Christmas

Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding)

Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding)

Ever since I set out to discover traditional plant-based dishes from around the world, I’ve been surprised by how many naturally vegan options of popular everyday foods have long existed around us. Take pudding, for example. To me, it’s something that would most certainly contain some form of dairy, be it milk or cream, along with some animal gelatin. But there are some traditional puddings across different cultures that are made without either. Tembleque is the perfect example.

Chocolate Salami (Salame di Cioccolato)

Chocolate Salami (Salame di Cioccolato)

Salame di Cioccolato is a traditional dessert from Italy and Portugal that is actually more common during Easter, but its festive look also makes it a great occasion for Christmas. It is usually made with chocolate and butter, but I am using dried figs and a bit of olive oil instead, which helps to hold the salami together while also naturally sweetening it without the need for added sugar.