Thursday, November 17, 2023

Vegetarian Holiday

 

Vegetarian Holiday

Vegetarian Holiday

 

Vegetarian Holiday

Christmas dinner is a glorious time to eat everything in sight. Turkey, goose or ham graces the table with other meat dishes. For most of the diners, this is wonderful. For a vegetarian, most of the traditional dishes leave very little for the plate. Uninformed people think that vegetarians are regulated to eating only vegetables and jello molds. This could not be further from the truth. Here are five vegetarian substitutes for the traditional Christmas feast.

 

Meat Substitutes

There are several commercial meat substitutes such as Tofurkey®, Quorn Turk’y Roast, “Vegetarian Plus” Whole Turkey, which is shaped like a turkey, and Harvest Celebration Field Roast. These products are made using soy, wheat, tempeh, and other meat substitutes. Cooking directions are on the package, and these products are seasoned just like the real thing. Vegan ham is a great tasting substitute, and is shaped like a ham. Prepare and slice the same as the real thing. Make a turkey substitute at home from tofu. Recipes abound on the internet. Since tofu has no taste of its own, season the same as a turkey.

 

Textured Vegetable Protein

Use these dehydrated protein granules instead of meat in greens, green beans and other dishes otherwise flavored with bacon, salt pork and other meats. For flavor, rehydrate the granules in water containing seasonings.

 

Serve Different Main Dishes

Instead of a turkey, goose or ham, serve a vegetarian lasagna or stuffed cabbage rolls. Some people eat the turkey out of politeness, but don’t prefer the taste. These dishes allow the vegetarian as well as others to enjoy non-traditional dishes and enjoy the feast. Use lentils, chickpeas, or beans to make a loaf or burgers. Season these to the diner’s taste.

 

Make Other Dishes the Centerpiece

Squashes combined with textured vegetable protein, beans or other vegetables make great main dishes on their own. Butternut squash filled with grains, beans, vegetables and broth makes a wholesome meal by itself. Serve different types of stuffed squashes and watch the guests enjoy. One wonderful thing about squashes is they can be served in their shell; no extra dishes needed. Season each squash accordingly.

 

Don’t Forget Dessert

Many desserts are made with animal fats, eggs and milk. Depending on the diner, these may or may not be acceptable. Research the internet or recipe books for traditional recipes made differently for vegetarians. Place these dishes on the table in a grouping. Inform guests of the ingredients, and let everyone choose for himself or herself. Having vegetarian substitutes for a traditional Christmas feast is not hard work. Most products and ingredients are available in local grocery stores. The cost is minimal, and the feast will be remembered for years.

 

 

 

 

David Spader writes about the best saving accounts over at SavingsAccount.org. His recent review looked at the best CD rates.

Monday, November 14, 2023

Awesome Vegan Food Ideas for Thanksgiving

Vegan Thanksgiving

Vegan Thanksgiving Options

 

Vegan Thanksgiving Options

When we think of Thanksgiving, we tend to only think of a honey-baked ham or a roasted turkey that’s been cooking for hours. But what if you’re vegan or have vegan family members coming over for Thanksgiving dinner? What do you feed the hungry masses when meat and dairy aren’t options? Check out these awesome vegan food ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner below.

 

Dressing

Instead of stuffing your turkey with delicious breaded stuffing, feel free to make dressing to be served on the side. This way it won’t be shoved into meat, and everyone can enjoy it. Also, if you’re like a lot of Americans who use chicken stock for their dressings, go ahead and use vegetable stock. It’s just as yummy, and that way you’re side dish is completely meat free.

 

Tofurkey

Sure tofurkey isn’t anywhere close to real turkey, but vegans will love the effort you put into making sure they weren’t just stuck with all side dishes.

 

Green Bean Casserole

Nothing goes better with a Thanksgiving meal than green bean casserole, which is made of green beans, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and French fried onions. Make sure you get a mushroom soup that is made without dairy, and you’ll have something everyone can devour.

 

Cranberry Relish

If you’re not a big fan of just canned cranberry (and who is, really?), whip up a fruity relish that offers all the same cranberry taste without the processed flavors.

