What do Vegetarians Eat on Thanksgiving?
by Claire Criscuolo, RN

Every year, around this time, customers always ask me "If you don't eat turkey, what do you eat on Thanksgiving day" - which by the way, happens to be my favorite food holiday. And the answer is always the same because every Thanksgiving, I eat Tofu Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, Cranberry, Orange, and Lime Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Porcini Gravy, Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sauteed greens, usually broccoli rabe, and Pumpkin Pie with real whipped cream for dessert. And to honor my Italian heritage, I like to start out with a small plate of pasta, generally pappardelle noodles with a simple, basil scented marinara sauce.

Of course, vegetarians can simply eat the side dishes at most Thanksgiving day dinners, but I really appreciate having a main course entree, one with protein, in this case with vegetable protein.

Over the past couple of decades, this delicious meal has been enjoyed by my non-vegetarian family and friends. In fact, one year when I prepared this meal for a group of 24, one guest offered and brought a stuffed turkey, and she took it home barely touched, but all 24 stuffed acorn squash halves were eaten!

So if you find yourself hosting a vegetarian (we're everywhere), or if you just want to add a delicious vegetarian entree to your holiday tradition, I hope you'll try my recipe for Tofu Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash. It's so delicious and they look beautiful arranged on a big white platter.

I with you many reasons for giving thanks, on Thanksgiving Day and always.