holiday meals

October 1, 2003

I have Rose Elliots book as well....It really works out because my husband and I and now our children are Vegetarians...aspiring Vegans. And when my husband first decided to change his life for the better by eating this way....he had only one concern. The holidays!! And because of these books (as well as our convictions) it has pretty much been a cakewalk! (Except I get ill seeing dead/murdered animals sitting on peoples tables. But thats a whole other topic!!

Take care,

Suzanne

Abortion...the worst form of child abuse!

Please join OneMillionMoms.com or OneMillionDads.com to stop trash on TV!

And God said, "Behold,I have given you every herb-bearing seed which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed:to you it shall be for food.

October 1, 2003

I like Rose Elliott's Vegetarian Christmas - as you say, you can veganise most of the recipes.

Jo

There are several vegetarian holiday cookbooks...some with Vegan recipes I am sure...or you can usually Veganize the recipe. I just bought one called "Tis' the Season." And there are others as well...some pointed towards Thankgiving and others pointed towards Christmas (either holidays are interchangable regarding food in my opinion). I didn't know that they even exsisted until I ran into a Thanksgiving one at the local library. If I am eating at anothers home.....I will bring something for my family and of course to share....then there are usually things that I can add from what the host offers...mashed potatoes, rolls, salad....etc....

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June 23, 2005

James is very particular about getting his protein at every meal, so

we bring our own protein (whether it's Quorn loaf, riblets, or Boca

sausages) and then we make a side dish and eat the other side dishes

that are safe. It makes everyone happy and no one is put out.

One year (when we lived in Oregon) we hosted a Thanksgiving and made

it a Middle Eastern food theme. We asked everyone to bring a

vegetarian dish to share. Everyone made some wonderful dishes and no

one went away hungry.

Denise

, " budgiegirl2003 "

<budgiegirl2003> wrote:

> im sorry to be rude then but I havent yet had a vegetarian

> thanksgiving and am going to this upcoming year with my non veggie

> family. I asked a friend whos been veggie a long time and she said

> she just eats everything else (referring to everything other than a

> turkey), which makes sense to me. I imagine I would make my own dish

> or two to contribute, and out of their side dishes make a main dish?

> Sorry to ask your least favorite question (this goes out to everyone

> btw) but what do you do at holidays (thanksgiving, christmas,

> easter, etc)? If I was living alone I dont think it would be a

> problem but my family eats very traditional holiday meals.

June 23, 2005

I'd take a couple Entree dishes that looked yummy to share.... then eat that and

whatever sides were veggie.

Robin

December 21, 2006

I'm going to my Mom and stepdad's for Christmas.

They're not veggie, but Mom will be sharing what

I make up for main meal. I *think* I'm doing split

pea soup with sweet potatoes, cranberry corn muffins,

and something maple-y for dessert. Probably, maple

walnut fudge.

Still researching low-fat versions of these recipes.

As is typical of my cooking/baking, they will likely

end up as hodge-podge's of many. A litte from a

cranberry muffin recipe mixed with a litte from a

cornbread recipe, etc..

-Erin

www.zenpawn.com/vegblog

, " Mermaidude "

<appytails wrote:

>

> What eating plans is everyone planning for December 25? For years

my

> family goes to one of the local hotels that has a huge buffet

> spread. This is the 3rd year in a row that we're going to the one

> that we've all judged to be the best in the variety of food it has

> for those of us (me) who are vegetarians and traditional fare for

> the ones who go that route. They do an incredible grilled

> vegetables, asparagus, carrots, etc that are marinated and served

> cold. I do pretty good when it comes to the humongous dessert

table.

> They always seem to have this one chocolate roll cake and I have a

> slice. Its my treat for the day, probably the week. Its a beautiful

> setting in the arboretum. Though we generally get seated in the bar

> area that is more quiet and personal, but we can still enjoy the

> tropical foliage.

>

> We started this tradition back in the early 80's. No cooking, no

> mess to clean up, and we can enjoy a lovely meal and not deal with

> leftovers for the next 2 weeks.

