Without a doubt, this is my favorite time of the year. It doesn't matter what religion you are or what your budget is, everyone has their own way of celebrating this month. Don't forget about a gift or two for yourself. You are very important too!

Thanksgiving is around the corner and it's all about comforting food! I've picked some of my easiest recipes from my new cookbook, CHLOE'S VEGAN ITALIAN KITCHEN for you to impress your friends and family with. Let's show them how delicious a vegan Thanksgiving can be! All of these recipes can be prepared the day ahead and put in the oven the next day. How easy is that? 

What’s Italian food without meatballs and Parmigiano Reggiano? Can pizza really be called pizza without ooey-gooey melted cheese? Nonsense! It’s totally possible to cook satisfyingly authentic Italian meals vegan-style, and with these 10 easy to find ingredients, you’ll be whipping up Italian masterpieces in your own kitchen before you can say presto!

Instant Espresso Powder

Espresso in polvere

When baking chocolate desserts like tiramisu or chocolate red wine cake, adding a hint of Italian imported espresso powder (Medaglia D'Oro brand) is a fat-free way to achieve a rich, chocolatey flavor. If you’re not a fan of coffee, don’t worry! You can’t actually taste it- it just enhances the chocolate! If you can’t find espresso powder, you can just substitute any liquid called for in the recipe with cold coffee.

Cashews

Noci

Blending raw cashews with water makes a perfect cream alternative for Italian pasta sauces like Besciamella (Bescamel). Throw it on pasta and you’ve got a Fettuccine Alfredo that will make any cream-lover exclaim “buonissimo!” Cashew Bescamel is even great layered in lasagne as an alternative to tofu ricotta and makes a “Mozzarella-style” sauce for pizzas.

Nutritional Yeast

Lievitato alimentare

But… what can you sprinkle on top of your pasta? The solution: pulse together nutritional yeast with walnuts in a food processor to create a nutty, cheesy Parmesan topping for your noodles, lasagna, or eggplant parmesan.

Coconut Cream

Crema di coco

A lot of beloved Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli rely on thick, luscious whipped cream. How can that possibly be achieved without heavy cream or mascarpone cheese? Easy! Whipping the solid cream from a can of coconut milk with some sugar and vanilla makes a perfect creamy topping for your dolci!

Wine

Vino

Italy is famous for its spectacular vino, but if you have a little left in your bottle at the end of the night, it can also be used in your Italian-inspired dishes! Leftover red wine can be used to enhance tomato sauces, as a poaching liquid for fruit such as apples or pears, or even as a boozy touch to chocolate cake batter! White wine is especially nice to deglaze vegetables with and adds a touch of acidity to soups or salad dressings.

Dried Mushrooms

Funghi secchi

Mushrooms are widely celebrated in Italian cooking, and they are often featured as a seasoning in risotto, soups, and sauces. Try adding some dried mushrooms to homemade vegetable broth for a punch of earthy, umami flavor. Dried porcini mushrooms are most common in Italy, but you can use dried shiitake or any other variety that you are able to easily find.

Olive Oil

Olio d’oliva

No Italian pantry is complete without extra virgin olive oil- it is the cornerstone of all Mediterranean cooking. Quality matters here! Splurge on the good stuff if you can afford it- it should be a beautiful light green color and have a slightly viscous texture. Showcase it on salads with just a touch of balsamic vinegar, drizzle it on grilled veggies, or simply dip fresh bread!

Vinegar

Aceto

Vinegar is just as important in Italian cooking as olive oil- it’s a pairing as essential as salt and pepper! Balsamic and red wine vinegar are the most widely-utilized; and like olive oil, quality matters here too! You don’t have to buy a tiny bottle of aged balsamic for $40, but your dish will be as good as the vinegar you put on it. Go for the gold!

Capers

Caperi

Capers- those salty, briny little green berries, are already used in a lot of traditional Italian dishes like puttanesca or piccata. But did you know they also make an incredible substitution for anchovies? Sprinkle capers on pizza, serve them as part of an antipasto, or just use them in any recipe that would normally call for anchovies.

