Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

I’ve made a lot of vegan mac and cheese. All kinds. If you can think it, I’ve probably made it: some good, some bad but this one is my absolute favorite. It also happens to be exceptionally easy. A staple in our house, I hope it will become one in your house as well. This vegan version is oil-free and oh so creamy and delicious.

Produce On Parade - Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese - I’ve made a lot of vegan mac and cheese. All kinds. If you can think it, I’ve probably made it: some good, some bad but this one is my absolute favorite. It also happens to be exceptionally easy. A s…

Noticed some changes? Produce On Parade got a bit of a makeover! What do you think of it? I hope you like it; we felt we needed a bit more of a modern feel. Something clean and shiny, eh. If you have any comments please let me know through the brand new contact page at the top right on the screen. I'd love to hear what you're thinking.

Anywho, what I am thinking is... comfort food. A teething Oliver is getting up every two hours to nurse #whatdidwedo and then with me working full-time, this is one dead momma. I literally ran into a wall today, in front of a patient. That's what three intermittent hours of sleep get you. I need food that is fast and filling and yummy. Last night I was really craving mac and cheese, so we whipped this up in no time. I thought it was about time I shared this recipe. It's always the staples that I have yet to share for some reason.

Not only is this dish killer but it happens to be the only vegan mac and cheese recipe that is Todd approved. He doesn't like the sweet potato or butternut squash mac and cheeses. Nope, this is the only one. Oh well, makes my life easier!

Produce On Parade - Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese - I’ve made a lot of vegan mac and cheese. All kinds. If you can think it, I’ve probably made it: some good, some bad but this one is my absolute favorite. It also happens to be exceptionally easy. A s…

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese


Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
By

I’ve made a lot of vegan mac and cheese. All kinds. If you can think it, I’ve probably made it: some good, some bad but this one is my absolute favorite. It also happens to be exceptionally easy. A staple in our house, I hope it will become one in your house as well. This vegan version is oil-free and oh so creamy and delicious. Inspired by BuzzFeed *A high powered blender works best. If you don’t have one just soak the cashews in boiling water for 20 minutes prior to use.

Ingredients
  • 2 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, peeled
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
  • ¼ medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced
  • ½ cup raw cashews*
  • scant ¼ cup large-flake nutritional yeast
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • dash of freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz dry pasta shells
Instructions
  1. Bring a medium pot of water to boil for the vegetables. Boil the potatoes and garlic clove for 2 minutes. Add the carrots and boil for 5 additional minutes. Add the onion and boil for 7 additional minutes.
  2. While the vegetables are boiling, add the remaining ingredients except the pasta to a blender. Drain the veggies saving the water (1 ½ cups), add them to a blender along with the saved water; blend on high until smooth and creamy. It makes about 4 cups of sauce.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta and cook according to the package. Drain and return to the pot. Stir 3 cups of the sauce into the cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup for stirring in later if all the mac and cheese won’t be all eaten immediately. Serve hot.

    Prep time:
    Cook time:
    Total time:
    Yield: 4 servings

Save Money!

I buy my nutritional yeast here where it’s only $9.55 per lb versus $13.99 per lb at our local grocery store, Fred Meyer.

Produce On Parade - Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese - I’ve made a lot of vegan mac and cheese. All kinds. If you can think it, I’ve probably made it: some good, some bad but this one is my absolute favorite. It also happens to be exceptionally easy. A s…

More Mac and Cheese Recipe and Cauliflower Recipes

Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog

Happy Halloween! I'm all dressed up, and be sure to check out social media later to see what I am. Don't forget to let me know what you're dressing up as!

It's time to do the eggnog dance. Oh yes. You might be thinking, "Eggnog? It's technically not even November yet!?" and to that I say, "If you add pumpkin, anything is game for October." Hence, the eggnog, which I was badly craving ever since I saw the organic cow milk egg nog at the store. 

I inquired about the non-dairy stuff and the stocker told me they only get a few cartons here and there. Boo that. Sometimes I forget I can just make the stuff (1000x better too) at home! So yesterday I decided to make me some! Except, I was out of cashews...drat! I wasn't about to let that stop me though. Macadamia nuts swooped in to the rescue, but I recommend using cashews. This recipe is adapted from my most delicious eggnog recipe

Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!
If you want to find happiness, find gratitude.
— Steve Maraboli
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!

