Vegetarianism Q&A and Holiday Manners!

[stephofthenight]

So this weekend makes 3 years of not eating meat for me- And I have to say I have gotten some interesting, edcational, radical, annoying and plain out offensive questions and statments over these three years.
I have grown to HATE holidays because they are such a hassle and it seems a time to offend the vegetarian.
So If there is anything you would like to ask about being a vegetarian, Vegetarian life-style ect. I will do my best to answer.
I can only offer here-say on Vegan's However I think there are a few on litnet who are more than welcome to jump in on any questions regarding that. Everyone please be respectfull and treat this as an opprotunity to better relate to people on the other side of the road.

If you dont want to ask a question here- you can PM me and I'll answer it here without revealing your secret ninja identity :)

[Ecurb]

Just out of curiosity, why do you hate the holidays because you are vegetarian? Do people hassle you more about your food choices at Thanksgiving and Christmas?

[stephofthenight]

Just out of curiosity, why do you hate the holidays because you are vegetarian? Do people hassle you more about your food choices at Thanksgiving and Christmas?

Most deffintly- I often get "you make this so difficult" or here have some turkey, oh wait I forgot you dont eat meat. Or people perceive it as rude when I poliletly decline their stuffing that they just soaked in chicken broth but declare there is no meat in it.

This address most of the questions I have gotten over the last three years and some basic holiday manners.

I am a vegetarian. When someone says they are a vegetarian please do not respond with do you drink milk? That would be Vegans who refuse to partake in anything made with any sort of the animal industry. (Including make up, hair products, soaps, dairy, any gummy candy containg geletin...ect) Being a Vegetarian does not make me a radical hippie who thinks by not eating meat I will single-handedly end the meat industry- Nor does it mean that I want to lecture you about eating meat. So why Don't I eat meat- Simple It is a personal moral choice I have made not to support an industry that is insanely cruel to animals. Yes God gave us animals to eat- Got it. No I dont have a problem with you hunting, I dont want to see it but its good for the population of deer to be thinned out. Also You are killing an animal that has a fair chance, that has lived its life the way God intended, freely. Not trapped in a little cell it cant even turn around in, removed and being thrown in a boiler still alive like most pigs are. I do not protest the fact that people eat meat- I protest the way people treat animals. When people ask me why I am a vegetarian it takes me a second to get over the impulsive because I have compassion for those who cant defend themselves response. I find myself more and more simply responding with "why arent you?". I challenge everyone to look into the horrors of how your favorite meat products come to your plate, and if you dont support the way that happens than dont support the industry. I think every meat-eater should at least know How there "dinner" gets to live its life. Next- Yes being a vegetarian is hard, Yes I take a lot of critisim from people who dont understand or support me. No It's not just a trend to follow its a serious lifestyle choice. Yes sometimes I want things I use to enjoy before I gave up meat- mostly peparoni. No I wont force my view on my kids- When they are old enough to understand and comprehend what goes on in that industry they can choose for themselves. Yes I get plenty of protein, Meat is not the best source of protein and is actualy a "Hard" Protein that doctors recomend a consuming a small amount. People are often put on a no/low red-meat diet because its hard on their body. Yes meat makes me very sick the few incidents involving mix ups at restraunts and consuimng a bite of meat. It is your bodys rejection of a hard protein when it has adjusted to pure soft protein. Not fun nor funny its worse than food poisoning. So this Thanksgiving when a vegetarian or vegan in your life passes on the turkey- or polietly declines your chicken broth stuffing- Don't be offended because chances are they are more than willing to make you a veggie style and you probably wouldnt touch it nor be as polite as they are about it. IT is not necesary to ridicule them or guilt them into how hard they make things on you by being a vegetarian. you deal with it on holidays, remember every time they go out to eat they have to check every portion of their meal for a mess up, or meat product that snuck into their plate. How many fast food restraunts have vegetarian choices? How often do they eat a salad because that is the only thing that place has that has no meat- So before you choose the easy make-fun of the vegetarian method because they wont eat your beloved turkey, or stuffing. Think about the fact that they arent lecturing you on the fact that you are. We don't want to be lectred anymore than the next person. Its all about respect. If you have enough respect for me to accept my personal lifestyle than I wont force it down your throat. And one last point to make to finish my soap box of pet peeves for my 3 year anniversary this weekend on being a vegetarian. It is not funny nor cute to offer a vegetarian meat. Yes this is a commen occurance often by the people closest to you who think its soo funy- This is extreamly OFFENSIVE, no I dont want anything that has meat in it. no I dont find it cute that you "forget" im a vegetarian. And yes it gets irritating being told to pick around meat in something- this often results in just not eating what-ever it is because there are so many small pieces and it often includes other meat products. My point is this, holidays as a vegetarian in a non-vegetarian family are hard enough, dont make them harder, be kind and respectful. The Vegan or Vegetarian in your life will deffinitly appreciate it!

