Just five ingredients are all it takes to create this beautifully festive holiday dessert: Cranberry Pear Pie. (Technically, the pie crust is a sixth ingredient, but once you’ve mastered our Olive Oil Crust, you’ve got that in the bag). Prepared without a traditional lattice topping, this open-faced—and vegan—fruit pie dazzles a crowd with its stunning winter hues and shimmery glazed look. Enjoy with regular or non-dairy whipped cream, a sifter of brandy, and fine holiday company.

This holiday season, treat your guests to a flaky, savory pie crust that’s made with olive oil—no butter required at all. This incredible recipe is from the culinary school Natural Gourmet Institute, where I received my training. It’s been a staple recipe in my kitchen for years, and it will transform your holiday desserts forever. Promise. 

'Tis the season to cut up your surplus of homegrown zucchini and get to bakin'. Zucchini is a bountiful vegetable that typically returns high yields, but we don't have to tell you that. You might even have pounds and pounds of peeled and grated zucchini stuffed away in your freezer! Well, thaw out a container (about 2 cups worth) and take a gander at this lovely late-summer, sweet zucchini bread recipe.

This is one of my favorite dessert recipes to make in the summer when berries and stone fruit are in high season. It’s simple, easy to make, I can make it ahead of time and it showcases the gorgeous, fresh fruit.

Apple pie gets all the patriotic props, but perhaps blueberry pie should be our new national pastry. The little blue balls are native to North America and pack a powerful dose of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. This is Billions of Blueberries pie, a simple, summer dessert that has been served for generations – and tastes best warmed up and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This is a delicious, raw dessert recipe recipe that uses just four ingredients. This recipe can be made in about 10 minutes, it's really that easy!

I developed this recipe because I am always looking for a healthy sweet in the afternoon which usually consists of raw cocoa. Raw cocoa is a super food, and has more antioxidants than red wine or green tea and gives you a natural energy boost. Organic, extra virgin coconut oil is a healthy fat, you can read about the health benefits of coconut oil. It has been shown to boost metabolic rate, give you an energy boost and assist in weight loss. Combine raw cocoa with coconut oil and you literally have a delicious and healthy super food treat!

This dessert recipe is absolutely delicious. What's great about it, it can be made ahead, and reheated at the last minute for your guests.

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

Pate Brisee

About 12 ounces (scant 2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces cold unsalted butter, cut into ¼ inch cubes
¼ cup ice water

This recipe is dairy free, gluten free, no sugar and no soy and tastes oh so good and even gives you a natural energy boost with raw cocoa! Try this wickedly tasty dessert guilt-free!