I always think of family and friends in Canada celebrating Thanks Giving on this day. I miss not having TG this time of year. November takes for ever to get here and then it is so close to the holiday season. Oh well, it will be here before I know it.
In honor of Thanks Giving and Columbus Day I made a pumpkin pie. The weather has changed, the leaves are falling (snowing in some parts all ready) and it just seemed the right thing to do. I received this new cookbook by Sharon and Milan Valencik Sweet Utopia: Simply Stunning Vegan Desserts. Just released, this book is well illustrated with beautiful pictures of all the recipes that make you drool!
This book contains recipes for cakes, cookies, pies, mousses, puddings, crèmes, treats and if you love cheesecake there are 10 recipes, from fresh strawberry cheesecake pie to green tea swirl and mini cheesecakes. At the beginning of each section she has helpful tips to make your baking a success. The directions are well laid out and easy to follow. Some recipes are complex and some are simple one bowl creations – something for what ever mood you are in. A beautiful book full of wonderful recipes for special occasions and anytime you want to feel special. Unique recipes and good old standards with a twist.
I made the Pumpkin-Nut Pie and it was delicious. Very straight forward to make with a light and tasty graham cracker crust and a walnut cinnamon topping. Unlike traditional pumpkin pies loaded with eggs and oil, this is creamy and full of pumpkin spice. Next weekend I plan on making a dessert for a friend’s birthday and will try one of the cheesecakes and/or the cocoa-berry cake with berry cream frosting – depending on how much time I have of course. 
Pumpkin-Nut Pie from Sweet Utopia by Sharon Valencik
