Darn it! I became a vegetarian right before Thanksgiving!

[RemydeHaviland]

Last evening on the Food Network there was a Thanksgiving cooking competition; 4 or 5 families competed by preparing their typical Thanksgiving menu. One had a partially vegetarian menu. You may be able to search the Food Network for their recipes. I believe their protein was tofu, and they had some interesting sides.

[livingdustmops]

Here are 2 recommended books/1 DVD if you really want to understand what is going on with our food manufacturing:::::

Eating Animals
Amazon.com: Eating Animals (9780316069908):...
Review
PRAISE FOR EATING ANIMALS:

"For a hot young writer to train his sights on a subject as unpalatable as meat production and consumption takes raw nerve. What makes Eating Animals so unusual is vegetarian Foer's empathy for human meat eaters, his willingness to let both factory farmers and food reform activists speak for themselves, and his talent for using humor to sweeten a sour argument." (O, The Oprah Magazine )

"The everyday horrors of factory farming are evoked so vividly, and the case against the people who run the system presented so convincingly, that anyone who, after reading Foer's book, continues to consume the industry's products must be without a heart, or impervious to reason, or both."
(J.M. Coetzee )

"Stirring....compelling, earnest...Foer brings an invigorating moral clarity to the topic." (Entertainment Weekly )

"Eating Animals carefully, deliberately, takes you through every relevant dimension of factory farming...One sees it from the inside, the outside, the moral high ground, the dithering consumer level, through Foer's family stories, from slaughterhouse workers, animal behaviorists, even from defenders of the system... Foer's aim is not to make your choice, but to inform it. He has done us all a great service, and we, and the animals, owe him our thanks." (The Huffington Post Dr. Andrew Weil )

"Some of our finest journalists (Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser) and animal rights activists (Peter Singer, Temple Grandin)-not to mention Gandhi, Jesus, Pythagoras, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke and Immanuel Kant (and so many others)-have hurled themselves against the question of eating meat and the moral issues inherent in killing animals for food. Foer, 32, in this, his first work of nonfiction, intrepidly joins their ranks...It is the kind of wisdom that, in all its humanity and clarity, deserves a place at the table with our greatest philosophers." (Los Angeles Times Susan Salter Reynolds )

"A work of moral philosophy...After reading this book, it's hard to disagree [with Foer]." (San Francisco Chronicle Geoff Nicholson )

"Foer's case for ethical vegetarianism is wholly compelling...A blend of solid-and discomforting-reportage with fierce advocacy that will make committed carnivores squeal." (Kirkus Reviews )
****
Food Inc. - DVD

Amazon.com: Food, Inc.: Eric Schlosser, Robert...
For most Americans, the ideal meal is fast, cheap, and tasty. Food, Inc. examines the costs of putting value and convenience over nutrition and environmental impact. Director Robert Kenner explores the subject from all angles, talking to authors, advocates, farmers, and CEOs, like co-producer Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma), Gary Hirschberg (Stonyfield Farms), and Barbara Kowalcyk, who's been lobbying for more rigorous standards since E. coli claimed the life of her two-year-old son. The filmmaker takes his camera into slaughterhouses and factory farms where chickens grow too fast to walk properly, cows eat feed pumped with toxic chemicals, and illegal immigrants risk life and limb to bring these products to market at an affordable cost. If eco-docs tends to preach to the converted, Kenner presents his findings in such an engaging fashion that Food, Inc. may well reach the very viewers who could benefit from it the most: harried workers who don't have the time or income to read every book and eat non-genetically modified produce every day. Though he covers some of the same ground as Super-Size Me and King Korn, Food Inc. presents a broader picture of the problem, and if Kenner takes an understandably tough stance on particular politicians and corporations, he's just as quick to praise those who are trying to be responsible--even Wal-Mart, which now carries organic products. That development may have more to do with economics than empathy, but the consumer still benefits, and every little bit counts. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
***
Companion Book to Food, Inc.
Amazon.com: Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How...
Review
David Denby, New Yorker
“Those of us who avoid junk food, with many sighs of relief and self-approval, may still be eating junk a good deal of the time. This enraging fact, which will not surprise anyone who has read such muckraking books as Eric Schlosser’s “Fast Food Nation” (2001) and Michael Pollan’s “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” (2006), is one of the discomforting meanings of the powerful new documentary “Food, Inc.,” an angry blast of disgust aimed at the American food industry.”
The American Conservative
“If you care about what you’re eating, you should see the new documentary Food Inc.”
Takepart.com
“Most of you have probably heard about Food, Inc., the movie, but did you also know there’s a companion book to the film? The book explores the challenges raised by the movie in fascinating depth through 13 essays, most of them written especially for this book, and many by experts featured in the film. Highlights include chapters by Michael Pollan (Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food), Anna Lappe (Hope’s Edge and Grub), Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation and film co-producer), Robert Kenner (film director), and a chapter on asking the right questions from Sustainable Table! The book is so popular it’s already in its fourth printing.”