 

Pies and Desserts

Don’t exclude your vegan loved one from enjoying all the treats. Look for ways to make your pumpkin pies and sweet potato casseroles without throwing in all the cream and butter. There are so many dairy substitutes that you can easily use instead, such as soy milk and vegan butter spread.

 

Get Creative

Not everything has to be strictly traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. Go for an autumnal theme and cook up some yummy squash side dishes. Spaghetti squash is exceptional delish in the fall, or go for a lentil stuffing instead of a traditional one.

 

Just make sure you don’t force your vegan family member to eat leftover side dishes while everyone else gets to enjoy a feast It’s incredibly easy to incorporate vegan substitutions into traditional recipes for the meal and make sure everyone leaves full and happy. Everyone will be gobbling up your eats with ease.

 

About the Author: Karyn Shankle enjoys preparing dishes for all members of her family, regardless of their dietary needs.

Friday, November 11, 2023

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

There are many types of chocolate available to enjoy ranging from:

  • Milk
  • Dark
  • White
  • Bittersweet
  • Semi sweet to
  • Unsweetened

 

 

Did you know that chocolate and cocoa contain a large amount of antioxidants known as flavinoids?  In small amounts chocolate may help reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.  Darker chocolate with a concentrated level of cocoa will have more benefit.  Eating larger quantities will not provide any additional benefits.

 

Ways to Enjoy

1.       Trifle – A layered chocolate with cream trifle makes a wonderful dessert.  Why not try several different types of chocolate within the dish.  Layered up will make an attractive dish display or could be layered in cocktail classes for individual portions.

 

2.       Mousse

The saying “All good things come to those who wait” is very fitting for a chocolate mousse.  Although the recipe may only take around 30 minutes to make, you may need to wait up to 6 hours for it to chill.  Once ready, you will end up with a light, bubbly chocolate dessert that once eaten I’m sure will leave you wanting more!

 

3.       Cookies

White or milk chocolate chip cookies have to feature on the top 10 list.  Who can resist a freshly made cookie?  Little chips of sweetness inside a delicious cookie dough either eaten warm or cold for a firmer finish.  They work perfectly with a morning coffee.

 

4.       Truffles

Little balls of chocolate which can have all sorts of different flavours added to the recipe mix including;

  • Orange
  • Mint
  • Chilli
  • Flavoured Liqueur

Covered with cocoa powder and you have a delightful little chocolate treat.

5.       Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake

Adding ginger to the recipe changes the chocolate flavour completely.  By using dark chocolate you will have a balance of sweetness and bitterness that compliments each other perfectly.  

6.       Strawberries

 A fresh strawberry that is covered in chocolate is a match made in heaven.  It is

Chocolate and Strawberries

Chocolate and Strawberries

becoming very popular at special occasions to have a chocolate fountain hire at the celebration.  Individuals are able to dip various skewered items such as strawberries and marshmallows into melted chocolate and then devour.

 

7.     Hot Chocolate – Whether it is on a cold winter’s morning or late in the evening a mug of hot chocolate is a wonderful way to warm you up and give you a happy feeling inside.  Indulge further with whipped cream or marshmallows for the perfect sugar boost.

 

Looking for something a little bit different?  Why not try;

 

8.       Chocolate and Chili Cake

This is not an unusual combination.  The chocolate works really well with the spice from the chilli.  Depending on the chilli chosen will reflect in the heat given.  A mild chilli will give a subtle flavour to the recipe.

 

9.       With Venison

A small amount of chocolate melted into a sauce which is accompanying the venison will compliment the dish.  A sauce made from shallots, red wine, raspberry vinegar, herbs and stock will give a deep flavour to the sauce. 

 

10.   Chocolate in Chilli Con Carne

In Mexico it is quite common for a small amount of chocolate to be added to the recipe.  When the chocolate has melted into the sauce it gives a rich deep flavour.

 

This article was written by chocolatier Ceri Joleys who runs a chocolate fountain hire company specialising in wedding chocolate fountain hire

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