Thanksgiving is Coming!

Thanksgiving is fast approaching! I love this holiday, such good food, time with family and friends, and did I mention good food?

Since I am a vegetarian, people often ask how I "do" Thanksgiving, or they feel bad for me that I don't get the usual "fixings," or they ask if I eat Tofurky. So, I figured I would do a post about how to feed vegetarians on this festive day!

1. For me at least, I have never had meat. So I am not missing turkey! I grew up with so many other dishes, I miss those if they aren't present at my celebration each year. But nope, I don't miss turkey. Clearly, every vegan/vegetarian is different, but don't be afraid to ask what dishes they like to have so they can have a fun and delicious celebration!

2. Most of the usual "fixings" can be made vegan/vegetarian! Use soy/rice/almond milk instead of cows milk and use vegan butter. Use veggie stock not meat stock. Make lots of veggie sides, they are delicious and fill you up with less guilt and there are plenty of sweets that can be adapted, too!
**there are tons of way to make gluten-free options too, vegetables are naturally GF and many companies sell gf pie crusts now!**

3. Don't serve Tofurky....unless your vegan/veggie loved guest requests it. For me, at least, I have never had meat so I don't need a fake version...and it looks weird...

So...what do you serve? Showcase vegetables! This is a harvest holiday - there are an array of delicious options at our fingertips this time of year. Make roasted veggies, easy and light. Make a stuffing that is not in the bird and use veggie stock instead.

Usually, for us, we have:
- A lentil or bean dish: a favorite is lentil stuffed zucchini or stuffed eggplant
- Veggie Stew (recipe below)
- Roasted vegetable of some kind (lots of ways to get creative here)
- Gluten-free corn bread stuffing
- Sweet potato fluff (or another yummy squash dish)
- Cranberry relish
- Pumpkin pie

But today, I am sharing my favorite winter veggie stew. It's from the old Moosewood cookbook and so delicious. The molasses and dill take this to an amazing level and it is a real easy crowd pleaser!

* this makes a bunch, maybe 6-8 side portions on a big eating day like Thanksgiving
** it freezes super well!
***Check out my pinterest boards or the recipe section of my blog for lots more recipes!

And the fun and tastiness is not over! Check out these other Thanksgiving favorites from some of my favorite bloggers!

Pumpkin Chip Cream Pie  from Let's Dish

Cranberry Orange Martini from One Martini at a Time

Pilgrim Butty - Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich from Kleinworth & Co.

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad from In the Moment With

Vegetarian Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas from Random-osity

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel  from Joyful Healthy Eats

Cranberry Sauce from Little by Little

Garlic Cheese Dip Appetizer from Nap-Time Creations

Grandma's Jello Salad from More Than Simple Living

Baked Sweet Potatoes topped with Whipped Maple Butter & Toasted Pecans from The Well Floured Kitchen

Pumpkin Rolls   from Rainy Day Cravings

Do you want to participate in future Recipe Round-Up's & join in on the fun??

email Gina at Kleinworth & Co (chichomeschoolmama{at}att{dot}net) for details.