Looking at the calendar yesterday I realized that we’re a lot further into November than I’d realized. That means Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I’d better start figuring out what I’m going to make!
With that in mind, I thought I’d go through past posts that would be appropriate for the holiday. Let’s start with appetizers! (Click on the photos for the original post and recipe.)
APPETIZERS
Hot Artichoke Dip
This Hot Artichoke Dip makes a great holiday appetizer. It’s really easy to make, so you can spend more time on everything else you’ll be cooking. It’s also a great dish to make for skeptical non-vegans because it’s creamy, decadent and delicious!
Cheezy Crackers
Cheezy Crackers are another great choice for pre-meal snacking. They take just a little more effort, but you can make them a day or two ahead of time. And your guests will be so impressed that you made crackers from scratch that it will be totally worth it!
Marinated Cheeze
Another make ahead dish is this Marinated Cheeze. It’s so tasty on crackers or crusty bread, and you won’t have to worry about any vampire attacks during your meal since you and all your guests will have plenty of garlic breath perfuming the air.
Pepper-Crusted Cashew Goat Cheese
Since we’re talking cheese (creamy and cheesy seem to be a theme with me…), I have to post my favorite vegan cheese! This Pepper-Crusted Cashew Goat Cheese does require some advance planning, but it’s so worth it. It’s not difficult to make, though, so don’t be intimidated by the recipe. I can also guarantee that it’s a safe bet to serve to non-vegans. Whenever I make this it disappears almost as fast as I can put it out.
Union Square Cafe’s Bar Nuts
And finally, one of my all-time favorite snacks, The Union Square Cafe’s Bar Nuts. These are incredibly easy to make, can be made ahead of time and reheated, and are so incredibly tasty. You can use whatever nuts you like best, and the herbs and seasonings are perfect for Thanksgiving.
Okay, so now that we have a few appetizer ideas, let’s move onto to soup. Normally I don’t serve soup with my Thanksgiving meal, but I’m thinking about doing it this year. I have my eye on a cranberry and wild rice soup that I’d like to try out, but any of the following would be perfect on your Thanksgiving table.
SOUP
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
This soup is sweet, savory and really yummy. The recipe is a little bit more advanced, but the end flavor is worth the time and effort.
Cauliflower Bisque with Buttered Breadcrumbs
Ummmm… bisque. This Cauliflower Bisque with Buttered Breadcrumbs is so delicious, and as I look at that photo I’m kicking myself for not making this more often. Again, this is something you can very confidently serve to non-vegans.
Delicata Squash Bisque
Delicata Squash Bisque is incredibly easy, and one of the best soups I’ve ever tasted. The quality of the vegetable broth you use is important here, so make sure to use a good one!
Okay, time for the main event. For me, Thanksgiving is about sides (and it was even when I still ate turkey). The past couple years I’ve also made a nut roast (two different ones last year) so that it feels like there’s a “main dish.” Here are some of my favorite sides, along with that tasty nut roast.
THE MAIN EVENT
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Don’t let Roasted Brussels Sprouts scare you. If you’re afraid of them or have had bad experiences in the past, you have to try cooking them this way, and I promise you’ll feel differently. These were such a huge hit last year. They’re another one of those easy dishes that free up your time for the more complicated ones. And you don’t have to sacrifice any flavor.
Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite dishes. The recipe is a little more involved, but making this classic dish from scratch is worth it. I plan to double the recipe this year since it went so quickly last year.
Mashed Potatoes
Of course it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Mashed Potatoes, at least for me. I make a giant pot of these every year, mostly so that there’s enough for me to stuff myself on them. I mean, let’s just be honest with each other.
“Poultry” Gravy
There’s only one thing that can possibly make mashed potatoes better and that’s…”Poultry” Gravy! This stuff is magical. I make a huge batch in the morning and keep it warm in a crock pot. You have to have plenty for the meal, and extra for the leftovers!
Holiday Nut Roast
The gravy is also amazing on this Holiday Nut Roast. This is another recipe that takes a bit more work than the others, but that’s what makes it special. What seems like a very disparate list of ingredients come together to make a perfectly textured savory and delicious roast. It’s almost like stuffing and a main dish combined. Definitely worth the effort.
Sweet Potato Casserole
And to transition us to dessert, here’s my favorite Thanksgiving dish – SusanV’s Sweet Potato Casserole. This is the best sweet potato casserole I’ve ever tasted. I love having something sweet and spicy to contrast with all the savory foods on my Thanksgiving plate. It makes for great left-overs too.
Okay, now for the real desserts! It’s hard to stray from the classics, which for my family were always pumpkin and apple pie. I was never a huge pumpkin pie fan (although I bet I’d feel differently now), but pumpkin cheesecake is something I can definitely get behind.
DESSERTS!
Pumpkin Patch Cheesecake
This version is creamy, delicious and perfectly pumpkin-y. It’s also much easier to make than you’d expect.
Easy Refrigerator Cheesecake
If you’re looking for something even easier, this (almost) no-bake cheesecake has you covered. You do have to bake the crust of this Easy Refrigerator Cheesecake, but it’s still one of the easiest dessert options out there. It’s almost like pumpkin mousse, and it will definitely impress your non-vegan guests.
Frangipane Pear Crostata
If you want to skip the pumpkin all-together, you could make this Frangipane Pear Crostata. It takes just a bit more effort than the cheesecakes, but it’s an elegant dessert that’s not too sweet, making it the perfect finale for a rich Thanksgiving meal.
German Apple Cake
While I’m not a huge apple pie fan, I love apple cake! If you want to switch things up this year you could make this German Apple Cake in place of the pie.
Chocolate Chip Date Cake
Now, I know it isn’t traditional, but this Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It’s simply delicious. The flavor and texture are awesome, and it bridges the gap between Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season to come. You could even make mini-bundts like Jenn over at Cookin’ Vegan.
Hopefully these recipes will help get you started on your vegan Thanksgiving menu, or maybe if you’re not vegan they’ll give you an idea of something to serve your vegan or vegetarian guests. Now I just need to figure out what my menu is going to be. What are you guys planning to make for Thanksgiving this year?
