my very own thanksgiving dinner.

have i mentioned that i have to "bmom" (bring my own meal) to all my family events? even to my own birthday parties? somehow cooking for a vegan stumps my family, so it is less stress for everyone if i simply prepare my own food. (oh! but my mom is making steamed brussels sprouts this thanksgiving!) and part of me can understand, since to complicate matters, i also avoid refined flour, high-fat oils and sweeteners.

a new blog friend asked me recently if i had any non-vegan cravings. i suppose what i crave at times is the shared experience. i often feel isolated with my own little plate. there are inevitably the comments and if i'm a guest somewhere, i feel awkward if the host makes a big deal. the two extremes of the spectrum make me feel uncomfortable, thus the bmom seems to be a happy medium.

here's what i've made for myself this thanksgiving.

• baked marinated tofu. tofu courtesy of the new find!
• arugula salad with roasted delicata squash, roasted shallots, toasted pine nuts and sundried tomatoes, served with sherry-dijon vinaigrette.
• mashed cauliflower with garlic and "parmesean."
• quinoa, artichoke and hearts of palm salad. i made the heritage white tepary beans instead. they are so flavorful, all i did was add salt and pepper served with the liquid.
• golden gravy from "the real food daily cookbook."

i'm happy with my choice to be a vegan and thankful that i am able to be selective in my food choices, when others have so little from which to choose.

happy thanksgiving!