Try out these three vegan recipes for this holiday season

Advent food traditions vary widely depending on cultural and regional influences. However, certain types of foods are commonly associated with the Advent season.

Here are some Advent food traditions:

St. Nicholas Day Treats: In some cultures, the feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6th. It's a day for gift-giving, and treats such as gingerbread cookies, oranges, and chocolate coins are often associated with this day.

Advent Breads and Cakes: Sweet breads and cakes with seasonal flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits are popular during Advent. Stollen, a traditional German fruitcake, is often enjoyed during this time.

Spiced Cookies: Gingerbread cookies and other spiced cookies are classic Advent treats. These cookies are often shaped into festive figures and decorated with icing.

Mulled Wine and Cider: Warm beverages like mulled wine or cider, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatic spices, are enjoyed during the colder Advent evenings. They create a cozy atmosphere and are perfect for gatherings.

Advent Wreath Cake: Some regions have a tradition of baking a special cake shaped like an Advent wreath. The cake may have four sections, each corresponding to a week of Advent, and it's often decorated with candles made of icing.

Fasting and Simple Meals: In some Christian traditions, especially those that observe Advent as a season of fasting and reflection, meals may be simpler and lighter. This practice is a way of preparing both physically and spiritually for the Christmas feast.

Advent Soup: Some cultures have specific soups associated with Advent. These soups often feature seasonal vegetables and grains and are hearty and warming.

Advent Cookies with Hidden Surprises: In some places, Advent cookies are made with hidden surprises, such as a small figure or a written message. Each day, a family member might find a special surprise in their cookie.

Traditional Sweets: Candies and sweets with seasonal flavours, such as peppermint, cranberry, and orange, are enjoyed during Advent. These treats may be homemade or purchased from local bakeries.

Advent Calendar Treats: If you have an Advent calendar, the treats hidden behind each door can vary from chocolates to small cookies or other festive sweets.

Here are a few vegan recipes for sweets and baked goods that are perfect for the Advent season:

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies:

Ingredients:

·        2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

·        1 tsp baking powder

·        1/2 tsp baking soda

·        1/2 tsp salt

·        1 tsp ground ginger

·        1 tsp ground cinnamon

·        1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

·        1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

·        1/2 cup molasses

·        1/2 cup brown sugar

·        1/4 cup almond milk

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

In another bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, molasses, brown sugar, and almond milk.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool before decorating.

Vegan Peppermint Brownies:

Ingredients:

·        1 cup all-purpose flour

·        1 cup granulated sugar

·        1/2 cup cocoa powder

·        1/2 tsp baking powder

·        1/4 tsp salt

·        1/2 cup vegetable oil

·        1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

·        1 tsp vanilla extract

·        1/2 cup crushed vegan peppermint candies

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a brownie pan.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf:

Ingredients:

·        2 cups all-purpose flour

·        1 cup sugar

·        1 tsp baking powder

·        1/2 tsp baking soda

·        1/2 tsp salt

·        1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)

·        Zest of 1 orange

·        3/4 cup orange juice

·        1/2 cup vegetable oil

·        1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the cranberries and orange zest, tossing to coat.

In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Feel free to customize these recipes according to your preferences and enjoy these vegan treats throughout the Advent season.

It’s important to note that the specific foods and traditions associated with Advent can vary widely, and individuals and families may choose to incorporate their own cultural or personal preferences into their celebrations. Whether it's baking special cookies, enjoying festive drinks, or savouring traditional dishes, food plays a significant role in many Advent traditions.