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 2 of a multi-part series on successful tips for Thanksgivings when the veg and non-veg mix it up.

When you’re a vegan invited to Thanksgiving dinner at the home of someone you don’t know well (or maybe even someone you do know well), one of the main questions bouncing around in your brain are: “Will there be anything I can eat besides a limp piece of lettuce and some plain bread?” and “Is everyone going to be treating me like I have cooties?” If you’re proactive and considerate, you’ll have nothing to fear. Make use of these

9 TIPS FOR THE VEGETARIAN GUEST:

1. Tell your host as far in advance as possible about your dietary needs. Be specific.
2. Have plenty of ideas to suggest to your host for both traditional dishes and not-so-traditional options, and make sure that your suggestions are reliably tasty to omnivores. The last thing you want is one bad experience of veg food that will color people’s opinions for a lifetime.
3. Offer to help plan the menu and prepare some veggie dishes. They’ll welcome your tried and true fancy fare. (Make sure you don’t experiment with a new recipe that omnivores haven’t yet raved over.)
4. Be sure you’re familiar with those substitutions that veganize any dish (examples: egg replacer, non-hydrogenated margarine, non-dairy ice creams, cheeses and milks, etc.). That way, when you’re host says “But we ALWAYS have Aunt Cici’s sweet potato pie!” you can whip out those quick and easy minor adjustments that will keep everyone happy and overfed.
5. If cooking isn’t your thing, check out the deli at your local natural foods store. There are often tasty veg options (though the prices can be a little stomach-lurching). Or, pick up some fresh fruit and make a fruit salad, or drop by the bakery and pick up some fresh-baked bread and specialty vegan butters or jams.
6. If you’re concerned there won’t be anything you can eat, eat something ahead of time. You can always nibble on the bread or sample the salad, or just focus on the good company. (It’s best to have a little something on your plate so that people aren’t distracted by the fact that you’re not eating/not eating much.) You can also bring a few snacks (fresh veggies, veggie turkey deli slices, etc.), that will blend in with the other foods and put those on your plate to munch on.
7. Limit your expectations. Even though veg food is incredibly tasty, it can be scary cooking differently than you’re used to. And, as vegans know, many people are misinformed about what “veg” means. So, don’t expect a 9-course meal. Appreciate that your host is trying. (And remember, that if you’ve communicated clearly — well in advance, and you’re bringing multiple veg dishes, you should be able to look forward to a good time.)
8. Unless asked, keep your reasons for being vegetarian to yourself. Keep any discussion about your “veg-ness” minimal and positive. A holiday occasion isn’t the time to lecture others or to call attention to the poor tortured, slaughtered creatures being served.
9. Fair or not, all vegetarians may be judged by your behavior. As author Tiffany Reslor says, “Being a gracious guest reflects well on all vegetarians.” So, practice your best compassionate communication skills and don’t keep looking at the giant dead thing in the middle of the table and rolling your eyes or making disgusted sounds.

~ Marsha