>

> So mornings for a normal breakfast, maybe a lighter breakfast than

> usual, reservations for 3pm at the hotel's buffet. Probably take

the

> dogs for a walk when we get home. Hopefully not too hungry later on

> that night, maybe eat an orange.

>

> Husband's weight loss going a lot faster than mine. I've lost about

> 7 pounds in the last 2 months and hoping to lose 17 more by May 30.

> I lose so slowly a quarter pound or half pound a week. And I don't

> cheat. Well, yesterday at lunch I took a spoonful of someone else's

> dessert, a chocolate creme brulee just to try it. So I've heard to

> take one bite of some treat you'd like to get the taste and then

> throw out the rest. I can't promise I'll do with the chocolate roll.

>

> I thought it would be fun to hear what everyone else's plans are

for

> the day.

>

December 21, 2006

We are actually celebrating Yule tonight with our pagan community. No meal.

The host may have snacks, but we'll be eating dinner before heading over.

Sunday night we're heading to my partner's cousin's house for a White Elephant

gift exchange. Judging by past family get togethers, we will either eat prior

to going over or just have salad as there is usually limited pickins for us.

However, one aunt of hers does make an effort to have vegetarian dishes when

they know we're coming, so thats nice it's just not at her house this time! And

then I believe we're going to my in-laws' house on Monday morning to exchange

gifts with them and have breakfast. Being not a huge breakfast person, I don't

foresee any issues with temptations, etc. So that's that! My biggest " issues "

during the holidays will be a trip we're taking next week since we'll be eating

out most of the time.

I like your tradition of going out to eat. That's nice that no one has to

clean up and it gives you all more time to spend with each other rather than

stressing on a meal!

Cindi

Mermaidude <appytails wrote:

What eating plans is everyone planning for December 25? For years my

family goes to one of the local hotels that has a huge buffet

spread. This is the 3rd year in a row that we're going to the one

that we've all judged to be the best in the variety of food it has

for those of us (me) who are vegetarians and traditional fare for

the ones who go that route. They do an incredible grilled

vegetables, asparagus, carrots, etc that are marinated and served

cold. I do pretty good when it comes to the humongous dessert table.

They always seem to have this one chocolate roll cake and I have a

slice. Its my treat for the day, probably the week. Its a beautiful

setting in the arboretum. Though we generally get seated in the bar

area that is more quiet and personal, but we can still enjoy the

tropical foliage.

We started this tradition back in the early 80's. No cooking, no

mess to clean up, and we can enjoy a lovely meal and not deal with

leftovers for the next 2 weeks.

So mornings for a normal breakfast, maybe a lighter breakfast than

usual, reservations for 3pm at the hotel's buffet. Probably take the

dogs for a walk when we get home. Hopefully not too hungry later on

that night, maybe eat an orange.

Husband's weight loss going a lot faster than mine. I've lost about

7 pounds in the last 2 months and hoping to lose 17 more by May 30.

I lose so slowly a quarter pound or half pound a week. And I don't

cheat. Well, yesterday at lunch I took a spoonful of someone else's

dessert, a chocolate creme brulee just to try it. So I've heard to

take one bite of some treat you'd like to get the taste and then

throw out the rest. I can't promise I'll do with the chocolate roll.

I thought it would be fun to hear what everyone else's plans are for

the day.

.

December 22, 2006

Erin,

Here's a recipe for cormeal rolls. I don't know about the

cranberries. Maybe they can be added before folding it over. I also

have one of my favorite carrot recipes that you might want to try.

Cindi, the Pagan Yule ceremony sounds found. Celebrating the winter

solstice if I recall and there should be food as part of the

celebration?

Cornbread Rolls

½ cup cornmeal

1 ½ cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ cup egg substitute

¾ cup plan lowfat yogurt

Preheat oven to 425F.

Mix all ingredients, stirring to make a soft dough. Roll out to ¼

inch and then cut into 2 " rounds. Fold in half. Bake on ungreased

baking sheet for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 24

rolls.

Each roll contains 50 calories.

Cranberry Drizzled Carrots

2 lb. package baby carrots

½ cup cranberry sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp lemon or other citrus juice

1 tsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan boil baby carrots in salted water until tender crisp,

about 8 minutes. Drain and return carrots to pan. Add cranberry

sauce, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Cook for

five minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are glazed.

