Veggie Feast

Thanksgiving didn’t always used to mean turkey. Way back when the pilgrims were still getting acquainted with Plymouth Rock and the natives, Thanksgiving was about the harvest. That means celebrating the crops that allowed them scratch out a living in the New Worlds. Sadly, those worthy crops have fallen by the wayside in our Thanksgiving priorities, somewhere below turkey, football (Hook’em), pumpkins, turducken (click,  it’s worth it), and mom’s delicious stuffing. Yum.

But as good as that sounds, there should always be room for the harvest at any real feast. So in sticking to our roots (and not our ribs), we’re laying out a half-decent, turkey, duck and chicken-free feast.

If that plea isn’t enough to get you past the turkey, all out pity is my last resort. Feast your eyes on this little video, courtesy of media darling, the one and only Sarah Palin.

All jokes aside, animal abuse is a serious issue. The New York Times’ “Well” blog, which more than once has been my inspiration, coveres the issue with regard to avoiding turkey.

Which leaves us with the alternatives. The above mentioned Well lays out some food options full of veggie delight and free of guilt. There are plenty of other options around too. If a simple grilled cheese isn’t your thing, The Veggie Table lays out a full course meal just for you. Who can say no to some pumpkin soup, buttermilk biscuits and spanakopita (you’re going to have to click to find out, don’t look at me). Don’t feel too bad about the pumkin (and/or pecan) by at the end, there’s plenty of time to count carbs and swim it off with Garrett next month.

Taken from the wonderful 101 cookbooks at: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/thanksgiving-recipes-recipe.html

Ultimately, Thanksgiving is about family, not food. So eat what your heart desires, watch some games and have a good time. But if you don’t feel like chugging down some turkey, know there’s an alternative out there. Bon appetite.