Mashed potatoes may be a staple of the Thanksgiving table, but we're loving this cauliflower cilantro smash as a spud replacement. This popular side dish from Karma Chow is rich in flavor and low in calories. The creaminess of the smash comes from the addition of white beans, which increases the protein content of the dish too. Watch the video to lean how to make this vegan recipe that everyone will love.
Although the turkey is a huge part of the holiday, this Thanksgiving, why not honor the vegetables (and the vegetarians), too? You could plan an entirely meat-free meal or simply make your Thanksgiving more vegetarian-friendly. With a few small steps, you can easily alter your menu to suit both carnivores and vegetarians. Here's how:
Get the rest of my suggestions — and share yours! — after the break.
Inspiration for a beautiful table setting can be found anywhere! This look was inspired by the forests of Southern California's Sierra Nevada. Shades of green are layered with browns and accented with wood and leaf motifs. Since the vegetarian meal features an edible cornucopia, I thought it would be fun to incorporate cornucopias into the decor. Aren't these woven ones ($50-$90) from Pottery Barn filled with pumpkins and squash delightful? Small details like Crate & Barrel's leaf napkin rings ($2) and World Market's birch pillar candles ($8-$11) provide an earthy rustic quality to the tablescape, while velvet ribbon and stemless glasses add a sophisticated lushness. Candles and a seasonal bouquet of flowers are a must.
How are you decorating your table this Thanksgiving?
Since Thanksgiving is a celebration that brings together all ages, consider serving a nonalcoholic signature cocktail like these apple-ginger sparklers. Kids and adults who don't drink will enjoy the festive flavors of this fizzy concoction. It's a mixture of ginger syrup and sparkling apple cider with a cinnamon stick for garnish! To make it spiked, simply stir in a shot of whiskey or Absolut's new apple-ginger vodka. Interested in the recipe? Keep reading.
While most classic Thanksgiving desserts don't feature meat, the majority do use dairy products. If you're catering to a mix of vegetarians and vegans, it's important to serve a dessert that everyone can enjoy. This pumpkin pie recipe is 100 percent vegan. The crust consists of flour and pecans blended with vegetable shortening.
The pumpkin filling gets its creamy, smooth, and thick texture from silken tofu. To make this pie gluten-free, substitute gluten-free baking mix for the flour and use gluten-free vanilla instead of vanilla. Get the recipe here.
Since vegetables are the new meat, this year on Thanksgiving, why not serve an entirely meat-free meal?! The holiday can be just as delicious without the turkey. Start with an easy but luxurious appetizer: gorgonzola crostini drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chopped nuts. For the first course, offer a velvety, make-ahead pumpkin soup that's garnished with crunchy sweet potato chips and tangy sour cream.
Although there's no meat, the main course should still be a showstopper, so go all out with roasted vegetable cornucopias with homemade gravy. A tender green salad with champagne vinaigrette completes the meal. Get the recipes for this wonderful menu, after the jump.
Use warm Autumnal color tones to decorate the table at your vegetarian Thanksgiving. A falling leaf designed tablecloth sets the mood for a festive meal. Wooden placemats reflect the green theme of the drinks and square plates add a touch of modernity. Add gold accents —like napkins and utensils — to brighten up the look. Bronze goblet glassware makes the affair seem regal. Arrange rich colored flowers in tinted vases. Make quick place cards by attaching a piece of cardstock to a tree spur with a pretty, satin ribbon. Fill pillar vases with water and floating candles and wrap with golden garlands. Don't forget to light a fire so the house is cozy.
For your vegetarian Thanksgiving, think about going green with the wine. A variety of eco-conscious wineries are offering white and red wines made from sustainably-grown, organic grapes.
Ceago Vinegarden has a pure, clean, biodynamic sauvignon blanc for under $20. For a red varietal, pour a potent, powerful zinfandel like Ridge's Lytton Springs ($33).
Don't forget a water, sparkling apple cider, and a signature cocktail. An unexpected and festive cranberry caipairinha will get guests in the mood. For the recipe, read more
What would a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner be without the glorious finish? Allow plenty of digestion time to pass before serving dessert. Offer guests two options to choose from. A sweet potato pie with pecan streusel is a nice alternative to the classic pumpkin pie. A to die for caramel apple pie rounds out the other half of the dessert menu. To get the recipes that will have guests saying "pass the whipped cream," read more
No Thanksgiving is complete without a smorgasbord of sides to choose from, and this meat-free menu is no exception. There's no bacon, sausage, or pancetta to be found in these scrumptious side dishes, so vegetarians get your plates ready! All of these dishes pair nicely with the main dish: pumpkin lasagna. Start with a stuffing substitute in the form of a mushroom panzanella. Give mashed potatoes a gourmet makeover with caramelized shallots and fresh sage. Round out the menu with brussels sprouts and cranberry brown butter. Want a taste of these delicious recipes? Just read more
