Living in Florida certainly has its’ benefits.
Just this past weekend, the veg group I am active in threw our first annual vegan barbeque bash! The weather was amazing and we had close to 100 people attend. The goal of the bash was to show others, usually non-vegetarians, how many different foods could be served, not just veggie burgers and veggie dogs.
We certainly did that — we had 3 tables full of food!
Alternative Choices for Turkey Day!
This same thinking applies to holidays too.
With Thanksgiving being the next major holiday there is planning and shopping to do, not to mention the cooking!
Sure, a vegan Thanksgiving can offer a tofurky to replace the big bird in the center of the table. However, some people just can’t get past the idea of a tofu turkey. I try to do something different every year, e.g., stuffed peppers or asparagus crepes.
Yum!
Other ideas include a lentil or nut loaf or a fall soup.
The funny thing is, besides the meat centerpiece, Thanksgiving is a carb-lover’s dream!
Standard fare includes mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, fresh green beans, corn, stuffing (or dressing) and sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping.
There are alternatives for any animal product you might normally use in preparing this meal.
- plant-based milk
- vegetable-based margarine
- mushroom gravy
- stuffing without eggs
- vegan marshmallows (no gelatin)
Dessert usually consists of pumpkin pie or fruit pies. You can buy vegan pies, vegan crusts or make your own. Fruit cobbler is an easy, delicious option too.
There is even soy whipped cream available.
It’s fun to see what you can come up with. Vegan holiday meals can be more interesting, certainly healthier, and will bring out your creative side in your kitchen.