How to Have a Vegan Merry Christmas

“Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to cook and eat vegan food

all day.” Ok, maybe those aren’t the exact lyrics to the song but the sentiments are sincere. Being vegan is fun but the holidays can be a challenge. Occasions that focus on food can sometimes lead to temptation, awkwardness, and feelings of deprivation for plant-based eaters but with a little advance preparation, the negativity can be avoided. Whether you are cooking the Christmas meal or bringing a dish or two to a friend or relative, we can help make sure you have plenty of delicious, vegan foods to eat. If you are cooking for a crowd, these recipes are so incredible, no one will miss the meat, dairy or eggs. If you are bringing a dish to somewhere you have been invited, you had better bring a lot because everyone is going to want some of what you brought.

Either way, sit back and see and how to have a vegan, Merry Christmas you will never forget.

1. Festive Starters

Every holiday get-together has to have lots of appetizers, finger foods and starters to get the party going. Casual food that people can eat with their hands while mingling makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable environment. One of my favorite starters is bruschetta – crunchy toasted bread topped with amazing spreads. Here is a delicious type of bruschetta that is perfect when made with toasted slices of French or Italian bread. To make my Chimmichurri Bruschetta: Preheat the oven to broil. Stir together 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme, ½ tsp. dried oregano, 2 Tbs. vegan butter, 1 Tbs. vegan grated parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 2 tsp. minced garlic and kosher salt to taste in a bowl. Spread the chimmichurri over 10-12 slices of bread and broil for 1-2 minutes until the bread is toasted. Alternatively, you can toast the bread and then add the fresh chimmichurri to the bread.

2. Seasonal Soups and Salads

Warm soups are always welcome when the weather gets colder. If you are having a sit-down dinner, soup can be served in bowls but don’t skip the soup just because you’re having a more casual gathering. Serve soup in shot glasses that are easy to drink even if your guests are still standing up – no spoons necessary.

A refreshing salad is always a nice way to preface the meal. Rather than just making a simple tossed salad, use seasonal flavors and ingredients to turn an ordinary salad into an extraordinary one. My favorite winter-themed salad is my Apple, Cranberry, Arugula and Fennel Salad with an Apple Honee Vinaigrette.

3. Exciting Entrees

The entrée is usually the centerpiece of the table. You don’t need a ham or turkey to make your guests happy and satisfied. If you are serving people who are meat-eaters or even vegans who like the taste of “meaty” food.

4. Special Sides

Side dishes are always my favorite part of the meal. There is so much variety and you get to eat more than one. I love stuffing and there is no law that says you can only have stuffing if there is a turkey. 

These Roasted Chestnuts may not be “roasting on an open fire” but they are delicious and addictive straight from the oven. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Take ½ pound of chestnuts and on each nut’s flat side, cut a large X with a sharp paring knife through the skin. Arrange the chestnuts on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, shaking the pan to flip the nuts halfway through. Allow them to cool just a bit and then peel them while they are still warm.

5. Glorious Gravy, Biscuits and Sauces

Forget those biscuits that come in a tube. It’s easy to make your own even when the biscuits are vegan and gluten-free. Try my Gluten-Free Garlic and Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits which are flaky, tender and delicious. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups gluten-free, all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. xanthan or guar gum, 1 Tbs. + 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. kosher salt, 1 tsp. dried rosemary and ½ tsp. garlic powder. Mix well to combine. Add 1 cup non-dairy milk and ½ cup melted vegan butter or olive oil and mix until you have a thick batter. Fold in 4 oz. vegan cheddar cheese shreds. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup sprayed with cooking oil, drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush milk on the tops of the biscuits. Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Serve with your favorite gravy.

6. Wondrous Desserts

Desserts are delicious all year long but there is something extra-special about the desserts served at Christmastime. The colors are more festive, the designs are cuter and they bring so much cheer to people. 

7. The Company

It may seem like the holidays are all about food but in reality, they are not. These special occasions are really about celebrating with friends and family and spending time with the people you love. The dinner table is not the time or place to get into arguments or debates. If anyone asks about your choice to not eat meat, eggs or dairy, let them know you will be happy to explain it to them after dinner. If anyone gives you a hard time or mocks you, smile and move on to another conversation. Don’t let people get a rise out of you. If you don’t give them the response they want, they are the ones who will look foolish. Make your stand by being confident and proud of your position. When someone offers you ham or broccoli covered in dairy cheese, simply smile and say, “Thanks but I don’t eat ____ but could you please pass the seitan?”

Christmas is a joyous time and it’s also a great opportunity to show how proud and confident you are with your food choices. Sharing vegan dishes, whether at your own home or by bringing some to your host’s place, is a great way to show people just how delicious plant-based food can be. Don’t forget that food also makes wonderful gifts.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/how-to-have-a-vegan-merry-christmas/