Thanksgiving with two vegan guests; please help me plan!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Trader Joe’s sells a vegan French onion dip. I would try and do as much as you can vegan except the turkey. You can make the same potatoes for everyone using a plant based milk and butter.

I would do the opposite of this. Why should everyone suffer? Make some vegan dishes for them ahead of time and maybe one dish for everyone to share that passes muster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are vegan versions of everything, everywhere. It's not difficult to find vegan foods anymore.

Nobody wants to eat that stuff, except for the vegans. There is no need to change and entire menu to accommodate two people.

Why would she have to change the entire menu? Just buy two vegan meals for her vegan guests. Jeez, you are REALLY a crappy host.

Nope, you didn’t say “just buy two vegan meals for her vegan guests,” you said “there are vegan versions of everything, everywhere.” Stop acting like I’m arguing point A when you made point B.

She can easily buy vegan version of everything for her guests. By that I mean, she can buy TWO SERVINGS of vegan everything, to serve to her TWO vegan guests. Is that better?

I would never change my Thanksgiving menu so vegans could eat it. Thanksgiving is about tradition. But I WOULD accommodate vegan guests in a way that worked for them.

The way some people are responding on this thread, it's like it's 1975 and no one knows vegetarians or vegans, and they think "vegetarian" means they only eat fish and chicken. If you don't know any vegans or vegetarians by now, either relatives or friends, you have been living under a rock. It's 2022. Be prepared when you invite people over for a meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you could serve them something like this? https://fieldroast.com/product/celebration-roast/

I’ve heard good reviews from vegan friends.

OP, this is a good suggestion, but only if you know they eat and enjoy plant-based alternatives like that. My SIL bemoans that vegan burgers and the like are processed and that they are served to vegans all the time at social events. (Which…I have my opinions on that level of entitlement, I’m just saying.)

What do you mean by 'level of entitlement'? Junk food is junk food. Those vegan meats are junk. How is not wanting to eat junk 'entitled'?

they’re not junk. And tbh I would rather eat junk than support factory farming. I don’t think this makes me “ difficult” you need to be more aware of where your food comes from.

I source all my meats and dairy from local grass fed, free range farms. That beats processed soy and hydrogenated oils any day.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think you're making it too complicated for yourself.

https://tofurky.com/what-we-make/roasts/feast/

Tofurky has a 'feast' which includes a vegan turkey with stuffing, gravy, and a brownie. I don't serve the brownie because I'm able to provide vegan pumpkin pie and it feels kind of weird/sad, but the roast and gravy + normally roasted vegetables in olive oil is a good solution. Having served this for my sister for many years I find I have to use extra vegetable broth and cover it tightly to prevent it from being too dry but otherwise she is happy with it.

You can add a few potatoes to the roasted vegetables and serve them instead of making 2 batches of mashed potatoes, or use vegan butter on all the mashed potatoes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you could serve them something like this? https://fieldroast.com/product/celebration-roast/

I’ve heard good reviews from vegan friends.

OP, this is a good suggestion, but only if you know they eat and enjoy plant-based alternatives like that. My SIL bemoans that vegan burgers and the like are processed and that they are served to vegans all the time at social events. (Which…I have my opinions on that level of entitlement, I’m just saying.)

What do you mean by 'level of entitlement'? Junk food is junk food. Those vegan meats are junk. How is not wanting to eat junk 'entitled'?

they’re not junk. And tbh I would rather eat junk than support factory farming. I don’t think this makes me “ difficult” you need to be more aware of where your food comes from.

I don't want to support factory farms and I don't want to eat junk either. How is that entitled? Yes, "processed protein" "Isolated protein" etc etc is junk. Also loaded with sodium and yeast extract and MSG. Just because it's vegan doesn't mean it's healthy. It's processed crap.

Someone is trying to graciously accommodate you. If you can’t graciously eat what is served, decline invitations or bring your own food. When I go to a dinner party, I do not turn up my nose at what is served, nor do I complain that I have been served that food before and suggest alternatives for next time—this is literally what my SIL does. “Pasta again? Next time, you should try serving—“ That is entitled beyond. If you can’t graciously eat a few bites of a vegan burger that was provided for you out of consideration by your hosts, stay home. Not saying you have to gorge on tofurkey, but recognize the gesture and eat a few bites and fill up on sides. My goodness. SO entitled.

Uh, I am not even vegan. I am simply saying that someone who IS vegan has a right to "bemoan" that they are constantly getting served processed junk. That is not entitled. I'm sure that PP's SIL has eaten way more than her fair share of vegan burgers at this point.

If you were a gracious host, you would want to know that the special accommodations you're making for your vegan guests are processed junk. Instead you would rather they "graciously eat a few bites" and then wipe their lips and say, "Mmm, delicious!" I'm sure your guests eat a full meal before they come over anyway.