.

[MystyrMystyry]

I'd like to make the total meat munching caper a thing of the past, if only to allow the oceans and endangered beasts to replenish, but when I tried there was something missing - and after only a few days I was pining for a steak. Having gone without for much longer than that since, and by not trying to declare I no longer eat meat, I can say I'm closer to a vegan than a carnivore, but I still need the fix, the sense of being fully satisfied at least twice a week.

[cafolini]

Although I have little to say against vegetarianism, I would advise that anyone trying it study the subject enough to know if he/she's taking appropriate nutrition with what they eat. I know that vegetarianism is possible, but you must know what you are doing.

[LadyLuck]

Most deffintly- I often get "you make this so difficult" or here have some turkey, oh wait I forgot you dont eat meat. Or people perceive it as rude when I poliletly decline their stuffing that they just soaked in chicken broth but declare there is no meat in it.

What a hassle!! Not the no meat part, the people being cranky bit. I'm so used to working around diet constraints it isn't an issue. There are a number of us who can't eat gluten, so try doing Thanksgiving while providing gluten free options without penalizing the people who don't have to eat gluten free. I'm one of the "difficult" ones, but I feel so much better for it. I spent years ill all the time before finding out that this resolved the issue. You would be surprised how many people do not think about the fact that you can not have pie because of the crust or dinner rolls, or turkey cooked with the stuffing inside etc...

I would love it if you had an awesome vegetarian recipe that I can add to my repertoire :) I love to cook, and having something for everyone is important to me.

[Helga]

I have been a vegetarian for 10 years now and at first people kept trying to convince me I was wrong but then they gave up and I stopped telling people, maybe I stopped telling people first... anyway I don't care what other people eat and I don't let it bother me when people talk about my diet.

It is true that around the holidays people talk more about it but my experience is that they think a certain meat is so important to 'make it' a holiday, people tend to identify holidays with a certain dish I think so they find it odd when you, like many have said to me, 'deny' yourself this treat.

I make the best 'steak' for Christmas out of nuts, cheese and onion and all sorts of stuff that almost everybody enjoys even the meat eaters.

my son eats everything and he often tries to convince me to try and taste what he gets at his grandmas house but I just say no thanks. I sometimes joke about eating him than he reminds me: 'mom you don't eat meat remember!'

[Vonny]

I sometimes joke about eating him than he reminds me: 'mom you don't eat meat remember!' That's cute :)


I'm vegetarian but I'll cook a turkey (that comes from the Hutterite farm) for my family for Thanksgiving, and if they want me to eat a few bites of turkey with them, I will. But mostly I like pumpkin pie.

[stephofthenight]

Lady Luck- I will get some together for you
And Helga that is adorable! I'm so glad to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel

[Vonny]

Just want to say - I'm with you 100% about the meat industry.

But it's sad that Thanksgiving is to be the day to give thanks for food and family, and it all turns into a source of dread and conflict for many.

[LadyLuck]

Lady Luck- I will get some together for you
And Helga that is adorable! I'm so glad to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel

Thanks! I may even have a few good ones to send along to you. I'm going to show my total ignorance, but do you eat dairy products like yogurt and sour cream? If so, I have a few soups that are great in the winter time. I use a bit of dairy to flesh them out a bit and make them more filling, but I imagine you can substitute in something else if needed.

[Maximilianus]

This reminds me a lot of my nightmare days at high school, when I had to put up with all sorts of brainless people... oh yeah, as much as it might surprise you, there's not just one style for being brainless, but rather several flavors of the same putrid thing. I would often get comments such as "how come you don't drink and smoke?" or "how can you live with yourself being what you are?" of course, in a perfectly bastardized Spanish, because the fumes and liquors pouring out of their every holes wouldn't give much space for a real grammar. Now, seeing what they became, I could easily ask them "how can you live with yourself, considering you can't utter a simple sentence in what should be your mother tongue, while I can speak and write in two languages like a charm?" in a sarcastic tone equivalent to theirs. Then again, why would I waste a speech on these retards? They won't pick a word of what I might tell them. I eagerly despise those days at high school, surrounded by "people" suggesting their ways to be better than mine.

