Fresh Vegetarian Holiday Ideas
By Susan Palmquist
If you’re a vegetarian or thinking about what to cook for
your vegetarian guests, here are a couple of great resources
for you. You’re sure to find a dish that will become a
holiday favorite.
The first two menus are courtesy of the Vegetarian Society of
Ireland. Go to www.vegetarian.ie and click on Recipes. You’ll
find two complete Christmas menus. The dishes also make ideal
choices for Thanksgiving and a New Year’s Eve buffet.
The next set of ideas is courtesy of the UK Vegetarian Society.
Be sure to e-mail them for a copy of the recipes at vegresources@vegsoc.org.
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As around half the population is seeking to reduce intake of
animal ingredients, saturated fats and cholesterol in favor of
vegetarian, low-cholesterol and dairy-free diets, successfully
catering for everyone at Christmas can seem confusing.
Thankfully,
The Vegetarian Society has joined forces with Swedish Soft,
the dairy-free alternative to cream cheese, to create a festively
flavored modern menu that everyone can enjoy. All the recipes
feature in the free booklet “New Traditions – Recipes
for a Meat-Free Christmas” from The Vegetarian Society.
•
Lime & Coriander Swedish Stars These stunning puff pastry
stars, deep-filled with a blend of creamy Swedish Soft and
fresh lime and coriander pea pesto, make the ideal entrée for
an elegant and indulgent festive feast.
•
Guests will love the main course of Smoked Bean Curd
Medallions with Shiitake & Walnut Stuffing accompanied by Sesame
Shredded Brussels Sprouts (sure to convert even the most vociferous sprout
hater), Cider Glazed Root Vegetables, Black
Pepper & Rosemary
Hassle Back Potatoes and Sizzling Santas in
Blankets, all served
with a Rich Mulled Wine Reduction.
•
For pudding, we predict that Fig & Walnut Mince Pies with
Smooth Vanilla Swedish Glace will impress even those who don’t
usually like mince pies, but the piece de resistance has to be
the Soft Caramel & Black Cherry Bombe with Hot Chocolate
Sauce. This stunning, dairy-free iced dessert will raise gasps
of pleasure from everyone – especially when they learn
that a second helping isn’t out of the question, since
Soft Caramel Swedish Glace contains only 5% fat!
© Susan Palmquist
NFO Food Editor Susan Palmquist is a freelance writer who specializes
in food, health and wellness. She writes a weekly column that
can be viewed every Friday at Garden
and Hearth.
