Christmas Feast 2023

 

King Crab Legs

• 3.25 lbs. king crab legs
• plant based butter (or regular butter), for serving

Preheat oven to 350F.

Fill about 1/4 inch of water in a 9x13 baking dish. Lay the crab legs in the water. Cover with foil.  Pop it into the oven and cook for about 15 minutes, until crab is warmed through.

Broccoli Orzo

• 1/2 lb. dry chickpea orzo pasta
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp. plant based butter
• 1/2 tbsp. avocado oil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Cook orzo according to package instructions.  Drain and set aside.

While the orzo is cooking, steam broccoli until just tender.  Be careful not to over-steam, making it mushy.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add butter and oil, melting the butter.  Add onions, cooking until tender.  Stir in minced garlic and cook one minute.  

Toss the cooked broccoli and orzo into the skillet and season with crushed red pepper, salt & pepper.  Sprinkle the parmesan over the top and stir to combine.

Green Beans Almondine

• 2 tbsp. plant based butter, divided
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 tbsp. avocado oil
• 12 oz. fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. minced garlic

Melt 1 tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the sliced almonds, stirring frequently, until toasted, about 4 minutes.  Remove from skillet and set aside.

Add 1 tbsp. avocado oil to the same skillet.  Add the green beans, water, salt and lemon juice and toss to combine.  

Place the lid on the skillet and cook for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are tenter. 

Remove lid and continue cooking until the water is evaporated.  Stir in remaining tbsp. of butter and minced garlic.  Saute for 1-2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant. Stir in the toasted almonds and serve.

Christmas Brussel Sprouts

• 1.5 lbs. fresh brussel sprouts, rinsed and trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
• 8 slices Lite Life plant based bacon, cooked, cooled, and chopped
• 2 tsp. avocado oil 
• 3 tsp. plant based butter, divided
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil and 1 tsp. butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the shallot and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the brussel sprouts and continue to cook, stirring frequently, 3 minutes.

Add the broth, salt & pepper to the pan and stir to combine.  

Cover and cook until brussel sprouts are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 tsp. butter and the cooked bacon.  Continue to cook until butter is melted and bacon is warmed.

Merry Christmas!!