Vegan Challenge days 10-16
May 16, 2008 by katesaltfleet
Everything has been going very well - except - we went to HTB’s folks for Sunday lunch. Now they have only just got used to me being vegetarian, and his mum always makes something special for me which is great because it must be a pain for her. However, I was faced with Quorn steak - not vegan!
I felt like it was a no-win situation, either I refused to eat it and created a scene or ate it and felt bad. So I ate it. :( I know, I know, it just didn’t seem worth making a big deal about, since it is me moving the goal posts and she had already made the effort to provide me with something vegetarian.
But I have had a bit of a think about it, so what I am going to do is find some omni-friendly vegan food to cook and invite them here (which would be OK apart from the fact his dad doesn’t “do” vegetables!). Please post your suggestions! Hopefully while they are enjoying the veritable feast, I will be able to broach the subject in a little more detail. I don’t just want to seem like I’m being a difficult prima donna.
Think I’ll go and take a bath and ease my aching muscles after that legs, bums and tums class!
Stumble It!
Things to try: risotto; curry; burgers with really tasty patties; a thick stew.
I try to cook for my in-laws as often as I can; my parents are fantastic, because it’s easy to make Chinese food vegan, but my partner’s parents’ are English and they’re more meat + veg kind of people, so I cook in order to show them they don’t have to be scared.
That’s exactly what they’re like - meat and two veg peeps, LOL! Risotto sounds a good idea, can put mushrooms in that. Or maybe I might go for some kind of pies with a soya mince filling. Hmm, got me thinking now!
Doesn’t it suck that half the battle (if not more) of being vegan is dealing with OTHER people’s issues about it?? That was the hardest part for me too. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for you - and if that means keeping the peace, then so be it. I think your strategy going forward is a good one. Good luck!
Sometimes you have to think to yourself, what difference will it actually make to eat/ not eat that food? In the situation you describe, making a fuss about it would probably have ended up making it look like it’s not only really hard to be vegan but that vegans are awkward and impossible to please! If you didn’t eat it, it would have gone in the bin, and how exactly would that have helped animals? I think you made the right choice. But, perhaps on another occasion you could subtlely mention that Quorn has egg in it
Thanks for your comment about Oprah and stick with it, people get used to you being vegan in the end, and if they don’t, who cares?!
Hi Kate,
The trick IMO, is to find your best recipes and break them out. And to prepare food for twice as many people as you’re having. People have the idea that vegan = deprivation, so if you have an abundant, delicious spread you are showing them that’s not the case.
I always like to start with a soup first — people are so impressed that you made your own, and they’re really easy to put together. Maybe a cream of asparagus soup… with some fresh bread?
Since it’s summer time, grilled veggies are an excellent choice, and a slew of salads… Plus a grain dish for the “protein.” (I’m really growing to adore quinoa.)
If dad doesn’t eat many veggies… how about ethnic food? Channa Masala is DELICIOUS.
I tend to avoid the tofu for omnis. Most people have a preconceived notion that they’ll hate it, so you can’t win there unless they’re incredibly open minded.
And for dessert, I’d try something chocolate (The Joy of Vegan Baking has a killer brownie recipe). Chocolate tends to transcend the vegan baked good thing. You could also make a vegan pudding — 12 oz silken tofu, 12 oz melted chocolate. Put the tofu in food processor and process for a few minutes until smooth. Slowly add melted chocolate. Serve immediately, or refrigerate. Tastes like real pudding!!
Just make sure to try everything on HTB first. He might be able to tell you if his parents would like what you’re considering preparing.
Good Luck!
Jane of VeganBits.com