The holidays are wonderful for so many reasons. There’s time for family, festivities, holiday traditions, and I’m told that some people even like the winter. On top of all those wonderful things to enjoy about this time of year, there’s food. Oh, food! Warm, hearty food is especially important right now, vegetarian or otherwise. It heats our bellies and helps us develop a protective layer of fat for added warmth against the cold, whether we want that or not.
Among the traditions we hold dear during the holidays, food is an important one. We all have that one dish we look forward to every December that only our Uncle could pull off just right. We all anticipate that festive annual dessert that our Grandma never fails to bring with her.
Since I stopped eating meat six years ago, some of my food traditions changed at Christmas. Every year since that lifestyle adjustment my sweet Mom asks me if I have any special requests that she can make for any of our holiday meals. I’m always more than happy with the abundance of meat-less sides we have at our table, but maybe you’re hoping to have a meatless holiday this year as well.
Whether you’re just cutting back on meat, have been a vegetarian all your life, or are just looking for a tasty recipe, here are some scrumptious options for the holiday that will spice up your celebration and might just make it into your yearly food traditions.
1. Apple Brussel Sprouts Salad
2. Christmas Queso
3. Roasted Garlic and Kale Stuffing
4. Wild Mushroom Gravy
5. Butternut, Sage, and Hazelnut Quiche
6. Veggie Tarts
7. Cherry Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Basil
8. Vegetarian Christmas Stew with Red Wine and Mushrooms
9. Spicy Spinach Lasagna
10. Cheese and Onion pie
These look so good that I may need to start integrating them into regular occasions as well. Which ones look best to you? What are your favorite food traditions around the holidays?
Looking for some last minute gift ideas as well as last minute recipe ideas? Check out our post about quick, classy, and easy DIY gift options.