Back to subject, I'm omnivorous. I eat almost anything in reasonable amounts, except for a few vegetables whose taste isn't pleasant to my palate. I eat meat, though not much, because my teeth and jaws don't really enjoy working for long periods. The core of my dietary plan is located at the base of the food pyramid. I'm a cereal and pasta person, chewing lentil stew, and good amounts of rice and spaghetti on a quite regular basis. My old folks are just like me... so much so that I often suspect it's me they took after http://smiles.kolobok.us/artists/just_cuz/JC_thinking.gif
I'm recalling that vegetables and fruits are very close to the base of the food pyramid, which makes me ponder about vegetables' influence on intelligence. I'm not implying that all vegetarians are intelligent, but the ones I know are, and I wonder up to which point the nutrients in vegetables and fruits play a part on it, as compared to other foods. I have a topnotch classmate who is a vegetarian of the sort that consume milk, eggs and cheese, but nothing else from the animal kingdom. I ignore if she has ever been hassled about it, but her brains seem to work at the speed of light, so I think that if vegetarianism has something to do with it, then it must be a sensible alternative to consider.

Regarding constant offenders, when there's affection or at least respect for a person, there's no picking any given chance to mock them over this or that, let alone on a serious matter as it is alimentation. It's unhealthy for you to hang out with them. There's a time for peace and a time for a call to arms. I think they are to be regarded as potential enemies to your status quo, and you should at least consider to choke them with a turnip retaliation. I'm not kidding. I strongly believe in the force of arms.

My mom and I would like some recipes too. In exchange, we offer turnip reinforcements to be dropped on demand if needed.

[Revolte]

I have been vegetarian for over a year now and I love it. Of course it comes with certain annoyances as well. I really can't stand when people call me vegan, or try and feed me fish and chicken. My aunt asked me if I wanted chicken right after I told her I was vegetarian, then I explained I don't eat any animals including fish and she asked how I can only eat salad, then I had to explain i don't ever eat salad. That happens with people way too often. Just shows how much of a trend vegetarianism really is, so many people on it, but somehow the people who aren't on it know so little about it if they don't know someone personal who is on the diet and explains it to them. That's not always true, but still.

[Helga]

This reminds me a lot of my nightmare days at high school, when I had to put up with all sorts of brainless people... oh yeah, as much as it might surprise you, there's not just one style for being brainless, but rather several flavors of the same putrid thing. I would often get comments such as "how come you don't drink and smoke?" or "how can you live with yourself being what you are?"
.


I was always considered 'different' in school, reading Shakespeare and Wilde and knew by heart a few poems by Poe and things like that so the questions I got were more like 'why do you smoke a pipe? 'why not Vodka, it's better than wine?' but the best one I got (I was 15 when I became a vegetarian and it was not 'normal' at the time) was 'you are so weird!, and I don't mean it in a good way'

[Maximilianus]

I was always considered 'different' in school, reading Shakespeare and Wilde and knew by heart a few poems by Poe and things like that so the questions I got were more like 'why do you smoke a pipe? 'why not Vodka, it's better than wine?' but the best one I got (I was 15 when I became a vegetarian and it was not 'normal' at the time) was 'you are so weird!, and I don't mean it in a good way'
There you have it.
And then you have somebody asking why you are not making many friends, when the price to pay for it is to become like them and surrender your own nature. Not everyone is willing to give up what they are just to belong to a group of valueless individuals who'll never be at the level of friendship, and in such case it's better to hang out with ourselves... and the birds, stray dogs and trees, for sure. One gets much more genuine appreciation from a dog, come to think of it.

[Paulclem]

Although I have little to say against vegetarianism, I would advise that anyone trying it study the subject enough to know if he/she's taking appropriate nutrition with what they eat. I know that vegetarianism is possible, but you must know what you are doing.

It's not only possible but widely practiced on the Indian sub-continent by large groups of people. it is a myth that it is unhealthy, and the modern vegetarian is much more likely to note what they eat because they are on the lookout for meat products within foods.

[Helga]

like I said I have been a vegetarian for 10 years and just the other day my son was saying that it's not nice to eat pigs, we were at my mom's house and I want him to make his own decisions about this so I just asked him why and we chatted a bit and my mom stepped in and said that we can't live without meat, I just stared at her and reminded her that I'm not dead yet!

my mom has always thought me and my brother (he's a vegetarian too) make trouble with our diet so she really wants my son to eat meat.

also on the subject about making sure your eating right and staying healthy, I have to admit that I have never wondered about eating right, I make sure I don't eat anything with animal products in it but I am no health nut. I get blood tests every year and I have never needed anything. in perfect health (in theory).

[Vonny]

I've eaten very little meat in my lifetime, and my physical and my blood tests show that I'm fine. I've never given too much thought to the fact that I'm vegetarian, I've never eaten any unusual vegetarian food, or thought about supplements, ect., other than a daily multivitamin.

[stephofthenight]

Lady luck- actualy no lol, but not for moral reasons. I'm lactose intolerant- :) I would deff appreciate it, always fun to trade recipes! and experiance new things.

Maxi- your post always brighten my day- I will send you some as well as soon as I get them together ONLY if I get a couple authentic Spanish dishes :) in return.

