My ABC's List of Thanks

I am not going to act as if I am a fan of Thanksgiving in terms of what it means in the traditional sense. Sure, I will gather with loved ones, all of whom agree sparing the turkey is the kindest act, and enjoy my fair share of vegan goodies. But let's not pretend that the Native Americans and Pilgrims were BFFs, and the poor symbolic turkey is now slaughtered by the millions for a single day of gluttony. That being said, sometimes I need to just write & think about lighthearted dribble.

I love making lists - so much so that I am fairly certain I entered the world with pen & paper in hand, contemplating the pros and cons of cloth versus disposable diapers. So, this my food-themed list of what I am giving thanks for this year. 

Avocados.  
Biscuits & gravy, especially the recipe from "Vegan With A Vengeance" by Isa Chandra Moskowitz.
Carmelized Onion Hummus - I could eat it by the gallon.
Dandies - I like 'em best in Rocky Road scones.

Espresso Balsamic Vinegar. Enjoy it as a dressing on a spinach salad with walnuts & cranberries.
Food Empowerment Project
Gin Gins.
Hilary's Eat Well burgers
Ice cream. Soy, coconut, rice milk-based. Take your pick.
Jam. Strawberry. Organic.
Kale. Not really, that vegetable is sooo 2012.
Lagusta's Luscious - Admittedly, I haven't ordered yet, but everything looks mouth-watering, & they just seem like a kick-ass business.
Mint tea. Iced or hot, whatevs.
Nori. I like it for sushi, & I like it as a cat's name.
Organic farmers
Pistachios
Quinoa. A bit of an obligatory answer because not many food stuff starts with 'Q.'
Root Cafe
Slave-free Chocolate
Taco Tuesdays - especially when they involve 'battered avocado' varieties.
Urban farms
V-dog 
Wheatgrass. (Just kidding.)
X...um yeah. I got nothing.
Yellow miso? Yeah, 'Y' is difficult, too. 
Zucchini Rosemary Lemon bread. A triple threat of yum.  

Myself, my husband, and two feathered friends at Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY. The rooster was pooping, which makes this photo even that more awesome.

-anya 

Thanksgiving Noms - My Suggestions.

This week, I had the pleasure to host at my local Whole Foods Market their first "Vegan Thanksgiving Tasting." In collaboration with Morag Keefe, Demo Coordinator, & Lisa Sands, Marketing Director, we planned an evening where guests could sample items off the WFM holiday menu, along with try recipes I felt would be sure-fire hits. Plus, it was FREE.

We had a really nice turnout. Guests were served quinoa stuffed butternut squash, green bean casserole, maple roasted brussel sprouts, farro stuffing, olive oil mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, cranberry orange relish, gardein roast, & pumpkin pie. No one left hungry, and I am pretty sure most left with a few ideas for the holiday table. 

In addition to tasty food, guests were given a pamphlet showcasing two Thanksgiving menus put together by moi. I pulled from a handful of blogs over which I enjoy drooling...

Menu 1

Creamy Herbed Cauliflower Soup

Rustic Veggie Tofu Pot Pie

Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Fall Forward Seasonal Salad

Pumpkin Spice Scones with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Menu 2

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Glazed Walnut Lentil Apple Loaf

Roasted Root Vegetables

Creamed Kale

Polenta Stuffing

Baked Apples Stuffed with Cinnamon Date Pecan Oatmeal

 

Two recipes mentioned are found in Isa Chandra Moskowitz's "Appetite for Reduction" cookbook, "Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Apples" and "Polenta Stuffing." The "Curried Pumpkin Soup" is sold by Whole Foods Market as a part of their "Health Starts Here" product line.

Well, this blog entry has certainly left me hungry. I would love to hear what is on your menu next week!