Tips on Vegetarian Holiday Meals

If you decide to do a vegetarian dinner, do not just do vegetarian versions of meat dishes. There's no reason to limit yourself that way.

A meat-based Thanksgiving dinner tends to the savory. Take advantage of all the tastes available to you; have sweet dishes, sour dishes, and even mix it up. You have a lot options so there is no reason to limit yourself to just a few ideas.

Beans are your best friend. Because they can be baked, fried, and pickled, they offer a wide variety of options for the meal's proteins.

You have one major advantage over traditional meals: Pitas, tortillas, and other flatbreads allow you to provide multiple dips (such as hummus, salsas, and refried beans) and have fun. Don't just think "vegetarian burrito bar" and you should be fine.

Your biggest limitation will be the lack of dairy products and eggs. Stick to stews, salads, and breads, and you should be fine.

Tips on Gravy, Potatoes, and Stuffing

A simple gravy can be created by boiling some chcken stock and then throwing some torn-up bread. Give it about five minutes, season as desired, and then puree.

If you burn the gravy, you may be able to rescue it with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

Because the potatoes are likely to be covered by something, you should only need to add one more ingredient beyond the milk, salt, butter, and potatoes. Some good suggestions are: garlic salt, pepper, sour cream, or cheese.

If you have to use potato buds, add in a little vinegar after boiling but before serving.

Stuffing can be very forgiving, so have some fun with it. Dried fruits, especially raisins and cranberries, can add a little tartness, nuts can add some crunch and creamed soup can add some moisture.