Revolte- sadly I live in a small Meat-based town with most people raising beef cows. My first year consisted of pasta and Salad. This year walmart finaly started carrying morning star products and tofu I was in Heaven! I love their Chik'n' nuggets they have, and the corn dogs are incredible!!!

Helga- I long to move somewhere it is even half accepted- Sadly living in a farm town I dont see it happening any time soon. We have a vegetarian/vegan group with all of 3 members in our county. Nice to know I at least have a community to share with here :)

The only medical problem I have is hypo-kenesis (Low Potassium) which vegetariansim actualy hepls since most vegetarian foods have high potasium content and it doesnt get depleated as much as it does with the digestion of meat. I take a multi-vitamin specifcaly for vegetarians that includes a b-complex and I would recomend it to most people who choose that path simply as a percausion at least for the first year when they havent discovered the wide variety of vegetarian options. The first year is the hardest, as you dont generaly know anyone that is a vegetarian, everyone seems against you and its hard to find the means to meet your diatary needs immediatly it takes time to adjust to the new diet. but soooo worth it :)

On an entertaing note- When I see a cow or a pig I Smile and hug them, when they act funny I explain to them "Its okay I dont eat your family your safe with me!" this generaly gets a good laugh out of everyone. :)

[LadyLuck]

Lady luck- actualy no lol, but not for moral reasons. I'm lactose intolerant- :) I would deff appreciate it, always fun to trade recipes! and experiance new things.


Got it :lol: My youngest is the same, so I can definitely work around that. I'll see what I have.

[stephofthenight]

My all time favorite-
Spicey Mexican Lasagna

preheat oven to 400 degrees
Sautee one onion until translucent, than add peppers for just a minute-
Prepare your refied beans (I mix a bottle of hotsauce in with mine) mix together garlic, onion, tomato paste(this is where I substitue the hotsauce) chili powder, and fajita seasoning.

Prepare-
Layer hot sauce on bottom of pan
Put a SOLID layer of tortilia (I use burrito sized) so it covers the entire pan
Layer an even layer of refried beans
Add another layer of tortilia
Add veggies (onion and pepper mix) on top of that
{I add jalapenios here, and cayanne pepper}
than continue to layer this way until veggies and beans are gone- top layer should be tortillia!

Cook for about 60 minutes depending on pan size. about 10 minutes before I pull it I add a probably not so healthy size portion of soy-cheese on top and bake until melted :)

Items needed (refried beans, corn or flour tortilitas(I use flour), Salsa, 2 onions, tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, fajita seasoning, bell pepper)

[stephofthenight]

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Preheat oven to 350-
You need as many bellpeppers as you have people, two for heavy appatites. A bag of Sausage Style Crumbles, and mushrooms.

I personaly start with about 25 regular size mushrooms- Dice them up and sautee them (this guarentees I get at least 15 in the mix without eating them!) once the mushrooms are sauteed, add the sausage style crumbles mix and heat well- set aside to cool.
Remove the top of your bell peppers clean the seeds out and trim the inside "stem" so you just have an even flat top. I season the inside of the peppers with red pepper, basil, and a little sea salt than stuff with your mixture place the top of the pepper back on and bake for about 25 minutes or until the peppers skin starts to wrinkle or the top gets a little golden on the bumps.

*One bag of crumbles does 3 medium size bell peppers

[Revolte]

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Preheat oven to 350-
You need as many bellpeppers as you have people, two for heavy appatites. A bag of Sausage Style Crumbles, and mushrooms.

I personaly start with about 25 regular size mushrooms- Dice them up and sautee them (this guarentees I get at least 15 in the mix without eating them!) once the mushrooms are sauteed, add the sausage style crumbles mix and heat well- set aside to cool.
Remove the top of your bell peppers clean the seeds out and trim the inside "stem" so you just have an even flat top. I season the inside of the peppers with red pepper, basil, and a little sea salt than stuff with your mixture place the top of the pepper back on and bake for about 25 minutes or until the peppers skin starts to wrinkle or the top gets a little golden on the bumps.

*One bag of crumbles does 3 medium size bell peppers

I have concluded that I want that. Now. :p

[Helga]

Just out of curiosity what do other vegetarians eat during the holidays? (now I am asking like the people who annoy you).

my first few Christmases my mom bought what is called here a nut steak, now I make it myself and I love it, with mushroom souse it is so gooooood! but not everybody likes it mainly because people compare it to some bloody steak...

[stephofthenight]

Just out of curiosity what do other vegetarians eat during the holidays? (now I am asking like the people who annoy you).

my first few Christmases my mom bought what is called here a nut steak, now I make it myself and I love it, with mushroom souse it is so gooooood! but not everybody likes it mainly because people compare it to some bloody steak...

