This time of year, I’m reminded how grateful I am for a lot of things. I’m sure, like many people, my family comes in on the top of that list every damn year. We’re a crazy, goofy, rowdy bunch but the love and support is unreal.
Their support of my vegetarianism has meant so much to me. One year 12-year-old Georgie realized there was a word for not eating meat and she wanted in. Rather than tell me I couldn’t, or belittle my choice, my family supported and empowered me by teaching me to cook. My mom bought me my first vegetarian cookbook – shoutout to the kale and garlic breadcrumb tortellini recipe, a personal fav back in the day.
Big family dinners are another perfect example. When my family knew I was coming over they’d buy me fish (because technically I’m a pescatarian) or ensure there were plenty of delicious sides to choose from.
Recently, to try and return the favor, I’ve attempted to contribute more to holiday meals. Last year, I shared 4 Thanksgiving dishes for a vegetarian-friendly thanksgiving all of which the fam enjoyed.
This year I want to share another delicious, meat-free way to celebrate thanksgiving. I’ve collaborated with Gardein again, one of my favorite plant-based protein brands to share some of their new holiday meals and how to create a quick and easy vegetarian thanksgiving menu.
Even if you’re not vegetarian yourself, these products are great for any of your guests who aren’t eating meat.
The savory stuffed turk’y is an excellent choice because it combines crispy, breaded, fo-turk’y, with vegetarian stuffing and cranberries. Each bite is bursting with savory seasonings. The package comes with two little savory stuffed turk’ys which will be great for me and my sister since we’re both veggies.
This year, I’m so excited to bring this dish because it really takes the stress and guesswork out of the equation. I can focus on helping prepare my favorite sides: the veggies and my favorite pumpkin pie recipe without adding extra work to my family’s plate.
In addition to the Gardien options, I also wanted to share with you some ideas for different sides you can make to go along with the stuffed turkey.
Roasted Delicata Squash:
To make:
- Preheat oven to 450ºF
- Cut squash in half, width wise then length wise (4 pieces in all).
- Scoop out seeds so you have 4 hollowed out squash pieces.
- Turn squash over so flesh side is facing the cutting board.
- Slice into 1/2″ pieces (they’ll look like “C” shapes).
- In a bowl, toss squash pieces with 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and your favorite seasoning (I love Trader Joe’s Garlic Salt mix)
- Grease your baking tray with olive oil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then flip pieces onto their other side and bake for another 15-20 minutes so both sides are golden/light brown.
If you’re looking for more ideas, definitely check out Gardein’s website, they have tons of holiday recipes. The sweet potato biscuits and butternut squash and quinoa salad are calling my name.
