By: Robert Barrington, Advertising Editor
Thanksgiving dinner is a favorite American tradition that includes turkey, baked ham, mashed potatoes and peas, all smothered with a thick layer of gravy. Many people are thinking of adopting the vegetarian lifestyle either for health reasons or for humanitarian reasons, and with the help of soy-based, and vegetable based proteins, vegetarians can also enjoy delicious and filling foods on Thanksgiving Day.
A vegan is a person who does not consume any animal products, and a vegetarian is a person who does not consume animal products except egg and milk products. The local supermarket contains all a vegan or vegetarian family needs in order to enjoy the traditional and filling Thanksgiving Day dinner. Food brands such as Morningstar, Boca and Tofutti, make products such as mock turkey, chicken, hamburger, cheeses, deli meats, and desserts such as mock cheesecake, and ice creams
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, or would like to enjoy a filling traditional Thanksgiving Day Dinner, but would like exclude any meat, ham or turkey, here is a suggested dinner that will make you feel just as full and content. The main ingredients include Better Than Bouillon, No Chicken Base, Boca Burgers, Morning Star, and Tofutti brand products, and they can all be found at your local supermarket.
In order to make delicious gravy, you will need to use Better Than Bouillon, No Chicken Base. In a large sauce pan combine two tablespoons of minced garlic, one minced onion, three tablespoons of the bouillon, and four cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Thicken the mixture with flour until it produces the consistency of gravy you like. For the mock meat portion of your meal, you can choose from mock turkey, chicken or hamburger patties from Boca or Morning Star vegetarian products and cook them according to instructions. Make mashed potatoes the traditional way, but instead of adding butter and milk, substitute with margarine and either soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk. Stuffing can be made the traditional way. Sweet potato pie can be made using baked sweet potatoes, mixed with vanilla extract, margarine, brown sugar, and pecans.
Thanksgiving Dinner is ready to serve by filling your plate with mock turkey, chicken, or hamburger, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, sweet potato pie, and topping it off with creamy gravy and a touch of cranberry sauce. Once you regain your appetite for dessert, you can offer your family and guests traditional apple, blueberry or pumpkin pie, and a generous serving of Tofutti brand non-dairy ice cream.