There is a difference, you are asking as a vegetarian :) for suggestions and discussions. what annoys me is when there is that smartass tone of well what CAN you eat. implying that you have made their life difficult by your moral choices, or that you have offended them by not wanting their murdered turkey. I actualy enjoy conversations with people who honestly want to know. When people ask why I am a vegetarian and sit there and listen openly that is fine, I like when people ask me questions about well what about this, and I can see the look on their face of "oh! I didnt know they did that" but when people come across with the Why are you a vegetarian in the tone of why the hell would you want to do that, or like its some social stigma that pisses me off.

Oh and this is probably the holiday I use my vegetarianism to my advantage the most, in order to get away with just eating pumpkin pie, mashed potatos, brownies, cookies, cake, and all the stuff you arent suppose to eat by itself :)

[Paulclem]

My wife bought us a Quorn roast the other day for our Christmas dinner. We will be making a meat dish for my Mother in Law and Auntie who are also coming to us though. It has stopped being a problem with our family, and it was never one to speak of anyway.

At work, my vegetarianism - after the initial "you don't look like like a veggie to me Fatty" response - is usually a kind of embarrassed self justification. I don't raise the issue at all unless I need to tell someone. (They might be offering round something meaty they've made). I don't get stick for it, though where I work is very tolerant, and there are a number of veggies in our service.

[Maximilianus]

Maxi- your post always brighten my day-
That's why I posted http://fc03.deviantart.net/images/i/2003/49/a/b/Hug_emoticon___v2


I will send you some as well as soon as I get them together ONLY if I get a couple authentic Spanish dishes :) in return.
I'll see what I can do http://smiles.kolobok.us/artists/just_cuz/JC_thinking.gif


On an entertaing note- When I see a cow or a pig I Smile and hug them, when they act funny I explain to them "Its okay I dont eat your family your safe with me!" this generaly gets a good laugh out of everyone. :)
You should be aware that you are quite a unique case :)


My all time favorite-
Spicey Mexican Lasagna

preheat oven to 400 degrees
Sautee one onion until translucent, than add peppers for just a minute-
Prepare your refied beans (I mix a bottle of hotsauce in with mine) mix together garlic, onion, tomato paste(this is where I substitue the hotsauce) chili powder, and fajita seasoning.

Prepare-
Layer hot sauce on bottom of pan
Put a SOLID layer of tortilia (I use burrito sized) so it covers the entire pan
Layer an even layer of refried beans
Add another layer of tortilia
Add veggies (onion and pepper mix) on top of that
{I add jalapenios here, and cayanne pepper}
than continue to layer this way until veggies and beans are gone- top layer should be tortillia!

Cook for about 60 minutes depending on pan size. about 10 minutes before I pull it I add a probably not so healthy size portion of soy-cheese on top and bake until melted :)

Items needed (refried beans, corn or flour tortilitas(I use flour), Salsa, 2 onions, tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, fajita seasoning, bell pepper)


Stuffed Bell Peppers

Preheat oven to 350-
You need as many bellpeppers as you have people, two for heavy appatites. A bag of Sausage Style Crumbles, and mushrooms.

I personaly start with about 25 regular size mushrooms- Dice them up and sautee them (this guarentees I get at least 15 in the mix without eating them!) once the mushrooms are sauteed, add the sausage style crumbles mix and heat well- set aside to cool.
Remove the top of your bell peppers clean the seeds out and trim the inside "stem" so you just have an even flat top. I season the inside of the peppers with red pepper, basil, and a little sea salt than stuff with your mixture place the top of the pepper back on and bake for about 25 minutes or until the peppers skin starts to wrinkle or the top gets a little golden on the bumps.

*One bag of crumbles does 3 medium size bell peppers
Thank you! I'll copy these http://smiles.kolobok.us/remake/nyam.gif

[Vonny]

This thing is adorable!! http://smiles.kolobok.us/remake/nyam.gif

[stephofthenight]

This thing is adorable!! http://smiles.kolobok.us/remake/nyam.gif

I will second that :)

[L.M. The Third]

It looks like I'm the only person to vote as a vegan, although to be perfectly honest I do use honey and occasionally eat something with dairy when eating out. However, my regular diet contains no dairy or eggs and I often make milk, cheese and other diary substitutes myself. (Cashews get used a lot for this purpose in my family.)

I'm fortunate in the holiday arena, because my holidays are usually spent with family on my mom's side, who (because most of us were raised in a religion that encourages vegetarianism) are either vegetarian, or very familiar with half the family being vegetarian/vegan. Sometimes someone will bring real turkey, or a dish with cheese, but the bulk of the meal is always vegetarian/vegan.

Actually, my family and I haven't eaten with many people who don't know about our vegetarianism. So I don't really remember if I've ever been confronted with having to guess or ask about the food.