[TXGirl]

I have been a vegetarian (mostly vegan) for about two years, and I feel so much better since that time. In my opinion, meat is not needed in the diet at all. I would only eat meat if I had no other choice. Yes, animals and plants are both living, but plants are not conscious beings. Also, there are many animals that are vegetarians as well -- rabbits, horses, apes, just to name a few.

To the OP, we will be going to my parents house for Thanksgiving, and I will bring vegan mashed potatoes, a green salad, and a healthy/fruit dessert. The rest of the family will, of course, eat turkey, but I will stick to the veggies.

BTW, I believe it was right before Thanksgiving when I became a vegetarian also. Don't worry about trying to mimic turkey; just eat the good foods that God put on this earth for us (as close to their natural state as possible).

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!

[vviccles1]

Alison, try foodnetwork.com. THey have some really good faux tofu turkey loaf recipes. Good luck and happy Tday. One recipe comes with a great gravy with veg stock but poultrey seaasononing, won 50000 bucks in a challenge along with the tofu turkey. You can buy a mold or shape it in a loaf .

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by alisonJ

I respect your opinion, Britster, and I realize that animals eat meat too! However, I have seen too many videos of how animals are treated--chickens that live their lives cooped up in tiny cages, cattle crowded into lots and being pumped with antibiotics, etc. Those things really turned my stomach. I realize that there are more humane ways of raising animals for food, but I just decided to go vegetarian anyway. It has not been difficult for me--I realized that I was eating almost no meat anyway!

GOOD for you, Alison , I'm really happy for you! I haven't eaten meat in about 16 years and I seriously don't miss it. Humans are omnivores, so we can do fine without meat, as long we eat smart, and keep an eye on things - especially the B-complex family.

As an aside, for anyone not sure about what really happens in the making of animal products, I highly recommend the documentary Earthlings - you can watch it free online (not best quality), rent from Netflix or buy it.

Anyway! Well, I like some of the "fake" meat products, for the most part - but I'm not the biggest fan of Tofurkey...but I'm not sure I cooked it right. I love the Quorn products.

What about grilling up some Portobello mushrooms for your "main" dish? They taste soooo good and have such a great mouth-feel as a main dish, do you know what I mean? There are so many great Porto. recipes out there, depending upon what flavors you like...

And like Crystal said, I have a nice artichoke dip recipe if you want it, let me know.

What I usually do for holidays is have a bunch of the sides (I love sides anyway). I'm a pescaterian - bc I eat fish when we go out for dinner or at holidays....so I'll often have fish or shrimp on holidays.

[livingdustmops]

Alison, I don't mean to highjack your thread but I have always played with the idea but life has been so busy and I LOVE to eat but now is time for me to get serious. I have moved over to more organic and free range and less meat but have not gone 100%....I just wanted to thank you for starting this thread....

[alisonJ]

Thanks Ann, for your suggestions! I love portobello mushrooms. I have found some wonderful recipes online, and from some of the posters on this thread. I think I will incorporate portobellos.

Don't think I will do tofurky, but I do like firm tofu in a stirfry so will probably do something like that.

Cindy, you did not hijack the thread. Now that you are retired, you have a bit more time to spend on menus, food planning, and watching what you eat. It isn't easy.

I wish my husband would switch over with me, but he is a carnivore, and it drives me crazy. So we will have turkey. I hope I can stay away from it. He is going to have to prepare it, which is OK because he does a better job anyway.

[browniesmom622]

They make some really yummy Fake (soy) Chicken altenatives. I think they would be the closest to turkey.

[livingdustmops]

Alison, the woman who I did rescue with in Tucson and her husband have been vegetarians forever and her husband does all the cooking (he is great) but if they go to someone's house that has Turkey my friend will eat some..husband won't. Her husband goes to the Chinesee grocery story everyday to buy fresh produce and his tofu. He grills it and it is fabulous.

Thanks again for the thread...darling..

[veguroev]

Originally Posted by Britster

I never get the whole not eating meat for the love of animals thing... I'm NOT saying this to be mean, I'm just highly curious and intrigued and wish to know more of your decision. The human brain developed from eating meat and I feel it's just part of the natural food chain and an important part of the human diet. All animals (including human animals) eat other animals, it's just the way the world has worked since the beginning of time. All existence would become extinct if everyone stopped eating meat. I do not believe in the way certain places kill their animals but if you do your research, you can see who to support and who not to. I think if it's being humanely done, there is nothing wrong with the process. If you like turkey.... eat it! Don't look for the "fake" stuff because it's just not the same. I understand if you just flat out don't like the taste of meat or something... but to not eat meat simply because your love of animals seems silly to me, but like I said, I'm just very curious about why you made that decision.

