Last year, for our first vegan Thanksgiving, I pre-made our entire feast (minus the caulipots, which Chris's sister made), then packed it all up in a cooler and we drove 5 hours to his parents house on Thursday morning. It was amazing. But also a lot of work.
This year, we have decided to stay at home. For our current job, we are both driving a minimum of three hours per day, so being able to stay home for 4 days and not drive anywhere sounds heavenly. We also don't have the twins this year, so it will just be the two of us. Since I'm not planning on preparing a huge, elaborate meal, I haven't been involved in all of the pre-Thanksgiving planning hysteria and thus, kind of lost sight of the fact that Thanksgiving is next week! It occurred to me yesterday as I was at the grocery store, and I was baffled at the number of people packing the aisles. It dawned on me when I saw the empty shelf where pumpkin puree should have been: Ah yes, the holidays are upon us. Now that I'm in the midst of the planning hysteria, I'm sharing with you some of the ideas I'm toying with.
In order for you to not be ravenous come dinner time, a healthy breakfast is in order.
Carrot Cake Granola
Pumpkin Persimmon Overnight Oats
Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Oatmeal
I know appetizers are a nice thing to put out if you're having guests. I'm usually so busy in the kitchen that I don't have time to partake in that course. With that said, Somer's vegan brie en croute would probably blow people away. In addition to the usual veggies and dips and crackers and spreads, I think these might make a nice addition to the appetizer tray:
Carrot Cashew Pâté
Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Last year, for the main course, I made the chickpea cutlets from Veganomicon, which are always incredible. These options from Shira, Heather, and Cadry are kind of rocking my world, though I might just settle on one of these guys:
Seitan Mushroom Roast
Pomegranate & Chickpea Quinoa Stuffed Squash
Butternut & Wild Mushroom Lasagna with Pecan Parmesan
Side dishes are always my favorite part of the meal. A plate piled high with roasted sweet potatoes and root veggies, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and a biscuit to sop up everything my fork will miss is my idea of a great Thanksgiving plate. I'm not sure that I'm going to go all out this year, since it is just the two of us and there is only so much food we can eat, but here are some sides that may or may not make an appearance:
Buttery Lemon-Almond Green Beans
Hash Brown Casserole
Roasted Cauliflower & Quinoa with Cheesy Pumpkin Tempeh Sauce
Chickpea Caulipots & Miso Mushroom Gravy
Spaghetti Squash & Farro Salad
Chickpea Cornbread Biscuits
Dessert might be my second favorite part, though it's usually several hours after the main meal because I'm so stuffed. If you're a pie maker, Gena and Cara have some fantastic looking pumpkin pies. I'm not a very good pie maker (yet!!!) so we will likely just settle for something sweet and pumpkiny (or just sweet- we're not picky!):
Flourless Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
"Honey" Ginger Almond Date Cookies
Chocolate Chickpea Truffles
If you're still searching for ideas, Cara has an insane amount of gluten-free, vegan (and many kid-friendly) Thanksgiving recipes that definitely needs to be checked out and Cadry has done a wonderful round-up of her Thanksgiving favorites as well. Isa has a full vegan Thanksgiving menu that takes less than an hour to make, and Kathy's Vegan Thanksgiving 101 is a must-read. If you're still searching next week, I may (or may not- depends on how the recipe testing this weekend goes) have some more delicious ideas for you then. I know you're all going to be menu-planning and cooking and baking this weekend, but amidst all of the pre-Thanksgiving festivities, take some time to take a few breaths have a fabulous weekend.