Serve hot.

, " Erin " <truepatriot

wrote:

>

> I'm going to my Mom and stepdad's for Christmas.

> They're not veggie, but Mom will be sharing what

> I make up for main meal. I *think* I'm doing split

> pea soup with sweet potatoes, cranberry corn muffins,

> and something maple-y for dessert. Probably, maple

> walnut fudge.

>

> Still researching low-fat versions of these recipes.

> As is typical of my cooking/baking, they will likely

> end up as hodge-podge's of many. A litte from a

> cranberry muffin recipe mixed with a litte from a

> cornbread recipe, etc..

>

> -Erin

> www.zenpawn.com/vegblog

>

December 22, 2006

Interesting. Rolls, hadn't thought of that. Was focused

on cornbread or muffins, but didn't think rolls. Anyway,

I think I came upon the recipe I will be using from Fat-

Free & Easy by Jennifer Raymond. I was really hoping to

avoid added flour at all, but I suppose that just makes

it polenta. LOL. The recipe I found is a cup of cornmeal

and a cup of flour. I may or may not add cranberries.

That will be a last-minute decision. I like to add jalapeno

to mine, but Mom is not much of a hots person. As for the

carrots, thanks. However, with the sweet potato chunks in

the split pea soup, I reckon the orange color is already

accounted for.

-Erin

www.zenpawn.com/vegblog

, " Mermaidude "

<appytails wrote:

>

> Erin,

>

> Here's a recipe for cormeal rolls. I don't know about the

> cranberries. Maybe they can be added before folding it over. I also

> have one of my favorite carrot recipes that you might want to try.

>

> Cindi, the Pagan Yule ceremony sounds found. Celebrating the winter

> solstice if I recall and there should be food as part of the

> celebration?

>

> Cornbread Rolls

>

> ½ cup cornmeal

> 1 ½ cups flour

> ½ teaspoon salt

> 2 tablespoons sugar

> 2 teaspoons baking powder

> ½ teaspoon baking soda

> ¼ cup egg substitute

> ¾ cup plan lowfat yogurt

>

> Preheat oven to 425F.

>

> Mix all ingredients, stirring to make a soft dough. Roll out to ¼

> inch and then cut into 2 " rounds. Fold in half. Bake on ungreased

> baking sheet for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about

24

> rolls.

>

> Each roll contains 50 calories.

>

> Cranberry Drizzled Carrots

>

> 2 lb. package baby carrots

> ½ cup cranberry sauce

> 2 tbsp honey

> 1 tbsp lemon or other citrus juice

> 1 tsp olive oil

> salt and pepper to taste

>

> In a saucepan boil baby carrots in salted water until tender crisp,

> about 8 minutes. Drain and return carrots to pan. Add cranberry

> sauce, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Cook

for

> five minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are glazed.

> Serve hot.

>

> , " Erin " <truepatriot@>

> wrote:

> >

> > I'm going to my Mom and stepdad's for Christmas.

> > They're not veggie, but Mom will be sharing what

> > I make up for main meal. I *think* I'm doing split

> > pea soup with sweet potatoes, cranberry corn muffins,

> > and something maple-y for dessert. Probably, maple

> > walnut fudge.

> >

> > Still researching low-fat versions of these recipes.

> > As is typical of my cooking/baking, they will likely

> > end up as hodge-podge's of many. A litte from a

> > cranberry muffin recipe mixed with a litte from a

> > cornbread recipe, etc..

> >

> > -Erin

> > www.zenpawn.com/vegblog

> >

>

April 9, 2007

Well, we just had an easter brunch with my 2 teens who don't follow raw, and

their dad and his wife over, along with my DH and my 4 year old. I am not yet

entirely raw, I do eat eggs and small portions of meat cooked still, but I am

about 80% raw. I made scrambled eggs, and as I took them off the fire, I added

lots of raw veggies to ours. Then we had a raw mixed fruit salad, and for the

others, I made buscuits and gravy which they love, but we didn't eat.