Dried Beans

Fagioli secchi

Beans… really? Yes, really! You wouldn’t instantly think of it, but beans have been used as a major protein in Italian cooking since Medieval times. From smooth bean soups to chunky pasta e fagioli, these little legumes are abundant in some of our favorite Italian dishes. Try pureeing white beans with garlic, rosemary, and lemon for a delicious Italian alternative to hummus!

In honor of Thanksgiving, I spoke at the Farm Sanctuary Celebration of Turkeys event! It was so much fun, and I got to hang out with these amazing rescued animals! View the gallery

Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means it's time for some totally amazing turkey-free recipes! Check out the spread that will be on MY thanksgiving table this year with a special appearance by my favorite cake from Chloe's Vegan Desserts. All can be made gluten-free, and everything is super easy to make. Cheers to health, happiness, and second helpings! Gobble on, turkeys!

Sweet Potato Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Macaroni noodles swimming in creamy, cheesy, sweet potatoey sauce finished with a hint of fresh rosemary is my favorite way to start the Fall holidays.

Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts finished with a sweet apple cider reduction and pinch of cinnamon. Dessert or vegetable? It’s hard to tell!

Spiced Applesauce Cake

From holiday potlucks to thanksgiving dinner, this cake always makes an appearance.

Best Vegan Places in Paris

1. The Gentle Gourmet Cafe

The best vegan restaurant Paris has to offer! A MUST-visit. All-vegan menu of classic French foods, from Seitan Bourguignon to Pan Au Chocolat, this is the place where vegans can enjoy the fancy French dining experience that one would expect on a trip to Paris! They even serve delicious house-made "cheese" that tastes so much like the real thing. Plus, the chef, staff, and owners are the nicest people. Be sure to tell them Chloe sent you!

2. East Side Burgers Paris

I visited this vegetarian fast food-style burger joint only two weeks after opening and there was a long line out the door...in the rain! It was a long and torturous wait but well worth it! I ordered the Oriental Burger and it was the BEST vegan burger I've ever had! Don't forget to order fries, the French know how to do it!

3. Charles Chocolates

All-vegan chocolate shop in the heart of Paris! I know, I was pretty excited too. But I'm sorry to report there was a bit of a let down after I splurged on a box of assorted chocolates. Every chocolate in the box LOOKED different, but TASTED the same. Round, square, foil-wrapped, molded....all different shapes and sizes, but all had the exact same hazelnut chocolate filling inside. Worth a visit, but don't buy more than a few unless you want to be eating the same exact flavor for the rest of the week!

4. Fauchon

This world-renowned pastry and chocolate shop is far from vegan, but I did discover some awesome vegan finds inside and it's worth a visit for the beautiful decor and pastries. My good friend Lisa Pitman recommended I take a trip there for inspiration and I'm glad I did! Plus, the former Executive Pastry Chef here is Florian Bellanger, judge of Food Network's Cupcake Wars! Head to the bread section and check out their fresh Petit pain chocolat orange (vegan chocolate chip orange bread!).

Best Vegan Places in London

1. Ms. Cupcake UK

I hosted my first UK Book Signing at this amazing cupcake shop! All-vegan, millions of inspired cupcake flavors, and some savory items like scones and more! If you are looking for the ultimate vegan baked-goods experience, look no further than Ms. Cupcake. Plus, Ms. Cupcake herself, Mellissa Morgan, is the sweetest, kindest, most genuine baker I have ever met. You can tell that her and her bakery girls put so much love into every cupcake- no wonder they have achieved monumental success! The charmed bakery is taking London by storm and I highly suggest you make this your first stop in the UK.

2. Manna

Mmmm...manna. I celebrated my 25th birthday here and enjoyed a feast of traditional English food...vegan-style! This all-vegan restaurant is elegant and perfect for a special occasion. The menu features British classics such as Banger & Mash and Sticky Toffee Pudding. The portions are large and hearty too, which is rare in a fancy restaurant. Thank you quarrygirl for the key recommendation!

