Wholesomely Yummy Vegan Pies
It’s almost Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Friendsgiving! Giving of Gratitude!
While the real the history of Thanksgiving itself may not be as palatable—as in, maybe not at all— as we may have grown up believing, there is a purity and peacefulness about what it has evolved to truly celebrate and practice: home, friends, family, gratitude. This year, this leadup to Thanksgiving has stirred contemplation and ignited a focus on food in an atypical sense. Collectively, we’ve been less focused on delegating dishes for Thanksgiving feasts and more aware of those at risk of not having the opportunity for a warm meal at all. And this is how it should be—not the circumstances, but the awareness.
In response to struggles and uncertainty, we’ve seen magnanimous outpourings of care in our local community, from food drives to makeshift pop-up pantries at the end of driveways. It’s humbling and wonderful.
Seeing the efforts of neighbors helping neighbors highlights how aptly the humble pie fits the true spirit of this season. There is a coziness that comes from homespun traditions, and pies are the epitome of that feeling—and they can be wholesome, rustic, elegant, and delectable all at once. While pumpkin is a standout star, there’s always room for a little adventure when it comes to dessert! Here are some of our favorites.
Maple Ginger Pumpkin Pie: While there’s ample room for all the fall favorites and more, Pumpkin does deserve a spotlight! Pure maple syrup and fresh ginger bring out the pure, gourdgeous flavor, alongside the classic warm spices.
Easy pumpkin “cheesecake”
Pumpkin Cheesecake: Cheesecake isn’t technically “pie” (if it was, it would be cheesepie, right?), but this creamy dreamy freezer treat with a pie/tart-look is too delectable to leave out.
sweet potato pie with psyllium
Sweet Potato Pie: Kind of like a competing cousin, the humble Sweet Potato actually inches just above also nutrient-rich pumpkin when it comes to nutritional profiles. Owing its just-right firm texture to psyllium and coconut milk, the natural flavors really shine in this silky treat.
Pecan date pie
Pecan Date Pie: Made with Medjool dates, pure maple syrup, plant milk, tahini, and flaxmeal, this beauty delivers rich, delicious flavor without corn syrup, butter, or eggs. It isn’t the ooey-gooey, sticky-sweet sensation of a classic Southern pecan pie—nor is it the sugar rush. As an added bonus, it’s really easy to make, with the filling blitzed in the blender.
blueberry basil (or tulsi) pie
Blueberry Basil Pie: A classic delight with a Tulsi twist, this delectable blueberry pie’s distinct yet subtle, elevated flavor owes to a couple of tablespoons of loose leaf tea stirred into the filling– the combination is as lovely in flavor as it is deliciously fragrant.