We had an egg hunt, and inside the plastic eggs, I put pieces of zoobs, a new

building toy set for my 4 year old to find. Not ideal, I know, but a work in

progress and I am also not sure how to handle holidays with family who follow

SAD diets heavily based on meats and junk foods and refuse to eat anything that

might even be considered healthy. I am not willing to miss holiday events with

my kids or other members of my family because we see differently on food issues.

Karen in WA

Adriana <peaceofferings

rawfood

Monday, April 9, 2007 8:41:43 AM

[Raw Food] Holiday meals

Hi all, I'm new to this group.

It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where your

eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does anyone give

you grief for being so " weird " ?

Holidays are always difficult for me...

Adriana

______________________________\

____

Looking for earth-friendly autos?

Browse Top Cars by " Green Rating " at Autos' Green Center.

http://autos./green_center/

April 9, 2007

yes I had my first family holiday dinner and I ate off the salad bar, since we

went to an all you can eat place, i got comments from family like " you call that

Healthy, " how did others deal with it???? holidays are always hot beds waiting

for the arguments to happen in my family.

RuneStar, who plays with fire

Embrace the Mystical and Wait for Extraordinary Things to Happen.

peaceofferings

rawfood

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 8:41 AM

[Raw Food] Holiday meals

Hi all, I'm new to this group.

It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where your

eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does anyone give

you grief for being so " weird " ?

Holidays are always difficult for me...

Adriana

April 9, 2007

Hi Karen

I think you did very well, as I stated in my earlier posting I'm trying to be

raw also, but thought I'd say hi since my name is Karen and I live in

Olympia...........thought that was pretty cool to we have these things in common

RuneStar, who plays with fire

Embrace the Mystical and Wait for Extraordinary Things to Happen.

nini2033a

rawfood

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 10:06 AM

Re: [Raw Food] Holiday meals

Well, we just had an easter brunch with my 2 teens who don't follow raw,

and their dad and his wife over, along with my DH and my 4 year old. I am not

yet entirely raw, I do eat eggs and small portions of meat cooked still, but I

am about 80% raw. I made scrambled eggs, and as I took them off the fire, I

added lots of raw veggies to ours. Then we had a raw mixed fruit salad, and for

the others, I made buscuits and gravy which they love, but we didn't eat.

We had an egg hunt, and inside the plastic eggs, I put pieces of zoobs, a new

building toy set for my 4 year old to find. Not ideal, I know, but a work in

progress and I am also not sure how to handle holidays with family who follow

SAD diets heavily based on meats and junk foods and refuse to eat anything that

might even be considered healthy. I am not willing to miss holiday events with

my kids or other members of my family because we see differently on food issues.

Karen in WA

Adriana <peaceofferings

rawfood

Monday, April 9, 2007 8:41:43 AM

[Raw Food] Holiday meals

Hi all, I'm new to this group.

It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where your

eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does anyone give

you grief for being so " weird " ?

Holidays are always difficult for me...

Adriana

________

Looking for earth-friendly autos?

Browse Top Cars by " Green Rating " at Autos' Green Center.

http://autos./green_center/

April 9, 2007

Thanks for your responses.

My family is very traditional, and every time I become interested in

something new we go through the whole " you are just getting weirder

and weirder " dance.

Fortunately, I have found a lot of kindred spirits to hang out with!

Adriana

Vegetarian and Vegan Tees

http://www.cafepress.com/riversofspirit/2592671

On 09 Apr 2007 10:30:25 -0700, runestar

<runestar wrote:

> Hi Karen

> I think you did very well, as I stated in my earlier posting I'm trying to be

raw also, but thought I'd say hi since my name is Karen and I live in

Olympia...........thought that was pretty cool to we have these things in common

>

> RuneStar, who plays with fire

> Embrace the Mystical and Wait for Extraordinary Things to Happen.

>

> nini2033a

> rawfood

>

> Mon, 9 Apr 2007 10:06 AM

> Re: [Raw Food] Holiday meals

>

> Well, we just had an easter brunch with my 2 teens who don't follow raw, and

their dad and his wife over, along with my DH and my 4 year old. I am not yet

entirely raw, I do eat eggs and small portions of meat cooked still, but I am

about 80% raw. I made scrambled eggs, and as I took them off the fire, I added

lots of raw veggies to ours. Then we had a raw mixed fruit salad, and for the

others, I made buscuits and gravy which they love, but we didn't eat.