The best example of eating with meat eaters I can think of was visiting some friends of my dad's this summer. I don't think we had told them beforehand that we are vegetarian, but they had put two and two together because they had attended a Coronary Health Improvement Project (http://www.sdachip.org/) put on by members of our church, which promoted vegetarianism. Understanding they were trying to be accommodating of an unusual diet, we still ate some things we normally wouldn't - like cheese, mayo, and chocolate. But I don't think I'd ever eat meat just to be polite. I regard the veganism as more health-motivated, but the vegetarianism is hugely moral to me too.

And anyone interested in vegetarianism and health should see the recently released film "Forks Over Knives". After watching it I jokingly said to my dad, "I'm convinced. I'm going to stop eating pigs." (I've never eaten meat in my life.:wink5: )

[Maximilianus]

I often wonder what meat-providing creatures would say if they had the power of speech... maybe something like

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/maxicastro/Funny%20Pix/cow.png

Although I doubt it. If they could actually speak, I think they'd be able to go further as well.


This thing is adorable!! http://smiles.kolobok.us/remake/nyam.gif


I will second that :)

:)

[stephofthenight]

It looks like I'm the only person to vote as a vegan, although i occasionaly eat honey

vegans don't eat hunny? I did not know that. Learn something new everyday. I wonder if that makes Vegans have worse allergies? I know I take bee caps, and eat local honey to help my allergies. I have not heard the arguments for not eating honey- I shall go google that :) Thank you

[Varenne Rodin]

Last year I had relatives who freaked out because I didn't make a turkey for the Thanksgiving dinner they all asked me to host. Everyone was well informed ahead of time, but they still sulked and whined until they tasted the marinated Tempeh I made. They said it went perfectly with the mashed potatoes and stuffing and cranberry sauce (the stuffing was vegan). I made three desserts and everything else (sans meat) that goes along with such a feast.

This year several of my friends and family members had a choice between a meat or veggie holiday, and they opted to join me at my place. Their minds changed. I know sometimes people get grumpy over things that are new and different for them, but give 'em a chance to adjust and be nice (whether they choose to go meatless or not). Some people will always be jerks, but most people are cool. :D

[Helga]

what is marinated Tempeh?

[Varenne Rodin]

what is marinated Tempeh?

Tempeh is a fantastic meat substitute and an excellent source of protein. I prefer it to tofu in taste and in texture. It's outstanding sliced thin and grilled. Like most meats and meat-like things, it tastes best when it's well seasoned. I marinate mine in red wine and balsalmic vinegar with some brown sugar and other spices; garlic, onion, chili powder, etc. It's excellent for replacing steak or chicken breast. I like it with teriyaki or barbecue sauces as well. Recently I used it for Philly cheese"steak" sandwiches. Big hit with my meat eating pals. Some vegetarians and vegans I know are disturbed by how much it tastes like the real thing.

[Helga]

I have never heard of this tempeh but it sounds good, I wonder if it can be found on the ice...

[JuniperWoolf]

To me, holidays are all about the sweets and desserts anyway, which means that I wouldn't even notice if someone was a vegetarian. There aren't a lot of desserts that feature meat. I like the drinks too, which means again no meat concerns.

I think it's because eating birds (turkeys, roast geese, ect.) just grosses me out. Birds are weird and I don't eat them, the meat is the wrong color and has a strange texture. I like things with four legs, cows/moose/deer ect, and no one ever prepares roast beef or moose for Christmas. When I'm established enough to host my own Christmas dinner, I think I'll serve something that had hoofs.

[Helga]

here on the ice the most common Christmas dinner is pig and lamb, it is only recently that people here change things and have some bird probably 65-70% still eat animals on four here...

[Maximilianus]

vegans don't eat hunny? I did not know that. Learn something new everyday. I wonder if that makes Vegans have worse allergies? I know I take bee caps, and eat local honey to help my allergies. I have not heard the arguments for not eating honey- I shall go google that :) Thank you
I heard hunny is the healthiest sweetener, especially for people undergoing a dietary plan, like an obesity treatment for example. Some doctors say it should be privileged over artificial sweeteners, and much more over sugar. Besides, if bears risk their noses for it, then it must be healthy, I think


http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/maxicastro/My%20General%20Artwork/72.jpg



Last year I had relatives who freaked out because I didn't make a turkey for the Thanksgiving dinner they all asked me to host. Everyone was well informed ahead of time, but they still sulked and whined until they tasted the marinated Tempeh I made. They said it went perfectly with the mashed potatoes and stuffing and cranberry sauce (the stuffing was vegan). I made three desserts and everything else (sans meat) that goes along with such a feast.
Sounds like http://smiles.kolobok.us/remake/nyam.gif


(...) sometimes people get grumpy over things that are new and different for them, but give 'em a chance to adjust and be nice (whether they choose to go meatless or not). Some people will always be jerks, but most people are cool. :D
All of this is very true.

