Vegan Thanksgiving

After all, the sides are the best part!

From bottom to top: Cornbread stuffing, roasted brussel sprouts, orange cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pecan pie



The basics:

Cornbread stuffing: Make a half batch of this recipe found here, and crumble it into a bowl with two cubed slices of wheat bread, and 15 crushed crackers:

Meanwhile, dice 1/2 an onion and 2 celery stalks in 2 T olive oil, salt, black pepper, and sage until onions are translucent. Add to bread mixture and stir in 3 cups of veggie stock. Pour into casserole dish and bake at 400° F for 40 minutes. Before baking, this dish can be made ahead of time and/or frozen. I typically make a double batch and safe half for Christmas dinner.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Rinse 1 lb of sprouts and cut in half. Toss with 2 T olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Roast on a baking sheet in 400° F oven for up to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until both sides are caramelized and crispy. Top with a splash of red wine vinegar.

Cranberry sauce: Over medium heat, combine 1 lb whole fresh cranberries with the juice of 2 oranges and 1/2 cup pure cane sugar. Let simmer stirring occasionally until all cranberries have popped. Move into serving vessel and store in fridge. This is better if you make it a day ahead and let it chill, covered, in the fridge for at least 24 hours.

Gravy: Whisk together 2 T olive oil with 2 T whole wheat flour over high heat. Add 2 cu veggie stock and boil over high heat for 5 - 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until set. Season with salt, pepper, and sage.

Mashed Potatoes: Dice 1 lb each Russet (peel these first) and New Potatoes (leave skins on if you like). Add to pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, until potatoes are soft. Drain and return to pot. Mash with 1 T salt, 2 t white pepper, 2 T olive oil, and 1/4 cu soy milk. Adjust amounts if potatoes are too dry or under seasoned. This can certainly be made the day before and warmed up in a casserole dish in th oven.

The Pecan Pumpkin Pie is simply this recipe with pecans added to it.

Thanksgiving on the plate! Enjoy!

Oh, did I mention this whole meal cost under $20? And Robert and I have already had seconds, and will have thirds tomorrow! And most if it is organic or local!