> We had an egg hunt, and inside the plastic eggs, I put pieces of zoobs, a new

building toy set for my 4 year old to find. Not ideal, I know, but a work in

progress and I am also not sure how to handle holidays with family who follow

> SAD diets heavily based on meats and junk foods and refuse to eat anything

that might even be considered healthy. I am not willing to miss holiday events

with my kids or other members of my family because we see differently on food

issues.

> Karen in WA

>

> Adriana <peaceofferings

> rawfood

> Monday, April 9, 2007 8:41:43 AM

> [Raw Food] Holiday meals

>

> Hi all, I'm new to this group.

>

> It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where your

> eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does anyone give

> you grief for being so " weird " ?

>

> Holidays are always difficult for me...

>

> Adriana

April 10, 2007

Hi Adriana,

Holidays are difficult for me, too.

People who have health issues or feel guilty about their own diets will

often react negatively to your different eating habits. My mother-in-

law continually criticizes me behind my back to my husband, and showers

my children with junk food on holidays.

I used to offer information when asked, but now try to fly under the

radar as much as possible.

Hang in there. Smile a lot. Bring a raw dish to pass and eat a lot

off the raw veggie tray.

, marjorie

rawfood , Adriana <peaceofferings wrote:

>

> Hi all, I'm new to this group.

>

> It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where your

> eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does anyone give

> you grief for being so " weird " ?

>

> Holidays are always difficult for me...

>

> Adriana

>

April 10, 2007

Hello! Being new to the raw lifestyle (and still very much in the transition

stage...) I have to

be honest......my extended family doesn't really know what's going on, but they

have already

dealt with me being vegetarian and even vegan for a while, so they don't really

ask questions

about what I am or am not eating. What I was really going to admit was that I

just ate what I

wanted.....and yes, I regretted it. BUT......it's all part of the learning

process.

With my other " wierd " eating habits, I just started bringing my own main course

to our

holiday meals- with enough for anyone who wanted to eat off of it. Usually if I

didn't share

what was inside, everyone would try it along with all of the other food. I've

found that even if

they don't particularly enjoy the flavors or textures of foods, they do enjoy

trying something

new. Even for office parties I always let people know that I don't eat meat

(even now I would

go that route because it's easier than explaining the whole raw food idea) and I

offer to bring

something vegetarian, in case there are " others " like me. Nobody is ever

offended.

That's my 2 cents!

Kerri

April 10, 2007

What comes to my mind in response to this situation is an Eleanor Roosevelt

quote-- " No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. " (I love that

one so much that I have a poster of it in the school library where I teach). It

is such a daily lesson to follow our bliss and not be put off path by naysayers

and critics.

Personally, at family gatherings-- I bring something I can eat, I eat whatever

is offered that works for my diet, and I offer no explanation of my diet unless

questioned. I believe dietary needs are as individual as spiritual or emotional

needs, so I am not out to convert anyone, and that helps. Also, I accept a

little cooked food on some occasions as long as it meets my other needs (vegan,

wheat-free). I have eaten 100% raw in the past and while I loved much about it,

I missed the social connection we have around food. It worked for me to

supplement my fruit salad on Easter with some of my step-mom's sweet potato

cassarole prepared with loving intention. And it did not seem to kill my buzz

in any way.

You can't get it wrong-Laura

Don't be flakey. Get Mail for Mobile and

always stay connected to friends.

April 10, 2007

Hi Marjorie --

" Hang in there. Smile a lot. " Ha! That's pretty much what I do.

They're not interested in any explanations, so I just put on the smile

and get through the day!

Adriana

Vegetarian and Vegan Tees

http://www.cafepress.com/riversofspirit/2592671

On 09 Apr 2007 18:43:59 -0700, Marjorie <marjorie_lewis wrote:

>

> Hi Adriana,

>

> Holidays are difficult for me, too.

