Thanksgiving Ideas: Tofurky

Every homemade veggie turkey I've tried has been a letdown. While some folks may want to avoid processed foods like this or save money (the Tofurky roast runs about 10-15 bucks) this is a tasty and hearty addition to Thanksgiving.
Will you family make fun of you based on its silly name? You betcha.
But will you love every bite? You betcha.

Thanksgiving Ideas: Rice Pilaf

This is a recipe from an article in the Huffington Post. This rice pilaf is filling and a touch gourmet.

1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 cup button mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 carrot, diced
small handful slivered almonds
small handful dried cranberries, unsweetened
1 cup long grain or basmati brown rice
1/4 cup wild rice
sea salt
3 cups spring or filtered water

In a deep, heavy pot, heat the oil. Saute the onion with a pinch of salt until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the almonds and cranberries and saute until well-coated with oil. Stir in the balance of veggies and saute with a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes more. Spread the vegetables evenly over the bottom of the pot and top with the rices. Gently add the water and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Remove from heat and allow to stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir well and remove to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs.

Thanksgiving Ideas: Sweet Potato Pie

Make everybody happy (except the weirdos who don't like sweet potato pie) by a bringing an awesome pie to Thanksgiving.
Vegsource.com brings us this beauty

2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
1 cup soymilk
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 Tbsp oil
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp powdered ginger
1/4 tsp powdered cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

Mash or blend sweet potatoes in food processor. Add remaining ingredients and mix completely. Pour mixture into unbaked vegan pie crust. Bake at 400 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Here's a good homemade vegan crust recipe if you want to go that route.

Thanksgiving Ideas: Buttery Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a surprisingly taste veggie. They have a beautiful color and the creaminess here will impress.

Adapted this from a Tasteofhome.com recipe.

Ingredients:
1 cup veggie broth
1/3 cup white wine
4-1/2 teaspoons margarine
dash of black pepper
about a pound of brussels sprouts
dash of salt

Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the margarine, broth, wine and pepper; bring to a boil. Add brussels sprouts. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 6-9 minutes or until tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and remaining pepper. Yield: 6 servings.

Thanksgiving Ideas: Green Bean Casserole

Break out your french fried onions and prepare to impress your non-vegan family with this recipe by Liz Cherry.

BBQ Tofu

A very easy and tasty way to prepare that daunting white block of tofu is to turn it into BBQ tofu. Preheat the oven at 350. Take the tofu out of the package and squeeze as much water as you can out of it. Wrap it in a cheesecloth or paper towel and put a book or similarly heavy object and come back to it in a fifteen minutes or so. Next, cut the tofu in thick slices. place in a glass cooking dish and drench in barbeque sauce. Pop in the oven for about 40 minutes. It's not the fanciest thing, but allows you time and energy to prepare all the sides or knit or whatever while it bakes. A friend of mine adds sliced peaces to the top and it does in fact add the mouth party. Tastes great, looks great.