[Varenne Rodin]

Thank you, Max. :)

Helga, the tempeh I get is by Lightlife. There are other brands too. I get the plain and season it how I want, but it comes in other flavor varieties as well. I hope you will get a chance to try it one day. How interesting to live on ice in the sea!

[Gregory Samsa]

I really like this discussion with Peter Singer and Richard Dawkins about eating animals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYYNY2oKVWU

[Varenne Rodin]

I really like this discussion with Peter Singer and Richard Dawkins about eating animals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYYNY2oKVWU

That is fantastic, Gregory. I've never heard Peter Singer in discussion before. He's like a smarter man version of me. Thank you for sharing this video!

[L.M. The Third]

vegans don't eat hunny?

I think Wikipedia calls those who reject the use of all animal products (including leather, silk and wool for clothing) ethical vegans. And, yes, technically even for a dietary vegan, honey is an animal product.

I actually like the idea of ethical veganism, at least about things like fur and leather, but I don't adhere to it strictly.

And, Max, I've always understood honey to be the best sweetener and have used it a lot for baking. But recently a friend was telling me about a long study she'd read apparently proving that honey is really not superior to other sugars - just more expensive. :frown5:
At least you can always put honey in your eyes to cure cataracts. :eek:

[Varenne Rodin]

Honey and brown sugar make the best lip exfoliator too! Mix the two, rub it on your lips, rinse it off. Nice, soft, full, sweet lips.

[Maximilianus]

And, Max, I've always understood honey to be the best sweetener and have used it a lot for baking. But recently a friend was telling me about a long study she'd read apparently proving that honey is really not superior to other sugars - just more expensive. :frown5:
At least you can always put honey in your eyes to cure cataracts. :eek:
It really is expensive, every year a little more. Are you sure about the cataracts? You know, scientists are forever finding that other scientists' findings were wrong :rolleyes:


Honey and brown sugar make the best lip exfoliator too! Mix the two, rub it on your lips, rinse it off. Nice, soft, full, sweet lips.
Like yours, I suppose :p


Has anyone thought about the footwear and clothing industries? For example, do you think there is an alternative to leather that might be as resistant as it is for shoemaking?
Then I was thinking about the jet set whores wearing the furs and skins of murdered beavers, crocodiles, seals and so on. I'm aware that many would claim that this has been drastically changing over the years because of the high fear of Greenpeace boycotts and social reproval, but is it really the case?
Would this be off-topic?

[Varenne Rodin]

It really is expensive, every year a little more. Are you sure about the cataracts? You know, scientists are forever finding that other scientists' findings were wrong :rolleyes:


Like yours, I suppose :p


Has anyone thought about the footwear and clothing industries? For example, do you think there is an alternative to leather that might be as resistant as it is for shoemaking?
Then I was thinking about the jet set whores wearing the furs and skins of murdered beavers, crocodiles, seals and so on. I'm aware that many would claim that this has been drastically changing over the years because of the high fear of Greenpeace boycotts and social reproval, but is it really the case?
Would this be off-topic?

Yes, like mine. :)

I know Adidas and Vans make durable vegan shoes. They might be too casual to replace leather, but I like them. Especially the Vans. Here are some for fellas:

http://vegankicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/old-skool-black.jpg

And PETA has this list of vegan shoe and clothing sellers, some of them carrying great leather alternatives:

http://www.peta.org/living/fashion/cruelty-free-clothing-guide-search-product.aspx

[Maximilianus]

Thanks for sharing that very interesting info, Var. I'll pay a look at it next time I go shoe-shopping http://smiles.kolobok.us/personal/hi.gif

[Maximilianus]

Rice pudding

Ingredients:

# 33.8 fl oz of soy milk
# 2 ½ cup cooked brown rice
# 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
# 1 tbsp. of cornstarch pudding
# lemon zest, at your own taste
# 3 tbsps. of brown sugar (cane sugar, organic)


Preparation:

Cook the rice in soy milk and lemon zest for 12 minutes. Dissolve the starch in cold water, sugar and add the rice. Boil for 5 more minutes. Let it cool down and serve in cups with sprinkled cinnamon.

[CarpeNixta]

Maybe because I'm Mexican is that our diet is very balanced even the food that has meat have a lot of veggies.

An example in my house there are vegetarians and omnivores, so when making pozole (a traditional dish) for Xmas, the original recipe includes meat, so we do one in the traditional way and also one in the vegetarian version that instead of meat have mushrooms, it actually tastes the same, cause the flavour comes mostly from the maize and the other spices.

