As I write this, Thanksgiving is just about 2 weeks away.
My thoughts might be a little late to help others this Thanksgiving but this message can apply at any holiday or family and friend gatherings.
This year we are doing Thanksgiving at my brother’s house in Arizona. Last year was also away from home but I had an easier time accessing the kitchen to cook my food. This year might be slightly different.
My husband and I are the only ones that do not eat meat or dairy and when it comes to Thanksgiving, it seems every single dish that is served, contains one or the other.
Here is the plan for this year:
We do our meal potluck style – which is great! There is always a wide variety of food available…. Except when you won’t eat any of it.
My Mom asked me, “what are you bringing to Thanksgiving?” My response was “ A whole meal”. I was half-joking and half not.
Ultimately the focus of Thanksgiving is being with family but there is a lot of focus on the food.
I make really tasty meals that most people there would enjoy eating, but I am a bit stuck on the part of not knowing how to cook it there when I am not sure of the space available for cooking these delicious meals.
IF I was going somewhere where I knew I had space to cook, I would bring these dishes to share:
-These Mashed potatoes
-Vegan Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese
-Brussels Sprouts
Those three dishes combined with some raw veggies and fruit would make a perfect meal for a Plant-Based Thanksgiving.
However, since there are going to be about 5 different families fighting over the stovetop and oven, I am really thinking outside the box. What could I bring that minimalizes space in the kitchen or that I could make ahead of time??
Here is what I came up with:
- A variety of grilled veggies (the grill rarely gets used on Thanksgiving)
- A can of beans and some greens (sautee together as everyone else makes their plates)
- Cornbread (make ahead of time)
- Pumpkin bars (make ahead of time)
Here are a few tips to help you in case you are in the same situation.
1. Remember why you are there and focus on that.
I have to be honest, my first reaction when I saw the food being listed was a bit of a ‘gee thanks’ attitude. Knowing I couldn’t enjoy any of the food that others were bringing made me feel excluded. However, having that attitude will ruin the holiday. AND to be fair- I guarantee my family doesn’t even think about it… why should they? It is how they eat. If I want my husband and me to enjoy the food, I need to bring the food we will eat and not expect anything else. Focus on the family gathering around the table.
2. Plan easy meals to bring.
The grilled veggies are super simple. Grab a container, chop up the veggies, and add on your favorite marinade. When you get to your destination, grill up the food. I guarantee everyone will be thankful for a healthy dish to help balance out everything.
3. Bring your own dessert.
Your family members just may actually like what you bring to share and it is a great time to show them how delicious this food can be.
There are so many options and many can easily be made ahead of time.
Just because you eat differently from everyone on the guest list does not mean you have to suffer. Plan ahead, be prepared and enjoy your family and friends time.
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