Festive Food series - Alternative Yuletide Treats

Tasty treats and naughty nibbles are traditionally the bedrock of Christmas fare.  Throughout the holiday season, we expect that most will enjoy the indulgence of excess throughout December and address the consequences come the New Year! It is most enjoyable, of course, and many can feast away without adding the pounds. For those of us who are a little more affected by this influx of celebratory extravagance, we’ve compiled a few alternatives that are a little kinder to the complexion, digestive system and liver, not to mention your waistline!

 

Moroccan Natural’s Christmas Breakfast Smoothie

• Kiwi - one
• Strawberry – half a cup
• Mint - handful
• Avocado – half a large
• Chia seeds – 1 tablespoon

Nutty Pithivier with watercress and pistachio pesto

An excellent vegetarian or vegan alternative to the Christmas roast that works well with all the trimmings. For the full ingredients list and cooking method follow the link: http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/n/nutty-pithivier-withwatercressandpistachiopesto.html#_

 

A welcome stocking filler, with natural organic and ethical ingredients. Merry Moos Selection Box is dairy & gluten free and a great option for adults and children alike. Stocked in your local Sainsbury’s and Holland & Barrett: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/moo-free-merry-moo-christmas-selection-box-60043395?utm_source=103381&utm_medium=awin&utm_campaign=affiliate&sc=28626

A chic alternative to the cheap-chocolate filled advent calendars of old. Ciate offer a cosmetic delight behind every door! http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/moo-free-merry-moo-christmas-selection-box-60043395?utm_source=103381&utm_medium=awin&utm_campaign=affiliate&sc=28626

Bob’s Red Mill offer a vegan Gingerbread House making kit with recipe for the crafty among you: https://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes/how-to-make/vegan-gingerbread-house-egg-free-royal-icing-gluten-free/

Jamie Oliver has created a tasty mixed mushroom stuffing that’s as good if not better than our standard recipes: https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/mixed-mushroom-stuffing/

The classic Christmas dessert no longer needs to be guilt inducing thanks to this vegetarian Christmas pudding recipe: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/165311/Roopa-Gulati-s-vegetarian-Christmas-pudding

What about spicy warming liquor by the glow of the Christmas lights? Eggnog lovers can delight in this vegan recipe: http://tasty-yummies.com/vegan-eggnog/

 

Let’s not forget that 60% of the ingredients for our main Christmas lunch are vegetarian or Vegan! We can enjoy garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes, spiced parsnips, carrots, cabbage and broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower, roasted chestnuts and our Christmas staple: mulled wine! Vegetables in all of their rainbow glory are exceptionally nutrient dense. Our traditional Christmas lunch offers anti-oxidants aplenty, Vitamins A, B group, C, D & E as well as super active enzymes and a multitude of minerals.

If you need to avoid gluten or would like to remain vegetarian or vegan this Christmas, there’s a recipe for you out there on the worldwide web. Retailers are supplying prepared free-from foods this Christmas so there’s no need to fret if the thought of all of this preparation is too much for you!

Moroccan Natural recommends our Pure Pearl Powder as an alternative icing sugar topping to mince pies & cocktails for a mineral kick! Our Bulgarian Rosewater is an ideal floral addition to your Christmas trifle!

Our pets needn’t miss out during the holiday season either. It’s tempting to treat our feline friends or favourite pooch but excessive sugar and fat is no good for them either! We love the Dirty Vegans Peanut & Cinnamon Vegan Dog Treats: https://thedirtyvegans.co.uk/collections/vegan-dog-treats-vegan-dog-biscuits-cookies/products/peanut-butter-cinnamon-cookies-vegan-dog-treats-doggy-christmas-gift

Kookie Cat has a selection of vegan cat treats that look delicious too! https://www.kookiecat.com/

Whomever you’re feeding this Christmas, there’s no shortage of alternative festive treats!