How to Host a Vegetarian Christmas Dinner

Most people think of a traditional Christmas dinner and and often times that means turkey, ham, or duck. In other words... MEAT! These days, however, more and more people are moving away from these options and leaning towards meatless meals. Meatless meals are better for our health and better for the health of our planet and people just don't want to envision that their holiday legacy is animal cruelty and support of factory farming. Here’s how to make a vegetarian Christmas dinner everyone can enjoy and be proud of.

#1 – Have “Tofu-rky” for vegetarians and vegans for the Thanksgiving entrée.

* 2 blocks extra firm tofu, well pressed
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 1 1/2 tablespoons dry sherry
* 3 tablespoons water
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Two nights before Thanksgiving, place both blocks of tofu into the freezer. In the morning, take the tofu out and allow it to thaw. Press out all of the extra water after it has thawed. Lightly grease a loaf pan and place the tofu blocks into it squeezing them as close together as possible.

Place the remaining ingredients into a small bowl and whisk them together. Separate 1/3 of the mixture and place it in the refrigerator. Pour the remaining mixture over the tofu. Cover the loaf pan and place it in the refrigerator. Let the tofu marinate for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.

When it’s time to cook the tofu, pour the remaining liquid over the tofu. Bake it in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Use the liquid from the pan to baste the tofu once or twice. After 45 minutes, carefully flip the tofu over and bake it for another 45 minutes. Allow the tofu-rky to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

#2 – Have mashed sweet potatoes. Boil several sweet potatoes until they’re fork tender. Remove them from the water and allow them to cool for a bit. Peel the skin off and mash them. Next, you can sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the potatoes and then add a few tablespoons of non-dairy margarine. Stir them up and serve them.

#3 – Traditional mashed potatoes are a favorite of many families at Christmas time. Rather than using cow’s milk, use soy milk and non-dairy margarine so everyone can have some.

#4 – Store-bought packaged stuffing can be made in the microwave rather than placing it inside a turkey. The taste and consistency are similar and they take half the time to cook.

#5 – Homemade baked apple pie is something even vegetarians will look forward to. Read the ingredients on prepared pie shells or you can make your own using vegetable shortening.