Here in the US, our annual mid-fall feast of Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November. Things are a bit weird here in good old USA right now, as most of the world knows. Nevertheless, I have many blessings to be thankful for, and being able to provide a wonderful meal for my family is certainly not the least of them.
I am cooking for the family this year. I cook a turkey, even though I am vegan. But I also prepare a Field Roast Hazelnut Cranberry en Croute holiday roast. It’s plant-based protein, delicious, smells amazing while it cooks, and is divine with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Regardless of the protein we choose, I always feel like the side dishes are the best part of the meal. I always go a little wild on the vegan cheese tray. Miyoko’s Kitchen makes the most amazing spreadable cheese, and it’s all plant-based. It’s quite expensive, but for a special occasion, it is so worth it.
I don’t even bother to make the icky green bean casserole that no one eats, but everyone makes anyway. Other than that, I am making all the usual sides and have included the links to the recipes below:
Maple and Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Vegan Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Vegan Gluten Free Gravy recipe
Miyoko’s Kitchen|Artisan Cultured Vegan Cheese
We will have plenty of pies and sweets and lots of savory finger foods. So, today I am doing the prep, getting a lot of the cooking out of the way. I have bread to bake, and even though I have a feast to prepare, I will get my daily wordcount by using the small increments of downtime while things are cooking.
That is how I cook any big holiday dinner for my extended family—I start prepping food two days ahead, and by writing whenever I have a ten or fifteen minute pause in the preparations, I don’t fall behind.
This also allows me to enjoy my family on Thanksgiving Day because most of the work is already done.
After all, it may be a national holiday here in the US, but it’s still NaNoWriMo, and while I have officially “won” as of the 20th, getting that badge for updating every day is my next goal, and doesn’t happen until the last day of the month. Besides, I haven’t written all the stories on my list of prompts yet, although I have made good headway in creating my backlog of short stories.
On Friday, my husband and I will rest up, enjoy leftovers, and think about decorating the outside of the house for Christmas.
This world can be a hard place for some people to live. I am fortunate to be safe and well-fed, luxuries I thank God for every day. Where ever you are in this big world, I hope you have plenty to give thanks for.
Life in the Realm of Fantasy 
I happen to love that green bean casserole! Your menu sounds delightful — Happy thanksgiving to you and yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew that remark would generate a comment or two, but I felt compelled to make it anyway, lol! Enjoy your day too, my friend!
LikeLike
I’ve always wondered at the wisdom of making NaNoWriMo during the holidays, especially for us in the US. Kudos to you for still getting that word count up–I’ve accepted that the rest of the week is generally a wash.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Because I’m a municipal liaison, I have to keep the troops rallied. So, over the years, I have developed ways of getting it done. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanksgiving gives us time to pause from the weirdness and contemplate our gratitude list.
Happy Thanksgiving
From your ex-neighbor who used to live on the hill north of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Rich! So glad to hear from you. I hope you have a great holiday!
LikeLike
I’m not trying to come off as a smart ass, but I’m not surprised you are a vegan. Perfection is your middle name (LOL). 😀 I love my turkey and dressing the unhealthy way with all the cholesterol and bad stuff included. I want my sweet potatoes dripping in butter, brown sugar and molasses. I want my gravy made from the turkey drippings. Top it off with pumpkin pie with real whip cream. When the meal is done and the kitchen cleaned, I hit the couch to watch football and of course take a nap. That’s Thanksgiving at my house.
However you do it, I wish you and yours an enjoyable holiday. You are right, with all that is going on in this country, we still have much to be thankful for and we are blessed. Happy Thanksgiving. 🦃
LikeLiked by 1 person
That love of the familiar comfort foods is what makes this such a big deal to so may of us! You made me laugh–you sound like my sons. I make sure butter is available for my boys who can’t imagine a dinner with out it, and also whipped cream. I’m not an Evangelical vegan–I usually work my diet around everyone else. With such a large family, I simply label the options so that every dietary difference is met. There will be two turkeys this year–1 roasted and 1 smoked. I and several others will leave them to the carnivores, but we won’t starve either. Have a great day, Chuck and may your football game be amazing! My hubby will be watching it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m living in New Zealand. I am thankful I live in interesting times. I am thankful for the rain that is falling as it will help my garden and help fill the reservoir for summer. I am grateful for Nanowrimo as my book is progressing. I am grateful for famu and friends that I have. I am grateful we have a thoughtful, forceful, female prime minister as our head of government.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad your book is progressing! And thank you for sharing your blessings. New Zealand is a lovely place, although I have only been there via BBC Nature shows.
LikeLiked by 1 person