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Vegan Christmas recipe round-up



As I type this, me and my parents are finalising our Christmas Day menu. And this is no easy task. My mum loves hosting (she also has a new extension and kitchen to play with) and I love cooking so neither of us want to do the 25th of December by halves. Plus, we're preparing a 3-course meal for 11 family members, one of which is vegan (me!) and another can't eat wheat. No biggie.

But it's got to the point where we're having to cut back and reduce the amount of dishes we're talking about. But all of those extra recipes sure do make for a good blog post! If you're still not sure what to cook for your meat-free Christmas dinner, I hope the following can be of help. I've included recipes that are vegan by default, ones that require a quick substitution and also vegetarian recipes for those of you taking that first step.

Starters


Baby artichoke bruschetta - http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/bread-recipes/baby-artichoke-bruschetta/

Aubergine boats - http://www.veganrecipeclub.org.uk/recipes/aubergine-boats

Make-ahead mushroom soufflés - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4979/makeahead-mushroom-souffls

Parsnip soup with parsley cream - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/847640/parsnip-soup-with-parsley-cream

Sweet potato & butternut squash soup with lemon & garlic toast - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/sweet-potato-butternut-squash-soup-lemon-garlic-toast

Main - Centrepiece



Cashew Nut Roast with Sage and Onion Stuffing - http://whyveg.com/recipes/make_this.php?recipe=45





Main - Sides








Lentil Mushroom Walnut Balls with Cranberry-Pear Sauce - http://ohsheglows.com/2013/11/13/lentil-mushroom-walnut-balls-with-cranberry-pear-sauce/


Sweet potatoes stuffed with apples, cranberries, and pecans - http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/11/22/heavenly-hasselback-sweet-potatoes

Desserts



Co-op are also selling a pre-pared Christmas pudding that is vegan suitable - https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/institute/food-reviews/christmas-pudding




Drinks







Barnivore to check what brands are vegan friendly!

Christmas Gift Guide: Geeks and Nerds



Hands up if you're hoping for something geeky under your tree on Christmas Day?

*puts up hands*

I might still like unwrapping make-up and clothes, but ultimately I want something I can geek on. So, um, this is perhaps a little less "what to buy a geek for Christmas" and more me hinting exactly what I'd personally like under my tree. 

But I'm sharing it anyway. 

Retro Gaming Console. Did you know you can buy GameCube's for as little as £50 these days. And game boys for even less. Heck, there are Playstation 1s going for £40 on eBay. Shelling out for the most recent model might put you back a few hundred, but any geek appreciates a new addition to their console collection. 

Light Saber Chopsticks. I don't even like Star Wars (bad geek, I know!) but even I'd use these.  

A floor plan of their favourite TV show. I'd personally be eyeing up Carrie Bradshaw's flat. 

Harry Potter Bookmarks. Yes, please.

Bulbasaur planter. Because even geeks have plants. 

A Hand Towel with their favourite fandom. This Etsy shop has loads.  

A candle that smells of their favourite fictional place. Pretend you're in the Hufflepuff dormitories or out catching Pokemon. 

Batman cookie cutter. Because even the Dark Knight has a sweet tooth.

Programming Deck of Cards. Because, why not? 

Superhero Nail Decals. Even if that Captain America looks a bit out of place....

A phone case with their favourite fandom. Redbubble has a good selection. 

Tablet stand. For when they're binge watching in bed.

Middle Earth Mug.

Monopoly. But one of the cross-over editions: Frozen, Pokemon, DC, Call of Duty and Star Wars all have their own versions. 

Comic Photo Frame. An award-winning present. 

Game of Thrones cookbook. There's a few running around, but here's the official one.

RPG Dice Desk Calendar. For the organised geek.

Pop Vinyl. Choose their favourite character.

Punderdome. A card game for pun-lovers.

Loot Crate. A box of geeky goodness.