>

> People who have health issues or feel guilty about their own diets will

> often react negatively to your different eating habits. My mother-in-

> law continually criticizes me behind my back to my husband, and showers

> my children with junk food on holidays.

>

> I used to offer information when asked, but now try to fly under the

> radar as much as possible.

>

> Hang in there. Smile a lot. Bring a raw dish to pass and eat a lot

> off the raw veggie tray.

>

> , marjorie

>

> rawfood , Adriana <peaceofferings wrote:

> >

> > Hi all, I'm new to this group.

> >

> > It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where your

> > eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does anyone give

> > you grief for being so " weird " ?

> >

> > Holidays are always difficult for me...

> >

> > Adriana

April 11, 2007

I'm really fortunate. My family has mostly been supportive,

positive, and inquisitive... very little negativity. The only

problem is that they aren't willing to accomodate my needs, which is

fine. I grew up in a household where you ate what was on your plate

and you were thankful for it. Now, I just try to eat a big salad

and fruit. However, I always end up caving at eating some cooked

protein as well. I'm not 100% raw yet, so I guess it's not as big a

deal to me, but I still feel the pressure during holidays and even

every Sunday, when I go to my parents' house for dinner.

Jenn

> >

> > rawfood , Adriana <peaceofferings@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Hi all, I'm new to this group.

> > >

> > > It's Easter...how do you deal with holiday family meals where

your

> > > eating habits are so different from everyone else's? Does

anyone give

> > > you grief for being so " weird " ?

> > >

> > > Holidays are always difficult for me...

> > >

> > > Adriana

>

October 23, 2008

Hi everyone, well this will be my first holiday season where I am vegetarian. I

am a little bit at a loss for meal ideas, so I was hoping maybe someone here had

some brilliant ideas? My hope is to come up with a full feast menu to either

give to the people's house I'm going to, or pick a few dishes from to bring and

contribute. So, what do you all do for holiday meals?

Heather

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle.

--Albert Einstein

October 23, 2008

Hi Heather-

I haven't been an extensive cook for holidays. However, I have done a

small bit of cooking. My favorite recipes from the RR cookbook I have

made for the last 2 thanksgivings are the garlic mashed potatoes, and

the spiced butternut squash soup. I think that's the right cookbook.

In terms of a protein dish, i don't have any bright ideas. I'm betting

Cinzia does. LOL!

Tina

On Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 7:36 AM, Heather Butler <hawaiihmb wrote:

> Hi everyone, well this will be my first holiday season where I am

> vegetarian. I am a little bit at a loss for meal ideas, so I was hoping

> maybe someone here had some brilliant ideas? My hope is to come up with a

> full feast menu to either give to the people's house I'm going to, or pick a

> few dishes from to bring and contribute. So, what do you all do for holiday

> meals?

October 23, 2008

I know here at the center we just don't even try to duplicate the centerpiece of

the meal like a big turkey. We have a bunch of different dishes - mashed

potatoes, roasted root veggies, green bean almondine, pumpkin soup, bread, the

stuffing made with nuts and lentils and veggies is probably the most substantial

thing on the table. I think with all of the variety, people don't even miss it.

Jess CO

________________________________

Tina Castronovo <tinacastronovo

Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:51:36 AM

Re: holiday meals

Hi Heather-

I haven't been an extensive cook for holidays. However, I have done a

small bit of cooking. My favorite recipes from the RR cookbook I have

made for the last 2 thanksgivings are the garlic mashed potatoes, and

the spiced butternut squash soup. I think that's the right cookbook.

In terms of a protein dish, i don't have any bright ideas. I'm betting

Cinzia does. LOL!

Tina

On Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 7:36 AM, Heather Butler <hawaiihmb > wrote:

> Hi everyone, well this will be my first holiday season where I am

> vegetarian. I am a little bit at a loss for meal ideas, so I was hoping

> maybe someone here had some brilliant ideas? My hope is to come up with a

> full feast menu to either give to the people's house I'm going to, or pick a

> few dishes from to bring and contribute. So, what do you all do for holiday

> meals?