A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is! 

Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!

Spiced Pumpkin "Eggnog"

Recipe by Katie @ Produce On Parade

A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is! NOTES: Due to the whole-food ingredients, please consume within a of couple days. The rum is barely, barely noticeable in this eggnog, so adjust accordingly. Please use freshly ground nutmeg, it makes a world of difference!

Yield: 10-15 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 2 cups fresh cold water
  • 1 15oz. can full-fat coconut milk
  • half of 1 15 0z. can pumpkin puree
  • 6 medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp. spiced rum (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Cooking Directions

  1. Cover the cashews in boiling water and allow to soak for 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile place all remaining ingredients into the blender. Once the cashews are done soaking, drain and add to blender.
  3. Blend on high for several minutes, until smooth and creamy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!

Bob tells me he loooves eggnog and to please share my glass with him right meow. 

Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!
Produce On Parade - Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog - A thick and creamy, non-dairy pumpkin eggnog that’s vegan and sweetened only with dates. You’ll be amazed how incredible it is!

Dutch Word of The Day: 

Pumpkin --> pompoen (pom-poon)

Good Deed of The Day:

Did you know Target now has their own line of veggie-based meat products! Yes! They have a few different types: Mushroom Miso Meatless Turkey, Korean Barbecue Meatless Chicken, Smoky Chipotle Meatless Chicken, and Teriyaki Meatless Chicken. Target also carries Just Mayo. Who knew!? Spread the word! 

The Best Vegan Eggnog

Todd (in the loft): "What's that cacklin' down there?"Me (in the kitchen): "Heh heh...heee heeeee!" Todd: "You're suuuper excited about something...you remind me of Jacob the Bat Mitzvah Boy,  from SNL." Me: *massive grin and laboured breathing from over-excitement* "You'll see!"

  Meet Jacob here. Especially frames at 1:08, 1:37, 2:08 and 2:40.

Produce On Parade - The Best Vegan Eggnog

You'll never drink eggnog from a carton again. This is so easy to throw together and is totally incomparable to the store bought variety. Quick, simple, no risk for salmonella poisoning, whole foods and no sugar added, you really can't go wrong. Plus, it's incredibly delicious! Why have anything else!? You really have to make this, I cannot get over it!

It's shocking, disturbing and downright upsetting that I haven't been making this my entire life. I can't wait to bring this homemade, vegan eggnog to our upcoming holiday parties!

The Best Vegan Eggnog

Makes about 14 (1/2 cup) servings

  • 3/4-1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 30 minutes 
  • 2 cups fresh water
  • 1 15 oz. can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 6 medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 tsp. Kahlua or vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp. spiced rum (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum (optional)

--Notes--   Don't you dare use pre-ground nutmeg. It's a complete travesty! Ill be watching! Just like Santa... For a thicker eggnog, use 1 cup of cashews. For a thinner version use 3/4 cup.  The spiced rum is optional. Three tablespoons is barely, barely noticeable. Adjust to your preference.  The xanthan gum will give the eggnog a super duper thick, smooth and creamy texture. Omit if you prefer your eggnog thinner. 

Place the cashews in medium bowl. Cover completely with boiling water and allow to soak for at least 30 minutes. When the time is up, drain and rinse the cashews then place in a high-speed blender. 

Add in the fresh water and blend with the cashews on high for about 2 minutes or until very well blended and smooth. 

Now, add in the remaining ingredients and blend on high again  for another two minutes or until the dates are completely blended.

Produce On Parade - The Best Vegan Eggnog Produce On Parade - The Best Vegan EggnogI have no preference as to the temperature of my eggnog, but Todd likes his chilled. Serve at whatever temperature you fancy. Be sure to consume within a few days. Because of the whole food quality, this will not keep like cartoned eggnog.

Produce On Parade - The Best Vegan Eggnog

Stir before serving if being chilled. Garnish with additional freshly grated nutmeg.

Produce On Parade - The Best Vegan EggnogMiddle child. Only girl. Listening to Gin Wigmore – Black Sheep

[yumprint-recipe id='50']Adapted from The Chalkboard