I’m Vegan, and Thanksgiving is My Favorite Holiday

I always grew up loving Thanksgiving. I think I was a foodie before that was ever a “thing.”

So for me it was an easy choice to have Thanksgiving as a favorite holiday.

I think I liked the simplicity of it. You knew what it was about. A meal and people you love. Simple.

And even as I went vegetarian, my love for this holiday persisted. I didn’t have the turkey anymore, that’s ok! Minor change really.

There were still plenty of other dishes on the table for me to get excited about. In fact since turkey is generally the only meat at the meal, I was left with everything else! No complaints here (I never was crazy about the turkey anyway).

Vegan Thanksgiving

Loving Thanksgiving as a vegetarian is one thing, but it seems crazy to have my love endure even as I went vegan. Without any planning the available options shrink considerably as a vegan. You’re basically left with rolls and cranberry sauce…

But that’s why you plan! If you’re vegan, never show up to someone else’s event without a main, a side, and a dessert that is vegan friendly!

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about a celebration of food friends and family. And every single vegan I’ve met loves food just as much as anyone else, if not more! So the spirit of Thanksgiving has never changed for me.

In fact, being vegan and plant-based forces you to think outside the box and be more creative, bringing dishes most would never have at their gathering. I love that! I love the celebration of the bounty of seasonal plant foods, like squashes and apples and pumpkins and cranberries. It’s wonderful.

My Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

Appetizer: Maple-Miso Brussels Sprouts (I omit the oil)

Main: Winter Vegetable Hominy Hash En Croute (From Thug Kitchen. Warning: Language)

Sides: Mashed Potatoes & Cranberry Sauce

Dessert: Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. Celebrate all the bounty that nature has to offer by enjoying delicious satisfying vegan fare. Get out of your comfort zone and make one or all of these dishes! Going plant-based for Thanksgiving has never been easier 🙂

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