Holiday Favorites

Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, right? And Christmas is all about spiral ham, or a roasted chicken, or maybe even turkey again! For vegans and vegetarians, we are bombarded with the question, "But what do you eat" or more specifically, "What do you eat instead of the meat?"  For a long time, I didn't eat anything "instead of the meat" and just focused on the amazing veggies and sides, which were more than enough to keep me stuffed. I have done some research, tried different recipes, and these are the ones that have stuck.

From right to left:
Onion Gravy https://www.kitchentreaty.com/vegetarian-onion-gravy/

Lentil Loaf http://theveganstoner.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post.html?m=1

Apple Pie https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/scrumptious-apple-pie/c9a4acc6-85aa-4128-b0b0-1a17bdbe05e0
(Sub vegan butter)

If lentils aren't your thing, I have also adapted my mom's meatloaf recipe with Beyond Meat Beefy Crumble http://beyondmeat.com/products/view/beefy-crumble

Vegan "Meat" loaf

1 package Beyond Meat Beyond Beef Crumbles Beefy

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup milk alternative

1/4 ketchup (+ more to put on top)

2 cups frozen vegetables (optional, but I think it adds more substance)

1 cup corn flakes

Garlic powder

Salt

Pepper

Olive oil to bind together 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Brown Beef Crumbles on a pan according to the package. 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pack into loaf pan.

Squeeze some ketchup on top. 

Bake for 40 minutes or until brown and slightly crisp.

Vegan Dressing (Stuffing)

1 package meat and dairy free stuffing mix (check the ingredients) 

5 tbsp vegan butter

1 large onion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

2-3 cups vegetable broth

Heat oven to 350 degrees. 

Melt butter in a large pot and saute onion and celery.

Add broth and heat to a boil.

Remove from heat and add stuffing (I add more broth to make it slightly soggy).

Put stuffing in a casserole dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until brown and slightly crisp. 

I like to serve the dressing in acorn squash and eat it right out of there. 

Vegan Deviled "Eggs" (Potatoes)

https://theveglife.com/vegan-deviled-potatoes/ 

If you don't want to make your own hummus, you can buy plain hummus, and just add mustard.

Other tips:

• For green beans, I saute onion with vegan butter in a pan, add the green beans, pine nuts, and dried cranberries. 
• Most store crescent rolls are vegan, check the ingredients! 
• Don't forget the wine!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!