Choose MOGO

Sometimes enjoying holiday meals with both omnivores and vegetarians in attendance can be as trying as a toddler birthday party when Pokey the Clown is a no-show and the dog threw up cake in your shoe. Fortunately many people have put time and thought into this very issue, and there are plenty of helpful tips available to ensure a smooth and satisfying celebration. Here’s part 1 of a multi-part series on successful tips for Thanksgivings when the veg and non-veg mix it up.

12 TERRIFIC TIPS FOR THE MEAT EATER HAVING VEGETARIANS (OVER) FOR DINNER:

1. Don’t assume. Ask your veg guests (VG) what kind of vegetarians they are (ovo-lacto, vegan, raw, etc.) so that there’s no confusion, and find out what they will and won’t eat. Vegetarianism means something different to everyone. (Note: The standard definition of vegetarian is someone who chooses not to eat animals of any kind; the standard definition of vegan is someone who chooses not to eat animals or their products – including things like honey, whey, gelatin, and such.)
2. Vegetarians like flavor just as much as the next person. Don’t assume “vegetarian” means they don’t eat sugar or flour or important stuff like cake and pie. Good vegetarian fare is just as tasty and decadent as its carnivorous counterparts.
3. When planning the meal, ask your VG for suggestions. They’ll usually have plenty of ideas. In fact, ask your VG to prepare and bring a veg dish or two. Or, if veg cooking/baking sounds too overwhelming, ask your VG to take on a larger helping role.
4. Don’t assume a salad is a meal. Rabbits might be able to subsist on greens, but your VG will appreciate a more substantial offering. Provide an appropriate entrée, or at least several filling side dishes, such as breads, fresh fruits and veggies, vegan mashed potatoes, squash, cranberry sauce, etc. You’ll find plenty of veg cookbooks at the library, and veg-friendly recipes on the Internet.
5. Do simple substitutions. Use veg broth instead of meat broth; soy or almond milk instead of dairy; organic non-GMO margarine instead of butter, and so on.
6. If you don’t want to go totally veg with your meal, split portions of dishes so that part are vegan. Make some of that sweet potato dish without marshmallows; stuff only half the stuffing with meat; brush the rolls with olive oil instead of butter.
7. Use separate utensils and cookware for the veg foods, and beware of cross-contamination. Your VG will appreciate it.
8. If you don’t feel like cooking extra stuff, consider ordering a veg feast from a natural foods store, or picking up some tasty veg dishes at their deli. As long as the food is tasty and sufficient, everyone will be happy.
9. Make place cards for each dish, labeling appropriately (Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw, Meat, etc.), and arrange the dishes with the cards so that there’s no confusion. As many people have food allergies of one sort or another, you may want to include a list of ingredients, or at least those—such as nuts, dairy, wheat, soy—that are mostly likely to be allergens.
10. Start a new tradition. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean turkey & all the traditional trimmings (after all, they didn’t serve turkey at the First Thanksgiving!). Try something a little different. How about a buffet? How about a meal made up of a bunch of little appetizers? How about Indian/Ethiopian/Thai? How about pizza?
11. Save your debates for another occasion. Getting together is about love and friendship and sharing and enjoying each others’ company—not whether you agree or disagree with someone’s philosophy or eating habits. Use this occasion to celebrate.
12. Don’t worry about mistakes. Your veg guests will appreciate your genuine efforts (and if they don’t, then they should).

Sources:

“How to Accommodate Your Vegetarian and Vegan Guests at Thanksgiving.” About.com Vegetarian Food

“How to Have a Vegetarian Thanksgiving.” Mahalo.

~ Marsha