Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving 2009

Some pictures from Thursday.

The faux turkey:

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I used Robin Robertson's recipe for the seitan, and made a pecan/apple sage sausage/orange cranberry/mushroom stuffing.

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Sorry that's so blurry.

Autumn rolls from Veganomicon:

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From the same book, Autumn Latkes and Horseradish Dill Sour Cream:

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Gingerbread Apple Pie from VwaV:

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Pumpkin Cheesecake from VeganMoFo last year (not the cake, the recipe):

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Brandon made the mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. He also supplied the comedy and beer.

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'Lona supplied the adorable Floridian accent.

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Aaron had seconds. I was impressed. I had one plate and passed out.

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Warren helped clean up by catching everything I dropped on the floor.

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Dessert is always my favorite.

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Taz wants to jump up on the table and join us.

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And Milo's in the potatoes.

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

More from the test kitchen

Eggplant Lentil Chili Molé with Fresh Corn and Scallion Cornbread. This was totally worth the week-long hunt for an eggplant.

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Thoughts on the impending holidays

It's still unseasonably warm here in Minnesota (jean jacket weather; although I have seen what had to be tourists wearing mittens. I mean really? Mittens?) It's 49°. True Minnesotans are still in their flip flops.

I was approved to have Thanksgiving off, but in exchange, I have to work open to close on Christmas Day. It's only 10am to 8pm, and hello? Double time! I think I can skip seeing Uncle John get wasted for one year. Anyway, I've over-promised for Thanksgiving, so I'm thinking about having it...here. My familiar kitchen with everything I need, my own wonky oven that won't slam shut and turn itself on auto-clean for no reason, and lots of people for the kitties to love on. Is anyone else hosting this year? Pointers? Tips? I might be testing my ideas out on myself before the big day, just so I can improve on it or talk myself out of making a mess of it all.

For those of you in the Twin Cities, there will be a "Turkey-Free/ Healthy Harvest" Thanksgiving potluck on Sunday, November 22 from 6pm-8:30pm at Lake Harriet Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Avenue S. It's free, and co-sponsored by Earthsave Twin Cities, Animal Rights Coalition, and Alliance for Sustainability. You don't have to be veg*n to come, but they do ask that you bring a vegan dish to share. Bring a place card with the recipe, and your place setting.

I'm playing with the idea of doing cookie boxes for everyone this year, although I recall doing it one year and it was a nightmare. Those of you who feel gypped if they get a homemade present? You have no idea of the tears behind it. Appreciate that shit.