Thanksgiving is a sweet day around here. During the holidays around Cape Cod where I live, scenes play out reminiscent of a Normal Rockwell painting. In the morning, much of the town gathers at the high school for an old rivalry game, and many others run in Turkey Trots, while cooks prepare and assemble grand dishes to be shared. The day is filled with visitors and family lounging in front of a game on the television and munching on light bites, while the cooks bake, saute, chop, mix, and proudly plate their coveted Thanksgiving recipes. Early in the evening, the diners gather around the table from far and near, grace is said, and we consume a beautiful meal injected with loving conversation and laughter. In our house we always played basketball after dinner when we were growing up. Then, dessert is served. Thanksgiving is a beloved day.
There is so much food on the table that even though I don’t eat turkey, I make out well. My mom makes the most incredible stuffing, but since becoming vegetarian I have developed a vegan stuffing recipe that is satisfying and gluten-free to boot. It’s not traditional, but you just might love it!
Vegan Butternut Stuffing
1 large butternut squash
1 tb grape seed oil
1 onion, chopped
1 bunch of celery, chopped
1 ts grape seed oil
1 ts cumin
1 ts garlic powder
1 ts cardamom
1 ts nutmeg
1 ts cinnamon
4 leaves of sage chopped
1 ts thyme
1 tb salt
1 tb black pepper
1 c gluten-free rolled oats
1 c apple cider
3/4 c walnuts
3/4 c craisins or raisins
1 tb maple syrup
1 tb apple cider vinegar
1. Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Chop the squash in to smaller pieces. Place squash in a high-speed blender, and blend until squash is “rice” like. Saute with oil.
2. In another pan, sauté the onions and celery.
3. Add spices, oats, and cider to the squash. Stir over medium heat, until squash is soft. Add raisins, walnuts, onions, and celery. Last, stir in syrup and vinegar.
Enjoy this special day!
More vegan Thanksgiving recipes: Apple Nachos
Pumpkin, Onion, and “Bacon” Tart
Heavenly Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Also by Jess: How to Meditate with Mala Beads
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Photo: Jessica Riley-Norton