3. Mildreds

This is quite possibly the best meal I enjoyed in London, plus Anne Hathaway was spotted here just days after I went! The restaurant is PACKED and they don't take reservations, so if you're going for dinner, go before 6:30 or expect to wait. Every single bite here was exceptional. It's all vegetarian and almost everything can be made vegan. Hearty, large portions and delicious flavors. We ordered the burger, porcini ale pie, Malaysian curry, and an assortment of appetizers. Everything was mind-blowing. The only negative is that we were too full for dessert :(

4. Saf/ Whole Foods Kensington

That's right, the Whole Foods Market in London is so huge that there is even a full vegan restaurant on the 3rd floor. Saf Restaurant is all-vegan and partially raw with some delicious inventive dishes! Everything is extremely healthy, but equally as flavorful.

5. Tibits

Last, but certainly not least, Tibits is an incredible vegan dining experience in London. The atmosphere is hip, trendy, and elegant with a long menu of inventive cocktails and vegan wines. A great venue for a party or even a wedding! The cool part is that the food is buffet-style on a boat in the middle of the restaurant. Everything from vegan onion rings to curries- so much fun and so delicious! I will definitely be visiting Tibits again on my next trip. Thank you to Fat Gay Vegan for inviting me to dinner here and hosting a fun London Vegan Drinks party downstairs!

1. Voodoo Doughnuts

www.voodoodoughnut.com
If the thought of vegan doughnuts turning in a glass case makes you salivate, you must check out Voodoo Doughnuts. The fun environment and line out the door told me Voodoo was a winner before I even took my first bite. The vegan jelly doughnut rocked! Plus, their cute slogan is: "Good things come in pink boxes"

2. Blossoming Lotus

http://blpdx.com/
Delicious and healthful with a chic atmosphere, Blossoming Lotus was a great way to kick off my trip! The Whiskey Ginger BBQ Sandwhich and Chili were delicious.

3. Thrive

https://generationthrive.com/
Thrive serves both raw and cooked dishes- all jam-packed with loads of flavor. I couldn't choose which beverage to get so I started with a basil/cilantro/apple green juice AND a chocolate milkshake. Both were insanely good! The miso soup came in a mug, and it was the best I've ever tried- chock-full of veggies and shiitake mushrooms!

4. Mighty-O Donuts

http://www.mightyo.com/
All vegan donut shop=heaven!!! They are generous with their free samples, but that didn't prevent me from ordering upwards of 7 donuts. The chocolate-glazed was my favorite. Very moist and just the right level of sweetness.

5. Cafe Flora

http://www.cafeflora.com/
Cafe Flora is a festive restaurant with a bustling brunch crowd. I came here with my mom, and we chowed down on everything from vegan hot chocolate to vegan huevos rancheros! I hear they make a mean vegan cinnamon roll, but I was too stuffed to try it.

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Give her a copy of my new book Chloe’s Kitchen!

Pick up a copy from your local bookstore or order it on amazon for only $10.98. I dedicated the book to my mom and it is also filled with some of my mom’s famous family recipes (veganized!), so it’s full of “mommy” inspiration! Or maybe YOU will be doing the cooking this Mother’s Day… If so, try one of these easy recipes from Chloe’s Kitchen that my mom goes crazy for.

Chloe’s mom’s favorite dishes from Chloe's Kitchen:

1.Warm Spinach-Artichoke Dip

2. Stuffed Shells in Arrabiata Sauce

3.Tempeh Piccata

4.Pancakes for Dinner

5.Chocolate Walnut Fudge

6.“Chlostess” Crème-Filled Cupcakes

Sending love to all the motherly figures that will be celebrated or remembered this weekend for their love and kindness!

Happy Mother's Day! (photo taken by Peter Murphy during a photoshoot at my book launch in NYC)

San Francisco Favorites

1. Millennium

http://www.millenniumrestaurant.com/
Fancy fine-dining vegan experience. Perfect for a special occasion. I ate here with my family on my college graduation! Everything on the menu is incredible, flavorful, and mind-blowing! $$$$
Must order: Crusted Oyster Mushrooms- it’s like vegan calamari!

