Veggie Thanksgiving Guest at Grandma's House

Question For Savvy Vegetarian

We are having Thanksgiving at our house (again!) for the extended family. There will be about twenty-five people here, including children. One of my adult grandchildren doesn't eat any meat at all. Do you have any advice about what to cook for her?

Grandma Bev

Savvy Veg Advice

I hope you aren't cooking the whole meal yourself for all those people! My advice is to cook the turkey, and ask each family to bring one or two dishes, including the adult vegetarian grandchild. Ask her to bring a vegetarian dish that everyone can enjoy, and which would blend with the traditional Thanksgiving fare. That limits her choices, obviously.

It's safe to assume that most of the other guests won't enjoy anything made with tofu, or tempeh, or such vegetarian delicacies as lentil loaf (I've never been attracted to it myself). Rice & vegetable casserole would work, with toasted cashews and perhaps a few chickpeas. Or a green salad, or pasta salad, with some feta cheese, chick peas, or roasted sunflower seeds. Or vegetarian 'stuffing', made with roasted chestnuts or walnuts. Whatever she brings should be nicely seasoned. and salted, but not too spicy.

Keep in mind the quantity and variety of food at a typical Thanksgiving dinner; even if your granddaughter doesn't bring anything, there'll be plenty for her to eat besides the turkey. If you're stuffing the turkey, it would be easy to cook some of the stuffing separately from the bird. Or to offer some toasted nuts or cheese (unless she's vegan) as a side dish.

You're a wonderful Grandma for wanting to accomodate your vegetarian grandchild, and include her in your family's traditional Thanksgiving feast.

I wish you and your loved ones a blissful Thanksgiving.

Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

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Savvy Vegetarian provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or improve their diet. We don't advocate any particular vegetarian diet. We don't claim to be health care professionals, or nutritionists, nor do we treat any illness. Any changes that you make to your diet, or results of those changes, are your decision and responsibility. For your protection, we ask you to be completely open with us about your health, and we may recommend a medical exam before changing your diet. We reserve the right to refuse or to end a client relationship if we believe the client's actions may endanger his or her health.

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