C'mon! this is not the right thread to express your opinion/curiosity/feelings towards vegetarians!
She is just asking for a recipe!!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by veguroev

C'mon! this is not the right thread to express your opinion/curiosity/feelings towards vegetarians!
She is just asking for a recipe!!

Sorry; I was seriously just curious. Nobody else seemed to mind and everyone answered my questions. I've actually learned a lot from this thread. I didn't want to offend anyone, for sure. I'm not judging anyone, either. I just personally probably couldn't live without meat so I'm always intrigued to hear of those who do live without it.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by alisonJ

I wish my husband would switch over with me, but he is a carnivore, and it drives me crazy. So we will have turkey. I hope I can stay away from it. He is going to have to prepare it, which is OK because he does a better job anyway.

Lol I know what you mean. But, my hubby eats meat and it really doesn't bother me much...I just bought him a turkey yesterday and spent hours online finding a new brining recipe for him. It's funny bc I just can't stand it if people make *any* sort of fuss over me not eating meat - like if they make a big deal over what to feed me if I'm coming over to dinner. It makes me bonkers....bc I can really always find something to eat and don't like a fuss.

And honestly, one of my *biggest* pet peeves is judgmental or pushy vegans or vegetarians or pescetarians - oh man - I'm so not in that camp !

I believe that we all do what we're meant to do, when we're ready to do it - and that's that.

So, try not to feel bad...we'll be having turkey in our house too, I just won't be eatin' it -- and we'll also say a little something to honor the animal that my husband will be consuming (meaning spiritually, similar to, for example, what the Native Americans would say to honor animals).

[alisonJ]

Britster--no worries. I was not at all offended by your question

I finally found a recipe that I am going to make for the vegetarian entree. It looks delicious, and it is not too complicated, plus there is protein. It is acorn squash stuffed with a mixture of chard, olives, white beans, bread crumbs, and little parmesan cheese. I love all of these ingredients, so it should be good!

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard & White Beans | Eating Well

Ann, sounds like we are in a similar situation with our carnivore husbands. My hubby had a heart attack and bypass 3 years ago. I think it would be easier for him to cut down on the saturated fats if he ate more like I do. But it is his life, and for the most part, I think his diet is pretty healthy.

[ChantalB]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

GOOD for you, Alison , I'm really happy for you! I haven't eaten meat in about 16 years and I seriously don't miss it. Humans are omnivores, so we can do fine without meat, as long we eat smart, and keep an eye on things - especially the B-complex family.

As an aside, for anyone not sure about what really happens in the making of animal products, I highly recommend the documentary Earthlings - you can watch it free online (not best quality), rent from Netflix or buy it.

Anyway! Well, I like some of the "fake" meat products, for the most part - but I'm not the biggest fan of Tofurkey...but I'm not sure I cooked it right. I love the Quorn products.

What about grilling up some Portobello mushrooms for your "main" dish? They taste soooo good and have such a great mouth-feel as a main dish, do you know what I mean? There are so many great Porto. recipes out there, depending upon what flavors you like...

And like Crystal said, I have a nice artichoke dip recipe if you want it, let me know.

What I usually do for holidays is have a bunch of the sides (I love sides anyway). I'm a pescaterian - bc I eat fish when we go out for dinner or at holidays....so I'll often have fish or shrimp on holidays.

I would also strongly recommend Earthlings.

Free Movies & Documentaries - Earthlings (2003)

That movie change my life in May 2008... I am just so turn off by meat ...A few times a year when I visit my parents, I eat a little bit of moose or dear that my dad and brother hunt ,but I get so many flash back of the movie when I try to eat meat that I have to stop after a few bites.

I would recommend all meat eater to switch to human grade or minimum organic meat. Watch earthlines if you wonder why..it is as clear as it get.. really!!! No kids around please and a lot of Kleenex are must for that movie...

I have start feeding my dog raw meat but I get organic only and from the local farmer market mostly.

The portobello Idea sound great. How about using full portobello caps, top it with a mix of stuffing and whole cranberries, bake it in the oven and poured some kind of brown sauce on it just before serving it. I am for sure going to try that myself! lol

Or just eat the sides.So good I did that last year!! Mash potato, cranberries, side veggies and the best part, you have an excuse to abused on the delicious stuffing!!!

ok that's it.. I am going for a snack in the kitchen...to much food talk..

[TXGirl]

Yes, you need plenty of Kleenex to watch Earthlings. It is sooo hard to watch but yet so important. I think everyone should watch it.