[Anonymous]

Make a salad, huge pot of vegetarian chili and a loaf of vegan bread and call it a day. Do your regular menu, trying to “veganize” things never turns out well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you could serve them something like this? https://fieldroast.com/product/celebration-roast/

I’ve heard good reviews from vegan friends.

OP, this is a good suggestion, but only if you know they eat and enjoy plant-based alternatives like that. My SIL bemoans that vegan burgers and the like are processed and that they are served to vegans all the time at social events. (Which…I have my opinions on that level of entitlement, I’m just saying.)

What do you mean by 'level of entitlement'? Junk food is junk food. Those vegan meats are junk. How is not wanting to eat junk 'entitled'?

they’re not junk. And tbh I would rather eat junk than support factory farming. I don’t think this makes me “ difficult” you need to be more aware of where your food comes from.

I don't want to support factory farms and I don't want to eat junk either. How is that entitled? Yes, "processed protein" "Isolated protein" etc etc is junk. Also loaded with sodium and yeast extract and MSG. Just because it's vegan doesn't mean it's healthy. It's processed crap.

Someone is trying to graciously accommodate you. If you can’t graciously eat what is served, decline invitations or bring your own food. When I go to a dinner party, I do not turn up my nose at what is served, nor do I complain that I have been served that food before and suggest alternatives for next time—this is literally what my SIL does. “Pasta again? Next time, you should try serving—“ That is entitled beyond. If you can’t graciously eat a few bites of a vegan burger that was provided for you out of consideration by your hosts, stay home. Not saying you have to gorge on tofurkey, but recognize the gesture and eat a few bites and fill up on sides. My goodness. SO entitled.

Uh, I am not even vegan. I am simply saying that someone who IS vegan has a right to "bemoan" that they are constantly getting served processed junk. That is not entitled. I'm sure that PP's SIL has eaten way more than her fair share of vegan burgers at this point.

If you were a gracious host, you would want to know that the special accommodations you're making for your vegan guests are processed junk. Instead you would rather they "graciously eat a few bites" and then wipe their lips and say, "Mmm, delicious!" I'm sure your guests eat a full meal before they come over anyway.

My parents are in their 80s, and host a few family dinners a year. Note that SIL doesn’t complain to my parents or even my brother that “vegan hot dogs again” at 4th of July, but she somehow feels she can offload this rude complaint onto me, like I’m going to say, “Yeah, my parents sure are dirtbags to try to include you in a BBQ, right on.” How about if it is a family event, either bring some of your own food to share (like normal people do) or make actual helpful suggestions to octogenarians who may not be 100% hip and with it when it comes to vegan fare.

[Anonymous]

We usually do: vegan stuffing with mushrooms/boiled chestnuts; roasted root vegetables; “brisket” slow cooked beans (with the seasoning you would put in brisket); olives and good pickles; some kind of cold cooked salad (eggplant in tomato sauce, potato salad with vegan mayo, etc.) and good bread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you could serve them something like this? https://fieldroast.com/product/celebration-roast/

I’ve heard good reviews from vegan friends.

OP, this is a good suggestion, but only if you know they eat and enjoy plant-based alternatives like that. My SIL bemoans that vegan burgers and the like are processed and that they are served to vegans all the time at social events. (Which…I have my opinions on that level of entitlement, I’m just saying.)

What do you mean by 'level of entitlement'? Junk food is junk food. Those vegan meats are junk. How is not wanting to eat junk 'entitled'?

they’re not junk. And tbh I would rather eat junk than support factory farming. I don’t think this makes me “ difficult” you need to be more aware of where your food comes from.

I don't want to support factory farms and I don't want to eat junk either. How is that entitled? Yes, "processed protein" "Isolated protein" etc etc is junk. Also loaded with sodium and yeast extract and MSG. Just because it's vegan doesn't mean it's healthy. It's processed crap.

Someone is trying to graciously accommodate you. If you can’t graciously eat what is served, decline invitations or bring your own food. When I go to a dinner party, I do not turn up my nose at what is served, nor do I complain that I have been served that food before and suggest alternatives for next time—this is literally what my SIL does. “Pasta again? Next time, you should try serving—“ That is entitled beyond. If you can’t graciously eat a few bites of a vegan burger that was provided for you out of consideration by your hosts, stay home. Not saying you have to gorge on tofurkey, but recognize the gesture and eat a few bites and fill up on sides. My goodness. SO entitled.

Uh, I am not even vegan. I am simply saying that someone who IS vegan has a right to "bemoan" that they are constantly getting served processed junk. That is not entitled. I'm sure that PP's SIL has eaten way more than her fair share of vegan burgers at this point.

If you were a gracious host, you would want to know that the special accommodations you're making for your vegan guests are processed junk. Instead you would rather they "graciously eat a few bites" and then wipe their lips and say, "Mmm, delicious!" I'm sure your guests eat a full meal before they come over anyway.

Anyone who bemoans anything I serve is not getting invited back. How rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you could serve them something like this? https://fieldroast.com/product/celebration-roast/

I’ve heard good reviews from vegan friends.

