Vegan Thanksgiving

I have overheard a few in the Vegan world say that Thanksgiving was not for them.  Think about it though, there is alot more to the feast then the turkey!  It seems most college-aged kids pass through being Vegan and for some it sticks. So most all of us should have a few tricks up our sleeve to be the perfect Vegan host.   To be honest it tastes 95% as good and is 200% healthier.   Here is what I do:

Head to Trader Joes, Whole Foods or your nearest natural food store and stock up on Earth Balance (best ever butter substitute, even for baking your pie crust), vegetable or mushroom bullion and soy or almond milk.

Turkey/main course - Well, the turkey is out for the Vegan crew but if you make the stuffing as I describe below, save some and stuff some mushrooms and serve with the gravy below.    Just pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes dish up everything else.  I'  admit, I had more stuffed mushrooms then turkey this year.  They were that good.

Dressing - Use Earth Balance to saute the onion, add spices, craisens and wild rice (I used half rice half bread) with dairy free bread and vegetable bullion, you have a delicious  stuffing that everyone will like in the bird or out.

Mashed potatoes - Again use earth Balance and Soy Milk.  These aren't as rich as traditional potatoes but you can make up for the flavor by adding a crushed garlic and sauted shallots or leeks.

Gravy - I love gravy and this mushroom gravy is a mighty fine substitute for the gravy grandma used to make, and alot healthier.  I am sold:

Mushroom gravy

•                3/4 cup white or button mushrooms, chopped

•                1 small yellow or white onion, minced

•                1/4 cup Earth Balance margarine

•                2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

•                2 tbsp soy sauce

•                1/4 cup flour

•                1 tbsp poultry seasoning (or 1/2 tsp each of sage, thyme and marjoram)

•                salt and pepper to taste

Melt the margarine and then saute the onion and mushrooms.  Add broth and soy sauce.  Slowly add the flour, stirring, bring to a simmer or a low boil, then reduce heat.  Add spices and cook for 10 minutes or unitl thickened.

Sweet Potatoes - Forget that old marshmallow recipe and slice and roast  them in the oven with olive oil.

Vegetable - Easy

Cranberries - In my book, nothing is better then 2 cups of fresh cranberries boiled until they pop with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.  Add cinnamon or peppers for something different.  I can't believe anyone buys them in a can!

Bread and Herb Butter - Check the bread you purchase, it is surprising how often milk, whey or eggs are in the ingredients.  Baguette is usually a safe choice.  The day before I soften a half pound of Earth Balance (and I confess butter too for us heathens) then crush a clove of garlic and snip a teaspoon or two of thyme into it and spread it in a small pretty glass bowl.  The flavor is enhanced overnight.

Pumpkin Pie - There are several recipes on the internet but last year I just substituted 1 1/2 tsp each  of water/oil/baking powder for each egg and replaced about 3/4 of the amount of evaporated milk called for with soy milk and the pie tasted fine.   Any other pie (apple, pecan) would be festive too.

There you go.  No whining just thanksgiving!