Special Holiday Edition: Other Joys and Tidbits
7 No-Stress Meat-Free, Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Meal Ideas
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Hi Friends,
I hope you’re having a fantastic Sunday!
Welcome to my Special Holiday Edition: Other Joys and Tidbits.
If you are feeling tired of the “Traditional Thanksgiving” meal or looking to change things up this year, I’ve got some great non-traditional meal-ideas that you might find interesting. My family and I have been celebrating a meat-free Thanksgiving for the past few years, and it has been a refreshing change.
This year, I’m planning a low-key meat-free meal that’s nourishing, full of fiber and packed with flavor. All recipes are wheat-free, soy-free, and vegan. And as you already know, I also have a list of easy swap ideas.
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I’ve been practicing “intentional gratitude” all year long, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to continue this practice. Instead of stressing over trivial things, I plan to appreciate the day and spend quality time with my loved ones. If you’re interested in trying out the recipes that have inspired me from my favorite blogs and websites, then you’re in luck!
These recipes are unpredictable and will add a nice twist to this year’s Thanksgiving meal.
Appetizers
Easy Candied Pecans by Adam and Joanne from Inspired Taste
(replacing the brown sugar with maple or date sugar)
Tuscan White Bean Dip by Nicki of From Scratch Fast
(replacing oil with veggie broth)
Baked Tortilla Chips (Oil Free) By Chef AJ
Entree
Cozy Weeknight Dinner To Try This Fall
Side Dishes
Fall Apple Slaw By Sue Moran
(replacing oil with some lime juice)
Fig - Cranberry Sauce by Claire Saffitz
(replacing brown sugar with date sugar or maple syrup)
Dessert
Apple Pie Crumble (Vegan and GF) by Minimalist Baker
(replacing apples with pears)
Plant-Based Thanksgiving Tips
If you are looking for meat-free options for Thanksgiving, there are many to choose from, but personally, I’m not a fan of vegan meat substitutes. However, I have cooked with some excellent brands, such as Beyond Meat, which I have used for my clients.
The taste and texture of Beyond Meat is so realistic that it hard to believe it is not meat. It is an excellent choice to introduce people who are hesitant to try plant-based options. This year, I will be preparing a Root Veggie Shepard’s Pie for Thanksgiving, which will make an impressive centerpiece for the holiday table.
If you are not a fan of lentils or mushrooms, and if you wish to try the Root Veggie Shepard’s Pie recipe, you can add some Beyond Meat “Groundless Beef” to it. Remember to be flexible when making recipes and feel free to deviate from the recipe to make it your own but follow the same techniques.
Here’s another tip to make your Thanksgiving preparation easier: try to do some meal prep work ahead of time, such as chopping vegetables and herbs. Adding fresh herbs and dried spices like sage, rosemary and thyme will enhance the flavor of your dishes.
When selecting recipes, choose a few that you know you can handle and surprise your guest with them. If you are not confident about serving something new to your guest, my suggestion is to make the dish ahead of time for yourself and test the recipe. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
I'm always here to help.
A Question came in from a Reader
Lizzy, who is a good friend to the Nourish Newsletter Community asked me?
Hey Sam, I wanted to make the Root Veggie Shepard’s Pie for Thanksgiving. Can you give me any suggestions, if I wanted to use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?
Hey Lizzy, check out the recipe below for Sweet Potato Topping to add to your Root Veggie Sheppard’s Pie. The updated recipe below was added to the printable pdf.
Sweet Potato Topping
Ingredients:
• 2 large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed about 5 to 6 cups
• 1 tablespoon of vegan butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
To Make This Topping
You will need to Preheat your over to 375 degrees F
Place cubed sweet potatoes onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the sweet potatoes for about 45 to 60 minutes. Until they are nice and tender.
Place cooled sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl, or you can use a food processor or hand mixer.
Add all ingredients and mix until it is smooth.
Season to taste and add topping to your root veggie mixture.
I hope you find these suggestions useful for your upcoming Thanksgiving Celebration. If you try any of these recipes mentioned, feel free to share a picture or leave a comment, reply back to this email.
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Thanks so much for your support and love.
May you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Sending you my hugs and love,
Sam
BE HAPPY, BE HEALTHY, BE YOU!