Orecchiette Pasta with Cranberry and Kale

Considering my love of food, Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I have fond memories of large family dinners held in my grandmother's tiny house. The meals were filled with simple flavors that when combined created sublime delicacies. As I've mentioned before, earthy flavored foods delight me. This makes Thanksgiving the perfect holiday for indulgence. Once I went vegan, I found it necessary to come up with a few extra dishes to share during these holiday meals. Orecchiette Pasta with Cranberry and Kale is one of my favorites to share this time of year.

Orecchiette Pasta with Cranberry and Kale

1 box Orecchiette Pasta prepared
2 tbsp Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 medium White Onion, sliced thin
1 can whole berry Cranberry Sauce or 1 3/4 cup homemade Cranberry Sauce
3/4 cup dry Red Wine (I use Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 bunch Kale, stems removed and sliced into thin strips
1 cup Pasta Water
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the garlic and onions 5 to 7 minutes. Add the cranberry sauce and wine and allow to reduce by half. Add the kale and allow it to wilt. Add pasta water and reduce heat to low. The longer and slower you cook the kale the less bitter it will be. Allow it to cook on low for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve over orecchiette with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Spicy Peanut Pasta

Today feels like a good day for something spicy, something that will warm your body to the core. I love Thai food on days like this. Here's my personal favorite Thai inspired quick and easy Spicy Peanut Pasta.

Spicy Peanut Pasta

1 box Angel Hair Pasta prepared
1 cup Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
2 tbsp Bragg's Amino Acids
2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
2 tbsp Red Chile Paste
2 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 tbsp fresh Ginger, grated
8 tbsp Olive Oil
1 can Coconut Milk
1 Green Onion, sliced

In a skillet on medium heat, stir all ingriendents except pasta and green onion. Heat for 8 to 10 minutes and toss with pasta. Sprinkle each serving with green onion and enjoy!