October 23, 2008

Hi Heather,

I'm new to the group, too, and I was wondering the same thing. Right now I

think my menu will be:

• wild rice with fake sausage, cranberries, and yellow/green squash

• spinach salad with goat cheese and pecans

• salmon souffle (or maybe spinach or squash souffle)

• baked sweet potatoes

• brussels sprouts w/butter and chestnuts

• maybe stewed apples? (have never tried w/out sugar)

• pseudo pumpkin pie (if the sugar substitutes work out)

But I'm looking for more protein options, as I'm not sure about the fish...

(I know spinach has a high proportion of protein but I'd have to serve like

10 lbs of it!)

Erica

--

917:257.3357

Portfolio: www.energy7.com

Check out my yoga map! www.yogoer.com

October 23, 2008

Here is a recipe from Abbey Levines website for the protein piece:

Tofu Turkey with Herbed Bread Stuffing and Wild Mushroom Gravy

--\

-----------

Makes 16 servings

Tofu turkey is one of those dishes you look forward to all year long.

The perfect surprise for holiday celebrations, leftovers taste just

as fantastic as when the " bird " is fresh out of the oven.

Note: Recipe may be cut in half. Use a 9-inch colander. Cut baking

time to 1 1/2 hours (45 minutes each covered and uncovered). These

smaller tofu turkeys won't crack on the top as will the big ones.

However, cracking isn't a problem as a slice is covered with the

delicious gravy.

Tofu Turkey

-----------------------

5 pounds organic tofu, fresh, medium to firm

Homemade Stuffing Seasoning

-----------

Makes 1/2 cup

1/4 cup sage

2 tablespoons each dry marjoram, thyme, and savory or rosemary; half the volume

if herb is powdered

1 tablespoon celery seed

1 teaspoon black pepper

Herbed Bread Stuffing

Makes 5 cups

Note: some commercial stuffings contain bleached and bromated flour,

MSG, and preservatives.

2 tablespoons olive or sesame oil

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup mushrooms, about 3 to 4 ounces, diced

1 cup celery, diced

2 large cloves garlic, pressed or minced

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon Homemade Stuffing Seasoning

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Water

1/4 cup organic soy sauce (full strength for flavoring tofu stuffing;

substitute 2 tablespoons organic soy sauce and 2 tablespoons water

for stuffing squash or pumpkin)

4 cups whole-wheat bread, cut in 1/2- or 1-inch cubes, less with

dense sourdough bread, more with light yeasted bread

Basting Liquid

-------------------------

1/2 cup light vegetable oil

1/3 cup natural organic soy sauce

Wild Mushroom Gravy

--

Makes 7 to 8 cups

The nicest mushrooms for this gravy are a combination of chanterelle,

shiitake, hedgehog or crimini and regular mushrooms. Portabella

mushrooms impart too dark a hue to be attractive.

2 tablespoons olive or sesame oil

2 onions, diced

6 cups assorted mushrooms, about 1 pound, sliced

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

5 to 5 1/2 cups water (start with less)

1/2 cup organic soy sauce (a little less than 2 tablespoons per cup water)

Garnish

-----------------

Large sprigs parsley and/or fresh sage

1. To prepare tofu, mash it well. Line an 11-inch colander with a

single layer of moistened cheesecloth and transfer tofu to colander.

Press down tofu to make flat and fold edges of cheesecloth over tofu

to smooth them. If tofu is medium textured, place a cake tin or

another flat object of a similar size over the surface of the tofu

and weigh it down with a heavy object (about 5 pounds) to press

liquid from tofu for 1 hour. Omit this step if using firm tofu.

2. To prepare Homemade Stuffing Seasoning, simply mix ingredients

well.

3. To prepare stuffing, heat oil in a skillet and sauté vegetables.

Sprinkle seasonings, including salt and soy sauce, over vegetables.

Stir, cover, and continue to cook until vegetables are done, about

5 minutes. Add bread cubes and parsley, and mix well. If bread cubes

are very dry, add 1/4 to 1 cup water (start with less). Stir and

cover to steam a little longer.

