Vegan Thanksgiving, ever been there?

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Messages 1 - 84 of total 84 in this topic

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 21, 2013 - 03:11pm PT

Yeah, my Thanksgiving will be vegan. Well, mostly. I'm still going to make sweet potatoes with lots of butter for myself.

I'm not vegan, but I respect my host so I'm not going to cook a turkey. A tofurkey will be slaughtered, but what the hell, it's only once a year.

Any vegan recipes that are pertinent to Thanksgiving?

Thanks!

Wade Icey

Trad climber

www.alohashirtrescue.com

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:13pm PT

Beano.

Prod

Trad climber

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:16pm PT

I'd conveniently get sick that day and go somewhere fun.

Prod.

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:29pm PT

Yuk! Gag me with a spoon.....no, i mean a drumstick.

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 03:34pm PT

Hey, I'm not defending veganism, I love bacon and steak.

I'm simply wondering about vegan cooking, as it's totally foreign to me.

Thanks!

Daphne

Trad climber

Northern California

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:35pm PT

Best brussels sprout recipe:

preheat oven to 450

oil a cookie sheet
cut sprouts in half, lay cut side down on sheet
spray sprouts with olive oil in a Misto
sprinkle salt and pepper over to taste

roast for appx 30-40 minutes, until sprouts are tender and brown on the bottom
I like them brown on the top too
makes them sweet and caramelized

Cauliflower roasts up to perfection too, toss the florets with lemon juice, olive oil and some salt
roast until very very brown
dress with parsley and capers, optionally blended with more lemon juice and olive oil to make a sauce

hungry just writing this.

HighTraverse

Trad climber

Bay Area

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:36pm PT

Pumpkin pie made from FRESH pumpkin. Easy and delicious.
Although, I know little about the Vegan Rules. Perhaps your version outlaws eggs? Or the pie would work just as well with an egg substitute?
You could make fresh pumpkin pudding instead. Or just eat it as if it were squash.

Candied yams are really easy: Cut yams in 1/2 lengthwise. Boil till nearly done. Place in glass baking dish, spread with butter substitute (perhaps olive oil?) and brown sugar and bake until done.
DON'T skin the yams, very nutritious and even tasty.
For a dramatic finale, pour flaming 151 Rum over just before serving. Watch for singeing your eyebrows!

Cranberry sauce cooked from real cranberries. Cranberries, water, add your favorite nuts, bits of orange and lemon, plenty of sugar, boil slowly till done. YUMMY.

FRESH Brussels sprouts. Really don't even bother if they aren't fresh. Best if you can get them on the stalk and cut them off just before cooking. Don't over cook, spoils the flavor. They should be just a little crunchy.

You can make a great feast without ever opening a can.

Ricky D

Trad climber

Sierra Westside

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:39pm PT

Run do not walk as fast as you can from TOFURKY!

That nerf ball is so nasty even my Vegan Daughter couldn't stomach the turd.

Although the seitan drumsticks weren't bad if you use enough gravy.

I suggest you think Chinese!

climber

California dreamin' on the farside of the world..

Nov 21, 2013 - 03:59pm PT

From my experience as a vegan, most vegans and vegetarians prefer not to eat those imitation meat thingys (like Tofurky) because:

1. The ingredients list is scary
and
2. There are tons of tastier, healthier, and less expensive whole food alternatives.

Check out any of these sites--the recipes range from simple to complex, but you'll always end up with something amazingly tasty and healthy and your host will worship you.

http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=6229&catId=2

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-recipes-for-athletes/

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/rich-roll

Matt Frazier (NoMeatAthlete) is a vegan marathoner. Rich Roll is a vegan Ultra Marathoner, Ultra Ironman winner, and just a burly dude.

Happy Vegging

thebravecowboy

Social climber

Colorado Plateau

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:03pm PT

yes. it was gud

but truly the only vegan food that I love comes to me without the word vegan being shoved at me until after the fact.

this just in

climber

north fork

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:04pm PT

Plant killers! These are the screams of the carrots!

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber

moving thru

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:06pm PT

My turkey is a vegan....:)

Joshua Johnson

Boulder climber

Boulder

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:07pm PT

Dump the hippy chick.

This will only bring you a world of pain.

Trust me.

mojede

Trad climber

Butte, America

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:15pm PT

Mashed potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Stuffing

Obviously use no butter, I reckon...

Personally, I'd drink alot of alcohol or consume cannabis to aid in the event.

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 04:15pm PT

My first thought for a vegan thanksgiving was Indian food. That got shut down quickly.

And no, I'm not dumping the hippie. She's not a hippie, just a vegan.

I'm the hippie in this situation.

julton

climber

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:17pm PT

Cooked kale pressed into the shape of a turkey.

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 04:22pm PT

Personally, I'd drink alot of alcohol or consume cannabis to aid in the event.

Canibus (sp) will be involved.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, keep 'em coming!

PSP also PP

Trad climber

Berkeley

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:23pm PT

The opposite of the fake meat products made for tofu are the fake tofu proucts made from meat. My favorite are the tofu cubes made from liver and onions and some how they have removed the taste from the liver and onions so it tastes like tofu . You would never know the difference.