Photography by Chris Miller
CJ at Food Stories
Thanks for all the great food ideas, Kristy ... I recently went back to vegan and am slowly getting back into the veg vibe again 🙂
keepinitkind
That's great to hear, CJ! I wish you much luck and I hope that you can continue to control your diabetes! 🙂
Annie
T-day has snuck up on me, too - which is why I'm glad I'm only in charge of desserts and not the whole shebang! Enjoy the down time, Kristy!
keepinitkind
Thank you- I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving as well! 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Seriously awesome collection of recipes Kristy! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
keepinitkind
Thanks, Gabby! 🙂
Richgail @AstigVegan
Where to start?? So many choices so little time 😉 This lineup is perfect for a restaurant! I'd take the Mushroom Roast & Caulipot :). I'm sure my family would love them during our Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks for sharing your delicacies Kristy!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Richgail! I like the idea of calling them delicacies too! 🙂 Have a great Thanksgiving!
Shira
Happy Thanksgiving Kristy! This is such a beautiful feast for the eyes and the soul, just wonderful! XO!
keepinitkind
Thank you, thank you Shira! xo
Reia@TheCrueltyFreeReview
Great collection of recipes! The bf and I are eating out this Thanksgiving but I'll probably make something for Christmas and it's nice to have a lot of ideas all in one place.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Reia! Eating out sounds so nice! Have a great Thanksgiving!
Cadry
It all looks so good!! I can see why the original Thanksgiving went on for days! Too many tasty options!
I so know what you mean about the simple joy of staying home at the holidays. Generally our big holiday gatherings involve me cooking a whole bunch ahead of time, packing it up, and driving it elsewhere. It's wonderful to see family, but it certainly takes a lot of work, especially if you want all of the traditional courses veganized. I especially love not flying at the holidays. It was always so hectic, stressful, and expensive. I hope you enjoy your four days without extended driving trips!
Thank you for linking to my Thanksgiving posts! What a nice surprise! Whatever you make this holiday, I'm sure it will be fantastic. Looking forward to hearing all about it!
keepinitkind
I can't even imagine flying at the holidays- that sounds so tough. I'm very thankful to not have to go through the huge ordeal of pre-cooking, packing, driving this year, though, I know we're going to be doing it for Christmas. Oh well- it will be worth it to see family. 🙂
Thank you so much for putting together such great Thanksgiving posts! Have a great T-day and I look forward to hearing about what you and David did as well! 🙂
Courtney Jones
So many great ideas. Awesome round-up! I think I may do a mini Thanksgiving on Thursday in honour of American Thanksgiving (and just because I want to try so many different recipes!). Anything I don't make on Thursday, I'm making for Christmas for sure! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! *hugs*
keepinitkind
I love that idea- a mini Thanksgiving! I kind of want to do that too! 🙂 If you do try an y of the recipes, I hope you enjoy them. Take care, Courtney! xo
Janie Kaiser
YUM! So many fantastic options! I just wish I had a group of vegans to cook for. I can't eat all of these delicious recipes myself- but I think a few of these will be big hits at the family gathering
keepinitkind
Thank you, Janie! Several of these have been huge hits with omnivores as well- so they should be great choices for you family gathering. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving and thank you so much for stopping by!
Richa`
i would love a feast made by someone just for me :)). but i can imagine the stress that goes with large important feasts. good to hear that you guys are taking a relaxing break. I was trying to find a resort or something to spend some time away but there arent any vegan ones nearby. baah.
keepinitkind
A nice vegan feast, with someone else doing the cooking (and the cleaning up afterwards) sounds amazing! Maybe one of these days... 😉 I know what you mean about needing a break, though. As soon as this project is over, Chris and I are going on vacation. Probably New York, even though it will be freezing in January- it'll be nice to come back to a fireplace at the end of the day. 🙂
Heather
Thanksgiving is teh one Holiday that Justin and i stay home - all is welcome but we don't go anywhere (well I take that back, I go and see my Gram and Mom's family about 2 minute drive down the street!) I always make way too much food but we do love our thanksgiving leftovers!
If only we were neighbors we could join forces for Thanksgiving day!
keepinitkind
I love that idea- I wish we could make this a tradition. You are so lucky to have family right down the street! Chris's sister lives about 30 minutes away and my cousin and his wife live about an hour away, but otherwise, all of our family is at least 5 hours away.
I love this neighbor idea that you have! I think you're on to something! 🙂