4. Preheat oven to 400°. Hollow out tofu to within an inch of

colander. (The space between the tip of your finger and the first

joint usually serves as a built-in 1-inch measuring stick. Press

finger into tofu to measure, then patch up the holes.) Pack in

stuffing and cover it with the remaining tofu. Pat down surface so

it is flat and firm.

5. Flip filled tofu onto lightly-oiled baking sheet so the flat

surface faces down. Remove cheesecloth.

6. Mix basting liquid and brush tofu with half of it, then cover

tofu with aluminum foil or with an ovenproof bowl which is a bit

larger than the shaped tofu. Bake for an hour. Remove foil, baste

again, and return tofu turkey to oven to bake uncovered until " skin "

becomes golden brown, about an hour more, basting again halfway

through.

7. To prepare gravy, in a large pot heat oil and sauté onions and

mushrooms. In a small bowl, whisk flour with enough of the measured

water to form a thin paste. Add remaining water and soy sauce to

vegetables in pot. Bring to boil and cook until vegetables are

tender, about 5 minutes. Add flour mixture and stir well. Cook

uncovered until desired consistency is reached, about 15 minutes

stirring occasionally, adding a little more water toward the end of

cooking only if gravy is too thick.

8. To serve, with 2 to 4 spatulas transfer tofu turkey to serving

platter and garnish. Serve gravy on the side.

Seems like WAY too much work for me - I'd rather buy a premade stuffed

tofurkey!!!

JJ

" Your food shall be your remedy. Let food be your medicine and let medicine be

your food. " ~Hippocrates, Greek Physician, 5th century B.C.

October 25, 2008

Neat, thanks! Have you made this yourself?

Heather

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle.

--Albert Einstein

________________________________

J James <jjames1010

Thursday, October 23, 2008 3:46:15 PM

Re: Re: holiday meals

Here is a recipe from Abbey Levines website for the protein piece:

Tofu Turkey with Herbed Bread Stuffing and Wild Mushroom Gravy

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Makes 16 servings

Tofu turkey is one of those dishes you look forward to all year long.

The perfect surprise for holiday celebrations, leftovers taste just

as fantastic as when the " bird " is fresh out of the oven.

Note: Recipe may be cut in half. Use a 9-inch colander. Cut baking

time to 1 1/2 hours (45 minutes each covered and uncovered). These

smaller tofu turkeys won't crack on the top as will the big ones.

However, cracking isn't a problem as a slice is covered with the

delicious gravy.

Tofu Turkey

------------ --------- --

5 pounds organic tofu, fresh, medium to firm

Homemade Stuffing Seasoning

------------ --------- --------- --------- -----

Makes 1/2 cup

1/4 cup sage

2 tablespoons each dry marjoram, thyme, and savory or rosemary; half the volume

if herb is powdered

1 tablespoon celery seed

1 teaspoon black pepper

Herbed Bread Stuffing

------------ --------- --------- ---

Makes 5 cups

Note: some commercial stuffings contain bleached and bromated flour,

MSG, and preservatives.

2 tablespoons olive or sesame oil

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup mushrooms, about 3 to 4 ounces, diced

1 cup celery, diced

2 large cloves garlic, pressed or minced

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon Homemade Stuffing Seasoning

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Water

1/4 cup organic soy sauce (full strength for flavoring tofu stuffing;

substitute 2 tablespoons organic soy sauce and 2 tablespoons water

for stuffing squash or pumpkin)

4 cups whole-wheat bread, cut in 1/2- or 1-inch cubes, less with

dense sourdough bread, more with light yeasted bread

Basting Liquid

------------ --------- ----

1/2 cup light vegetable oil

1/3 cup natural organic soy sauce

Wild Mushroom Gravy

------------ --------- --------- -----

Makes 7 to 8 cups

The nicest mushrooms for this gravy are a combination of chanterelle,

shiitake, hedgehog or crimini and regular mushrooms. Portabella

mushrooms impart too dark a hue to be attractive.

2 tablespoons olive or sesame oil

2 onions, diced

6 cups assorted mushrooms, about 1 pound, sliced

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

5 to 5 1/2 cups water (start with less)

1/2 cup organic soy sauce (a little less than 2 tablespoons per cup water)

Garnish

------------ -----