Simply Sensational

Meet my new favorite indulgence: Simply Sesame Delicious Creamy Spreads in three decadent flavors: Pure Roasted Sesame, Vanilla with Almond Bits and my favorite, Pistachio Morsels with a Hint of Cardamom.

I love that they're all vegan, gluten free, peanut free, palm oil free, trans-fat free, and non-GMO. And the ways you can enjoy Simply Sesame Spreads are limited only by your imagination: Spread on toast or a bagel, mix into your favorite smoothie, drizzle over hot cereal, or savor as a dip for bananas, dates, or apple slices. Unlike tahini, the creamy texture is sumptuous, and each variety has just the right hint of sweetness to make it a delightfully indulgent treat. (Just 3g sugar per tablespoon serving.) 

I created two tantalizing recipes for the first annual Simply Sesame Blogger Recipe Challenge. Each one showcases the rich, creamy decadence of Simply Sesame Spreads. Add either or both recipes to your holiday table. They're festive, flavorful, and fun!

Fabulous Fall Salad with Pomegranate Arils 

and Simply Sesame-Citrus Dressing

Ingredients

Lettuce of choice (I used a combination of red leaf and an herb salad mix)

2-3 Persian cucumbers, sliced

2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented 

1/2 cup pecan halves

1/2 cup fresh pomegranate arils

For the dressing:

2 Tbsp Simply Sesame Pistachio Morsels with a Hint of Cardamom (Feel free to use any variety)

8 oz freshly squeezed orange or mandarin orange juice

Directions

Prepare salad ingredients and portion into bowls. Place dressing ingredients into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, and shake until well mixed. Pour dressing over salad when ready to serve. Makes 4 servings.

Note: You can replace the pomegranate arils with dried cranberries and use crunchy apple chunks (Opals are great!) in place of the mandarin orange. 

Yummy Yamburgers with Creamy Roasted Sesame Dressing 

and Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

For the burgers:

1 cup baked yam

1 14.5-oz can Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup cooked brown rice, divided

1/4 cup onion, diced

1 Tbsp Simply Sesame Pure Roasted Sesame Spread

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp rosemary

1/2 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup chopped pecans* 

For the Sesame Dressing:

2 Tbsp unsweetened nondairy yogurt (I use coconut yogurt)

1 Tbsp Simply Sesame Pure Roasted Sesame Spread or Simply Sesame Vanilla with Almond Bits

1 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed

1 tsp agave nectar (optional)

Cranberry sauce

Lettuce

Avocado

Sliced red onion (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with olive oil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mash together baked yam and Cannellini beans. Add 1/4 cup of the cooked brown rice, onion, Simply Sesame Spread, ground flaxseed, herbs, and spices, and mash again until well combined. Stir in the remaining brown rice, cranberries, and pecans. 

Using a 1/2-cup measuring scoop, portion burgers into four large patties, and place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes, carefully flip the burgers, and bake for 12-15 minutes more, until tops are golden brown.

While burgers are baking, in a small bowl, mix together all of the dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

When burgers are done, serve hot on toasted European-style crusty hard rolls, topped with lettuce, sliced avocado, sesame dressing, cranberry sauce, and sliced red onion, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

*Feel free to substitute walnuts, almonds, or other nuts for the pecans.

Look for Simply Sesame Delicious Creamy Spreads at your local specialty grocer or online at Bonelli Fine Food or at Amazon.com. And for find more enticing ways to enjoy Simply Sesame, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Happy eating!