My in-laws came for Thanksgiving. My husband’s family has their own traditions, so I decided to do a traditional (sans turkey) American Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday night. I spent Monday evening stressing over what to make. I looked through Veganomicon and Vegan World Fusion, but H would veto my suggestions or I’d happily be making the list of ingredients only to find out that the last ingredient is something that can only be found in a liberal city. I gave up.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was ready to call it off. I would just show them delicious vegan food on Thursday morning for brunch. Besides, I had 2 hours to cook dinner and that was not enough time. However, I spent my lunch break googling vegan versions of classic Thanksgiving classics. I printed out the recipes and made a grocery list. Time would be tight, but this might be doable.
Main dish: Tofu stuffed with rice and mushroom dressing
Sides: The best vegan green bean casserole
Sweet potato casserole (I subbed marshmallows for the pecan topping. It was disgustingly sweet, but so is the original, so I suppose that’s a success)
Dessert: my mom’s apple crisp with vegan margarine, of course.
Apple Crisp from “More with Less Cookbook”
Serves 6
375 Degrees
35 Minutes
Preheat oven to 375
Combine and put in greased casserole:
3 c sliced or chopped apples
1 T. flour
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 T. water
Cut together with pastry blender:
½ cup rolled oats
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup margarine
1/3 cup brown sugar
Sprinkle on top of casserole mixture. Bake 35 minutes.
Fortunately, I was able to leave work a little early and my SIL’s flight was delayed. I timed everything pretty well. I had considered making vanilla ice cream, but I was lucky to get the apple crisp made, which only happened because H cut the apples for me.
It was a great success. Everything tasted amazing (with the exception of the sweet potato casserole which is just a disgusting dish no matter how it is prepared). My in-laws often ask H what we eat. Before tonight, I think they though we just ate salads and sides. As amazing as a plate full of mashed potatoes sounds, I’m glad they got to see and taste good vegan food.
