling crazy, pair it with some non-dairy vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 75 minutes | Yields 6 Servings
Ingredients
1 can (16 ounces) pureed pumpkin
0.5 cup maple syrup
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
.5 tsp ground ginger
.25 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp optional ground allspice
.5 tsp ground nutmeg optional
3 tbsp cornstarch to firm up the pie filling
1 10-12 ounces package silken/soft tofu
1 9-in unbaked vegan pie shell
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 F.
Blend the pumpkin and maple syrup.
Add salt, spices, cornstarch and tofu, mix thoroughly.
Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes.
Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 60 minutes.
Chill and serve.
NOTE: Don’t use the low fat tofu then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu.
November 18, 2021
15 Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts You Have to Try
Pumpkin pie is kind of required on Thanksgiving, and don’t worry, I’ve got a great vegan pumpkin pie recipe for you! There are lots of other pies and creative dessert options you can serve too. Here are some of the best from the kind recipe gallery:
4. Apple Pie
5. Candied Ginger Pears (from The Kind Diet)
6. Pecan Pie
7. Peanut Butter Pie (from The Kind Diet)
9. Pumpkin Pie – I love this recipe!
13. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – a personal favorite!
14. Pumpkin Bread
Of course, you can’t forget the toppings! Try any of these:
And be sure to serve with a hot, delicious beverage like my Hot Apple Cider.
What desserts are you serving on Thanksgiving?
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