A Very Tender Thanksgiving
Hi friends!
If you’re in or from the U.S., you might celebrate a little holiday we call Thanksgiving. Despite the wonderful spirit behind the name, it’s got a pretty messed up history, often glossing over or even celebrating the horrific evils of colonization and what was done to the indigenous people of North America by the white folks who decided they wanted to own the land. And on top of that, most folks celebrate by feasting on a big, beautiful turkey — an intelligent, feeling animal whose life was cut short for their celebration.
With that said, at Tenderly HQ we like to take Thanksgiving as an opportunity to reflect on that dark history and commit to fighting for liberation for all humans and animals, spend some much needed quality time with our most beloved family and friends, and eat delicious food that doesn’t come from the exploitative animal farming system. And if you want to celebrate our way, we’ve got you covered.
Nervous about explaining to your in-laws that you won’t be partaking in the “dead animals” part of the celebration? Try our advice for saying no thanks without hurting anyone’s feelings.
If you’re cooking some plant-based deliciousness for the holiday, try Sarah Ridgeway’s delicious tempeh-and-nut loaf and mushroom gravy for a truly original main course that will make a vegan diner’s feast feel nourishing and complete.
If you’re looking for options, options, and more options, Marla Rose of Vegan Street has got you covered with three roundups of delicious recipes you can make with no animal products — from beefless wellington to tiny cornbread loaves to sugar cookie pumpkin cobbler (!).
Yum!
When you don’t eat turkey, other flavors jump to the forefront of Thanksgiving eating — one of the major ones is PUMPKIN. Sara Kidd has three original recipes for ways to eat pumpkin for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Thanksgiving day, or really any day when you declare to be pumpkin day.
Are you tackling a pie this year? Make it extra delicious, flaky, and even gluten-free with this recipe for the perfect vegan pie crust. The secret? Miyoko’s vegan butter. Order it now if it’s not available near you! And if you’re feeling extra-ambitious, make your own homemade coconut milk vanilla ice cream to scoop on the side.
If you want to feel some hope about those poor turkeys, remember that animal sanctuaries across the country are throwing parties so folks can celebrate WITH the turkeys, who are spoiled and well-fed while volunteers, sanctuary staff, and excited visitors dine on delicious plant-based food right alongside their animal friends.
It’s hard now to imagine life without Tofurky, the vegan roast company that’s been providing vegans and vegetarians with their own special centerpiece for 25 years. Happy birthday!
A few more Tenderly original recipes that would fit right in to an exciting, delicious plant-based Thanksgiving feast:
- Simple pea and garlic soup
- Bangers and mash
- Bundevera — a Serbian pumpkin dessert
- Vegan brioche bread
- Chocolate-covered potato chip doughnuts
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Garlic & lime sweet potato
- A damn good cherry pie
- Salad with beet prosciutto
- Portuguese chicken with May Wah drumsticks
As a nightcap when you’re tummy is full of delicious food, may I recommend Laura Vincent’s espresso martini? Or maybe a white russian is more your speed…
While you’re celebrating Thanksgiving the vegan way, remember the animals whose lives you’re valuing and saving. A few of their stories are highlighted in our new photoessay of before and after pictures of Farm Sanctuary animals. If you can read and look at all of them without crying, you’re a stronger person than me (JK, crying doesn’t make you weak).
I’m thankful for each and every person who follows Tenderly, reads our stories, and shares us with others. If you want to support us, please just continue to do just that!
XOXO,
-Summer Anne @ Tenderly HQ