Fake meat products are so stupid!

climbski2

Mountain climber

Anchorage AK, Reno NV

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:24pm PT

YER GUNNA DIE!

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:25pm PT

I usually don't eat bacon (not so healthy) but i will this coming November 1st......World Vegan Day.

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber

moving thru

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:27pm PT

Grill every vegetable known to mankind, have a spectacular glass of champagne with them and it will be awesome. It's not what you eat, it's who you are enjoying it with that makes the moment. Cheers, lynnie

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 04:31pm PT

Lynne nailed it!

It's the people that I want to spend time with, not the food.

Food is secondary to interpersonal relationships, that's why I'm asking for recipes.

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:33pm PT

The Pennsylvania Dutch have a saying....."lovin don't last, cookin do."

Snowmassguy

Trad climber

Calirado

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:39pm PT

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/vegan-thanksgiving-feast

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 04:43pm PT

Snowmassguy, thanks. That's a useful link.

Jim, you're such a curmudgeon. :)

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Nov 21, 2013 - 04:51pm PT

Maybe i'm just jealous Brandon....good luck with the lady!!!

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber

moving thru

Nov 21, 2013 - 05:10pm PT

Brandon,

Go to lookbook.mccormick.com. A few I saw that look good and may qualify are the:

*Two potato salad
*Roasted veggies
*Italian roasted veggies
*Peas and Pearl onions
*Herbed green beans and
*Cajun roasted potato wedges

Oh yeah, click on the pic for the receipe.

Enjoy, lynne

SCseagoat

Trad climber

Santa Cruz

Nov 21, 2013 - 06:31pm PT

Just have a blast Brandon.
Growing up in Western Pa. we used to just go out in the "backyard" and shoot a turkey for Thanksgiving. Being up in NH you get the drill of what rural living is like.

Susan

Jaybro

Social climber

Wolf City, Wyoming

Nov 21, 2013 - 06:46pm PT

Daphne speaks truth, i made her brussel sprouts night before last, only with garlic powder in addition. kick ass!

Ricky D

Trad climber

Sierra Westside

Nov 21, 2013 - 07:28pm PT

Never sell your soul for poontang.

Just saying.

wilbeer

Mountain climber

honeoye falls,ny.greeneck alleghenys

Nov 21, 2013 - 07:33pm PT

Brandon,Walk that dinner off,wrap one up and take your guest for a moonlight hike down to that creek of yours,or if were lucky ,ski.

SC,I was born in Greensburgh,Pa.,lived there till I was 5.Love western Pa.

HighTraverse

Trad climber

Bay Area

Nov 21, 2013 - 07:34pm PT

There has got to be a mathematical function that describes the rate of descent of a blog into the inevitable abyss.
With appropriate coefficients it should be able to fit almost any blog site.
Linear? logarithmic? quadratic? cubic?

wilbeer

Mountain climber

honeoye falls,ny.greeneck alleghenys

Nov 21, 2013 - 07:37pm PT

Linear.

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 07:38pm PT

I should add, NEVER SELL OUT!!!

I've been down that road and it sucks ass!!!

Reilly

Mountain climber

The Other Monrovia- CA

Nov 21, 2013 - 07:57pm PT

I wish I had heard of vegans when I lived in Alaska. It woulda been fun
trying to explain the concept to my Eskimo friends while we sat around
sucking on seal jerky.

Phil_B

Social climber

CHC, en zed

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:07pm PT

Got no recipes for you, sorry.

Did the vegan Thanksgiving one year for some friends. HATED IT!! Not only did I not have leftover turkey for sandwiches and other delish snacks, we drank non-alcoholic wine with dinner.

Any other night, I would've been game to go meatless, but I really love the traditions of my youth. Having a mushroom pate instead of a tasty bird was pretty gross though.

Gotta say, it left a lasting impression on me. 10+ years later, I still whine about it. . .

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber

moving thru

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:08pm PT

High Traverse, the trick is if someone can bring it back up out of the abyss. That rates high campfire praise in my book and an extra hug at the next gathering....

Edit: Phil_B, You drank nothing with no dinner. You have something to whine about for years. Just don't repeat it. If you do, you lose your whine privileges for your lifetime. :)

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 08:29pm PT

Thankfully, there will be vino y mota present.

I'm meeting her mom, so the mota will help....

goatboy smellz

climber

लघिमा

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:35pm PT

One thing you have to ask yourself is if you are serious about this girl
are you willing to do this for every Thanksgiving from here on out.

Once or twice and it's fun and unique.

Giving up Thanksgiving indefinitely?
She must be really great or you're just pussy whipped ;)

Reilly

Mountain climber

The Other Monrovia- CA

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:36pm PT

Manny Mota is a vegan? Are you kidding me?

Jaybro

Social climber

Wolf City, Wyoming

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:43pm PT

Get the recipe for the grilled veggies we had at Balch fest. Clearly a main course that won't leave you wanting for expired flesh!

TGT

Social climber

So Cal

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:46pm PT

Just be careful that the legume and cabbages overdose doesn't lead to this sort of outcome.

http://www.netrider.net.au/threads/dutch-oven-went-horribly-wrong.162208/

Brandon-

climber

The Granite State.

Topic Author's Reply - Nov 21, 2013 - 08:49pm PT

Honestly, I'm cool with eschewing the norm and feasting on vegetables rather than birds.

That's just my opinion, I'm not telling you what to do or how to eat.

drljefe

climber

El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:55pm PT

You hate America don't you Brandon?

Chaz

Trad climber

greater Boss Angeles area

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:58pm PT

I think I'll take Dad out to breakfast on Mothers' Day this year, just to be different.

Maybe go to Angel Stadium, and order a Dodger Dog.

The Larry

climber

Moab, UT

Nov 21, 2013 - 08:59pm PT

Good for you dude.

HighTraverse

Trad climber

Bay Area

Nov 21, 2013 - 09:10pm PT

we drank non-alcoholic wine with dinner.

Curious. I've never heard a Vegan complain about wine.
I've had some vegan food that was nearly inedible. But not NEARLY as bad as Mickey D's or Burger Death.
And I've had plenty (and some I've cooked myself) that was truly relish.

covelocos

Trad climber

Nov 21, 2013 - 09:13pm PT

Best brussels sprout recipe:

Mine involves bacon and I'll make it for an after Thanks Giving party on Saturday.

Bacon, cut into fourths, cooked till done and removed from fat. Add halved Brussels sprouts and cook till done. remove from any remaining fat, mix in bacon and dress with maple syrup. Divine.

*not vegan ;)

Chaz

Trad climber

greater Boss Angeles area

Nov 21, 2013 - 09:15pm PT

That's mostly vegan. Vegan enough.

I'd say you could even eat some light turkey - like some lean white meat turkey breast - and still stay vegan for the holidays.

Or maybe try a real tough cut of beef - like the stuff the Mexicans use for carne asada - and slice it real thin. That's still vegan. ( or vegan enough )

wilbeer

Mountain climber

honeoye falls,ny.greeneck alleghenys

Nov 21, 2013 - 09:16pm PT

"You hate America don't you Brandon?"

HA!

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber

moving thru

Nov 21, 2013 - 11:45pm PT

You're right Bomz I'm exploding my post.

lucander

Trad climber

Shawangunks, New York

Nov 22, 2013 - 01:27am PT

Cook the Tofurkey as a roast: add lots of taters, carrots, and onions. Make a broth of vegetable stock, Braggs, olice oil, and soy sauce. Bake for about 2 hours. Serve with cranberry sauce.

Big Mike

Trad climber

Nov 22, 2013 - 01:32am PT

Did the vegan Thanksgiving one year for some friends. HATED IT!! Not only did I not have leftover turkey for sandwiches and other delish snacks, we drank non-alcoholic wine with dinner.

We did Vegan thanksgiving last year too, with one of my girlfriend's friends who is a hardcore save the animals type. Good company, but i really missed the turkey. No leftovers? Bummer.

Do yourself a favour. Get a small bird and cook it up after the fact so you at least get some turkey for thanksgiving!

Have fun!

Fletcher

Gym climber

A very quiet place

Nov 22, 2013 - 02:25am PT

On my last visit to Vega (don't ask how that happened... too embarrassing and it's classified anyway), I learned they go by the "Grandma" rule (see below).

First, Brandon, you are a kind soul and a first class participant in the guest/host dynamic. It's all about creating a welcoming environment and about showing kindness toward and interest in one another. Like others have said, don't try to replicate the trad Thanksgiving. Just go for some tried and true yummy vegan recipes. Our family is not vegan by a long shot. But we still use vegan recipes that we find particularly tasty. Why not?!

Anyway, this all reminds me of a memorable passage from Anthony Bourdain's Medium Raw that follows. Love him or hate him or something in-between, he sure is entertaining and provacative!

From Medium Raw:
“Okay. I am genuinely angry – still – at vegetarians. That’s not shtick. Not angry at them personally, mind you – but in principle. But what I’ve seen of the world in the past nine years has, if anything, made me angrier at anyone not a Hindu who insists on turning up their nose at a friendly offer of meat.

I don’t care what you do in your home, but the idea of a vegetarian traveler in comfortable shoes waving away the hospitality – the distillation of a lifetime of training and experience – of, say, a Vietnamese pho vendor (or Italian mother-in-law, for that matter) fills me with sputtering indignation.

No principle is, to my mind, worth that; no western concept of “is it a pet or is it meat” excuses that kind of rudeness.

I often talk about the “Grandma Rule” for travelers. You may not like Grandma’s Thanksgiving turkey. It may be overcooked and dry – and her stuffing salty and studded with rubbery pellets of giblet you find unpalatable in the extreme. You may not like turkey at all. But it’s Grandma’s turkey. And you are in Grandma’s house. So shut the f**k up and eat it. And afterward, say, “Thank you, Grandma, why, yes, yes of course I’d love seconds.”

Peace, love, and hugs... and thanks and giving!

Eric