OP, this is a good suggestion, but only if you know they eat and enjoy plant-based alternatives like that. My SIL bemoans that vegan burgers and the like are processed and that they are served to vegans all the time at social events. (Which…I have my opinions on that level of entitlement, I’m just saying.)

What do you mean by 'level of entitlement'? Junk food is junk food. Those vegan meats are junk. How is not wanting to eat junk 'entitled'?

they’re not junk. And tbh I would rather eat junk than support factory farming. I don’t think this makes me “ difficult” you need to be more aware of where your food comes from.

I source all my meats and dairy from local grass fed, free range farms. That beats processed soy and hydrogenated oils any day.

BS. And grass fed means nothing. Unless you literally never eat out anywhere you are still supporting the cruelty involved for your “ meat”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is my favorite vegan/vegetarian holiday entree:

Make this soup:
https://heartfultable.com/lentil-and-sage-stew/
But add an extra half tsp salt and at the end, add 1/4 cup dry quinoa and cook until you see the little spirals come out. Then hollow out a small pumpkin (like pie sized), but keep it whole. Just cut off the top and scoop out the seeds and strings as if you were going to make a jack-o-lantern. Fill it with the soup and bake for about an hour at 375.

Looks very festive and is a hearty entree but other guests will actually enjoy it too!

For sides:
Dave’s Killer bread is vegan and they have a variety of products. Grabbing a loaf also means you can offer them toast for breakfast if they are staying a few days.

Scoop some of the potato mash out before adding butter and milk and instead add vegan versions.

I think it’s fine if you skip including them in the dressing.

Offer a nice side salad or other veggie dish (roast Brussels sprouts, green beans)

You can also make simple roast sweet potatoes and just serve in their skin, topped with vegan butter and salt and pepper. Very simple but an easy way to add another option.

For dessert, rather than having apple pie filling in a dish, why not put some of the filling into a small glass baking dish and top with a crumble topping (vegan butter, brown sugar and rolled oats, for example). Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. Only a little more effort but then it feels like you went out of your way vs. just giving them half a dessert. You can also buy a container of vegan ice cream to serve with their apple crumble and it would give them the option of an alternative dessert if they prefer just ice cream.

This is just so much extra work for OP, who is hosting 16 people! No. If you’re already making pie filling for a regular pie (with regular pie crust), it’s not too much extra work to essentially just make more filling (minus butter) and put aside in a crock pot. That is plenty of extra work.

Scooping out a freaking pumpkin? You’re insane.

And by the way, have you “just do more” posters even considered the extra cost of “just buy extra vegan ice cream” and “just buy extra vegan French onion dip,” etc.? Groceries are already sky-high. OP should make a few easy modifications. To her question, yes, her plan as-is is more than enough for the two vegans to make a plate. The entitlement here is astounding.

I guess my philosophy is that when I am hosting, I want every guest to feel welcome, not just tolerated. Hollowing out a pie pumpkin takes 5 minutes so not sure why that is your big hang up. If OP shared your philosophy of “you get what you get, vegan dirtbags!” then I doubt she would be posting. I am not even vegan, but I like to host and want everyone to feel loved! So if OP wants a great vegan entree that’s easy to make ahead, she can copy my idea. If not, then I am sure she will appreciate my suggestion for a widely-available brand of bread that works for vegans.

[Anonymous]

I’d skip the vegan mashed potatoes, just doesn’t sound good. Also can you do two batches of stuffing, one vegan and one not? I typically make two batches, one super traditional and one more “interesting” one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We usually do: vegan stuffing with mushrooms/boiled chestnuts; roasted root vegetables; “brisket” slow cooked beans (with the seasoning you would put in brisket); olives and good pickles; some kind of cold cooked salad (eggplant in tomato sauce, potato salad with vegan mayo, etc.) and good bread.

I would love the recipe for brisket slow cooked beans! I am vegan now but always loved the flavor of brisket. I firmly believe that "meat" is not what people enjoy or miss if they stop eating it; it's the seasonings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We usually do: vegan stuffing with mushrooms/boiled chestnuts; roasted root vegetables; “brisket” slow cooked beans (with the seasoning you would put in brisket); olives and good pickles; some kind of cold cooked salad (eggplant in tomato sauce, potato salad with vegan mayo, etc.) and good bread.

I would love the recipe for brisket slow cooked beans! I am vegan now but always loved the flavor of brisket. I firmly believe that "meat" is not what people enjoy or miss if they stop eating it; it's the seasonings.

I just eye-ball everything, I use a mix of dried white northern beans, baby lima beans, and chickpeas that I soak the night before, this is pretty much the flavor profile, and I cook them on low for six hours or so.
https://smittenkitchen.com/2020/09/tangy-braised-chickpeas/

[Anonymous]

I’d make green beans with almonds, a mix of roast vegetables and sweet potatoes, frozen corn as side dishes. I would not make stuffing vegan or make different versions as it can be confusing which is which.