2. Cha-Ya

http://sanfrancisco.menupages.com/restaurants/cha-ya/
All-vegan Japanese sushi house. $$$
Must order: Cha-Ya Roll

3. Herbivore

http://www.herbivorerestaurant.com/
All-vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. I ate here with my family when I visited for a UC Berkeley orientation- and my meal was so good it convinced me to attend Berkeley! $$
Must order: Grilled Seitan Shwarma

4. Long Life Veggie House

http://www.yelp.com/biz/long-life-vegi-house-berkeley
The BEST vegan Chinese food that ever existed. All my non-vegan college friends were obsessed with it too. Plus, the lunch special is only $4.95 and includes an entrée, rice, soup, and spring roll! $
Must order: Broccoli Vegi Chicken and Tan Tan Noodles

5. Smart Alecs

http://www.smart-alecs.com/
Casual, healthy, fast-food with great vegan options. Fries are a must! $
Must order: Tofu and Avocado Sandwich with Garlic Fries

6. Cinnaholic

http://www.cinnaholic.com/
All-vegan cinnamon roll bakery. Need I say more? $
Must order: everything!

7. Papalote Mexican Grill

http://www.papalote-sf.com/
Casual burrito café that is famous for their addictive salsa and extensive vegan options. $
Must order: vegan mole!

8. Gracias Madre

http://www.gracias-madre.com/web/
Creative, healthy, vegan Mexican food with housemade cashew cheese. $$
Must order: Quesadillas de Calabaza

9. Greens

http://www.greensrestaurant.com/
Nice vegetarian restaurant with an assortment of vegan options. $$$
Must order: Mesquite Grilled Brochettes

10. Ike’s Place

http://ilikeikesplace.com/
Famous sandwich shop with a line around the block! Tons of original vegan options. $
Must order: Vegan Meatless Mike on Dutch Crunch bread- my brother’s favorite!

New York Favorites

1. Candle 79

http://candle79.com/
Delicious elegant vegan cuisine with the most beautiful atmosphere. $$$$
Must order: Seitan Piccata

2. Café Blossom

http://www.blossomnyc.com/cafeblossom.php
Spacious and modern vegan café. Exciting brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and drink menus! $$
Must order: Black Eyed Pea Cake

3. Franchia

http://www.franchia.com/
Beautiful zen vegan tea house. Asian-fusion cuisine with an assortment of sushi, dumplings, noodles, and delicious tea-infused smoothies. I love eating here for lunch with my mom. $$
Must order: Assorted Dumplings

4. Hangawi

http://www.hangawirestaurant.com/
Fancy vegan Korean restaurant. Gorgeous décor. Guests take their shoes off at the door! $$$$
Must order: Spicy Kimchi Mushroom Pancakes

5. Candle Café

http://www.candlecafe.com/
Fun, casual, healthy vegan cuisine. $$
Must order: Seitan Chimichurri Skewers

6. Souen

http://souen.net/
Very healthful macrobiotic café. $$
Must order: Yuba in Soup- so comforting and delicious!

7. Gobo West Village

http://www.goborestaurant.com/west/index.htm
Fun and fancy atmosphere. Extremely delicious Asian-fusion vegan cuisine. I suggest going with a large group so you can taste many things! $$$
Must order: Natural Seitan Medallions in Sizzling Spicy Citrus Sauce

8. Johns of 12th Street

http://www.johnsof12thstreet.com/
Traditional New York Italian food with a separate all-vegan menu! Fun environment and nice owners that welcome customers like family. $$
Must order: Vegan Cannoli for dessert!

9. Terri NYC

http://terrinyc.com/menu.html
Fast, casual, vegan to-go café. Perfect stop for a mid-day juice or smoothie! $
Must order: Green Power Smoothie

10. Lulas Sweet Apothecary

http://www.lulassweetapothecary.com/
All-vegan ice cream parlor. Fun location and amazing frozen desserts! $
Must order: Cake Batter Ice Cream