The autumn is a time that we tend to retreat into big sweaters and comforting, warming foods like hearty soups, carbohydrate-rich breads and desserts, and satisfying sweets. Many of these foods are not dairy-free friendly, however, as classic recipes almost always call for terrifying amounts of butter, cream and milk. These recipes are some of my favorites for fall, and, best of all, they're delciously dairy-free so that everyone can enjoy the seasonal celebration.
Apple and Pear Recipes
© 2008 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Just as the crisp scent of fall begins to chill the air, bushels and pecks of apples and pears begin to appear at my local market. So many traditional autumn treats that include apples and pears also include digestively-distressing dairy products, like butter and cream, but this doesn't have to be the case! This dairy-free apple pie recipe, for example, is a casein-free, egg-free take on a autumn classic, and it will make your entire house smell wonderful as it bakes.Apple Crisp Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding Dairy-Free Carrot Apple Muffins Vegan Caramel Apples
Here are just a few more of my favorite dairy-free recipes to celebrate these fall-time fruits:
Halloween Candy
© 2008 licensed to About.com, Inc.
For kids (or adults!) with milk allergies, lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions, trick-or-treating and Halloween parties can be a little tricky, as most Halloween candies contain dairy products and other allergens. Perfect for school Halloween parties or other fall kids' parties where a variety of allergies and diets will be present, these Dairy-Free Halloween Candy Recipes are fun ways to celebrate the season without the discomforts of dairy.
Hot Soups
© 2008 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com, Inc.
As the weather begins to cool, the leaves begin to change and the days grow shorter, creamy and hearty soups become more and more enticing. These dairy-free soup recipes are just a few of my favorites for fall, and many are easy enough to prepare during the workweek. This creamy, colorful Vegan Pumpkin Soup is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season, balancing the naturally creamy quality of pumpkin and coconut milk with the sweetness of an apple and a savory root vegetable broth, and highlighting the autumn spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Pumpkin Recipes
© 2008 Ashley Skabar, licensed to About.com
If asked what food instantly comes to mind when I think of autumn, it is most definitely pumpkin. Creamy and slightly sweet, pumpkin is also a terrific source of vitamin A, potassum and carbohydrates, and it is a healthy way to subsitute for fat in a variety of baked goods like quickbreads and muffins. But, what's more, pumpkin is delicious! This dairy-free pumpkin pie is the perfect way to celebrate autumn, and, as this recipe is also egg-free, it's a fall-time treat that everyone can enjoy!Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bread Pumpkin Butter Pumpkin Seed Candy Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
Here are just a few more of my favorite dairy-free pumpkin recipes to pay hommage to this seasonal starch:
Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potatoes, though similar to pumpkin, are richer in texture, sweeter in flavor and a bit more accessible for quick meal and dessert preparations. These Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are one of my favorite fall-time weeknight side dishes, but they're also great for fall dinner parties and family dinners.Baked Spicy Sweet Potato Fries Baked Sweet Potato and Edamame Burritos Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadillas Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
Here are just a few more dairy-free sweet potato recipes to celebrate this sweet spud:
