A Turkey-less Thanksgiving for Vegans

BY AMANDA SCHRECK
SC Contributing Writer

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and some people are looking to take the “turkey” out of “Turkey Day.”

The day of feasting, celebration, and family has become something much more for vegans and vegetarians around the country.

At first, it can be difficult and daunting to arrive at a family dinner during the holiday season and feel lost being a vegetarian or a vegan.

Almost every dish on the typical Thanksgiving table involves meat, butter, milk, eggs, cream, and a cornucopia of foods laden with animal products.

So what do you do when you are a vegan or vegetarian?

You shouldn’t have to go hungry—so here are some great websites and cookbooks so you can bring vegan alternatives to your family dinner.

One of the most successful vegan holiday cookbooks is “Vegan Holiday Kitchen” by Nava Atlas.

From brunch to dinner, there are over 200 recipes that will be sure to satisfy every veggie lover and omnivore.

Corn Bread, Veggie Pot Pie, and even Ravioli with Sweet Potatoes are just some of the decadent recipes you can find in this bestseller.

If you want a cookbook that can take you from Thanksgiving into New Years, “Vegan for the Holidays” by Zel Allen is a perfect addition to your cookbook collection.

Also, if you or family member is a gluten-free eater, “Gluten-Free and Vegan Holidays” by Jennifer Katzinger is an option for both of those dietary needs.

Finally, what would Thanksgiving be without pie? “Vegan Pie in the Sky” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz is filled with dessert options to please even non-plant based family member’s need for a great pie.

Maple-Kissed Blueberry Pie, She’s My Cherry Pie, and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tartlets scream Thanksgiving goodness.

There are also countless websites that show that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a headache when it comes to plant-based eating.

ChooseVeg.com, OhSheGlows.com, and Kblog.LunchBoxBunch.com have thousands of options to add to your family’s dinner table.

Sweet potato casserole, biscuits, dips, mac and “cheeze,” stews, and cakes are just some of the entrees and desserts you can dive into to give you the best veg-friendly Thanksgiving ever.

Another great website for everyone’s sweet tooth is ChocolateCoveredKatie.com.

Just because you are vegan or vegetarian does not mean you cannot indulge in some amazing chocolate recipes this holiday season.

So get out your apron, mixing bowl, and spoon, and wow your family this Thanksgiving with happy, healthy food that you can share with the people you love!

Email Amanda at:
aschreck@live.esu.edu