Christmas is upon us again! And if your shopping isn’t finished, wrap it up as quickly as possible, and let’s move to everyone’s favorite: the food. Making delicious food is arguably the best part of the holiday and there is no reason you need to sacrifice your morals to make something delicious and memorable. And if you’re going for something a little outside the box? Don’t tell your family and friends. Just let them try it and THEN spill the beans once they’ve said how delicious it is. Your carnivore uncle Carl isn’t going to love your dish if you immediately label it “vegan” or “ethical” so let him take a bite or two, profess his love, and then let him know your secret. Tricky, huh? But you just created a new fan of ethical eating!
Don’t forget, your ingredients matter. Look for locally sourced, in season products. Lower your carbon footprint! And make sure to support farms, butchers and producers who are committed to sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly practices. Workers are paid and treated fairly, (if you chose meat/dairy) livestock is treated as cruelty-free as possible and every opportunity to be green is taken. Make sure packaging is minimal/recyclable - buy in bulk, avoid plastic bags, bring your own glass containers. Ask questions, demand transparency and know where your food is coming from!
Give these recipes a test and tell us in the comments if you have others you love.
Give these recipes a test and tell us in the comments if you have others you love.
- The most important meal of the day? Breakfast, of course! Try this (vegan) Eggnog Crunch Biscotti with your coffee - and double the recipe because your family is going to be coming back for more!
- Christmas calls for champagne cocktails! Choose an ethical sparkling wine and make a festive and special bubbly cocktail all the adults in the house will love.
- The main event if you eat meat? The turkey of course! Pasture raised turkeys are slightly different to cook (major bonus: they usually take less time to cook), so once you’ve sourced your ethical turkey take the time to make sure it will turn out deliciously juicy! Our fav tips are here.
- Not partaking in the turkey? That’s okay: this vegan cornbread stuffing is so flavorful and filling it might be even better than the supposed main event.
- Everyone loves gravy. Our favorite vegan gravy recipe is sure to delight even the carnivores around your table … red wine makes it a fan favorite! (Concerned about the stigma of boxed wine? Don’t be. It’s way better for the environment, stays fresher much longer, is easier on the wallet and can be just as delicious!)
- You’re always going to need stock/broth for Christmas recipes, so start collecting kitchen scraps, and make your own vegetable broth! Double environment points for you, friend.
- End the night with something sweet, leave a tray for Santa, send your guests home with a box full: Christmas cookies are a staple of the season. Our fav recipes have been veganized, so try them all!