Create Your Sunshine

The holidays are an amazing time for getting together with friends and family, but it can also be a rather frustrating time for people with food allergies or specific diets, as well as the people that are preparing the food. I know, because I am one of those people.

I have been on and off vegetarian for about 6 or 7 years, vegan for a stint, tried to stay off dairy entirely, adapted a gluten-free lifestyle, allergic to raw carrots, apples or….you get the idea. I have finally settled into a diet that I am truly happy with. To put it into specific terms: Lacto-Ovo Gluten-Free Vegetarian. Now just what in the hell does that mean and further more just what do I eat?

Well Lacto-Ovo means that I will eat dairy and eggs (cuz who doesn’t like a frittata for breakfast! Yum!). Back in September I adopted a gluten-free diet after reading this article and I swear to never look back because I feel Ahhhh-mazing! Vegetarian because I want to give all beings a chance to grow and love and live. While this way of eating feels so good for my body, it does have me stumped sometimes on what to make, especially when trying to please a big crowd.

That’s why I wanted to create this post, to share with you some of my favorite recipes so you don’t have to spend time searching through books and websites!

Breakfast: Maybe you celebrate your holidays with a big ol’ brunch! Here are some of my favorite big breakfast recipies:

• Apple Cinnamon Crock Pot Oatmeal
• Veggie Fritatta (my favorite!!)
• Banana Bread
• Oatmeal Casserole
• Egg Muffins

Dinner: If you’re going all-out, check out some of these gluten free, vegetarian main dishes and sides!

• Roasted Cauliflower
• Twice Baked Yams with Oat Streusel Topping
• Crock Pot Brussels Sprouts
• Lentil Walnut Loaf
• Quinoa, Spinach and Chickpea Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Dessert: It’s the most important part right?? On to dessert!! 🙂

• Sweet Potato Pie with Quinoa Crust
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
• Whipped Coconut Cream (for a dairy free pie topping!
• Peanut Butter Oat Truffles (I am in love with these!)
• Pecan Pie Bites

Do you have a Vegetarian or Gluten Free recipe that you make for the holidays? Feel free to post in the comments below! Happy holidays and very happy bellies to all!!!

♥ xo