I think if you know someone who is vegetarian and invite him over for a dinner you should know at least one or two vegetarian dishes to include in your dinner so to respect that person food preferences and also the others guests, it will take you a little more time in the kitchen but for a good time it's worth it.

Maximilianus... thanks for the recipe, I do my milk rice using coconut milk instead of soy milk, I'll be trying your recepy as soon as I can.

[Maximilianus]

Maximilianus... thanks for the recipe, I do my milk rice using coconut milk instead of soy milk, I'll be trying your recepy as soon as I can.
Welcome!
I think coconut milk may be tastier for me than soy milk.

[Helga]

It really is expensive, every year a little more. Are you sure about the cataracts? You know, scientists are forever finding that other scientists' findings were wrong :rolleyes:


Like yours, I suppose :p


Has anyone thought about the footwear and clothing industries? For example, do you think there is an alternative to leather that might be as resistant as it is for shoemaking?
Then I was thinking about the jet set whores wearing the furs and skins of murdered beavers, crocodiles, seals and so on. I'm aware that many would claim that this has been drastically changing over the years because of the high fear of Greenpeace boycotts and social reproval, but is it really the case?
Would this be off-topic?


best vegan shoes around are at vegetarian shoes here is the link:

http://vegetarian-shoes.co.uk/

my brother bought shoes there 4 or 5 years ago and they are still fantastic I bought mine a year ago and love them!!!! best shoes ever!

[Maximilianus]

Thanks for the link, Helga.
Do you wear any of the models for walking? If so, have you tried them on long walks? I have a problem with my heels and ankles and I often walk long distances, so I need comfy shoes with shock-absorbing features.

[Helga]

my shoes are the green airosole I think that is the name of them and they are so good, I'll admit that I have very very sensitive feet and for the first month I got very sore when I used them but I decided to use them anyway and when I had 'worn them in' they were and are perfect. they have special walking shoes too and my brother bought those and they are very good, soft and he walks a lot. the store is in London like the website says. I would love to go and visit. my experience of the shoes is good and also my brothers and his girlfriends she bought some fancy high heels there.

I can not say it often enough the shoes are great!!!

[Maximilianus]

Thanks again for all that data Helga. They sound perfect!

[Annamariah]

I would probably starve to death if I tried becoming a vegan. As a vegetarian I might get by, but only barely.

I'm allergic to pretty much everything, so I'm quite carnivorous. I'm allergic to fruit, vegetables, nuts and cereals. What I CAN eat is basically red meat, fish, chicken, rice and eggs. I'm actually even allergic to milk, but I still use dairy products (moderately), because the allergy isn't that bad. If I were to give up dairy products entirely, my milk allergy would probably just get worse and my diet would be even more limited than it is now.

I gave up most fruit and vegetables (raw/fresh - I still can eat some potatoes or carrots if they are thorougly cooked, but I can't even peel potatoes myself without getting blisters on my hands) already years ago, but it's only been a bit less than two years since I found out I'm allergic to cereals too. Oh how I miss eating bread... not to mention chocolate cake.

Thanks to the new diet (and the sytostates I've been taking for the past two years) my skin is in a much better shape than it used to be (I can actually walk without my skin hurting and I usually can sleep a whole night without waking up because of all the itching), but it does make my life quite complicated. It's a pain being invited anywhere, since I usually cannot eat anything other people eat. I don't mind not eating while others are having dinner, but it makes other people uncomfortable.

It's hard to find anything to eat, and I'm sick and tired with pretty much everything I still can eat. Because of this I sometimes go several days in a row without a decent meal (just drinking and eating a bit of yoghurt or a few slices of turkey, the kind you put on a slice of bread if you're lucky enough to be one of those people who can actually eat bread), which I don't think is very healthy either. And I'm still not losing any weight, on the contrary! I guess it's because I eat so irregularly, so my body clings to whatever it gets and so I get fatter and fatter while I'm still hungry all the time.

[Maximilianus]

Poor Annie :( Have you ever tried gluten-free bread, like the type consumed by people who suffer the celiac disease? I have a recipe based on rice and corn flour, but I can't comment on the final result because I've never tasted it. Do you also have problems with corn? Celiac diets are very expensive in my country; not sure in yours, though I ignore if it might apply to your problem. Also, if you knead the bread by yourself I've been told it demands more work and care than regular bread... like you have to follow the recipe to the smallest detail or the final result won't turn out okay. Of course opinions differ regarding difficulty levels.

This is the simplest recipe I found for gluten-free bread:

800 grams of corn flour (also called cornmeal is some places), 1.150 kilos of rice flour, 600 grams of tapioca, gluten-free yeast, water and salt.

Mix the flours to prepare the dough, making bread the same as normal bread. After giving it the right shape, bake in preheated oven at 220° C until you see that the bread has browned.


I hope it may be good for something.