Question for carnivores/omnivores: Is this a tasty vegetarian Christmas?!
Question for carnivores/omnivores: Is this a tasty vegetarian Christmas?
Background first: My parents and I each switch off Christmas dinner. Last Christmas that it was my turn, I made Jamaican orange-ginger ham, and they thought it was delicious - they like my cooking and are willing (generally) to take chances.
Since leaving college, I have been trying to cut out meat from my diet, as much for taste reasons as for ethical reasons. So I decided to put together a vegetarian Christmas this year.
As follows, in order:
Salad:
Citrus-ginger salad with endive and coriander
Appetizer:
Roasted tomatoes with Stilton cheese, Pinot Grigio
Sides:
Cumin-roasted potatoes with olives and lemon zest
Brussels sprouts with shallots and mushrooms
Entree:
Moroccan spiced pie (Very Christmasy-sounding recipe at http://www.recipezaar.com/154795,... although I am cutting out or lessening the harissa as my dad isn't keen on extremely spicy food.)
Dinner wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Dessert: Cranberry-vanilla rice pudding, Port wine.
(More notes briefly.)
6 months ago
Note I do not want to serve the Port with the Stilton as the tomatoes would counteract the Port. I'm also not sure about serving the tomatoes as an appetizer; I might serve them before dessert. Any 'planning' details like that would also be appreciated.
What I'm generally wondering, though, is this: If you were primarily a meat-eating person (aka my dad), would you enjoy that meal from the sounds of it nonetheless? He seems to like the sound of it, but I want to be sure.
6 months ago
And again, a stealth edit: I don't mean to 'impose' on my dad, for what it's worth. If he REALLY wants to put lamb or something with this, I don't mind him cooking it and haven't forbidden it from the table or anything goofy like that. I just wanted to see if I could do a Christmas dinner without meat that he would like and, like I said, he's reasonably willing to take chances.
As far as the Brussels sprouts not being quite right with the Moroccan pie, that's probably true, but they sounded tasty (and my family all likes Brussels sprouts). Spinach would probably have a similar flavor, so I think I'll take that suggestion.
The cheese in the tomatoes recipe called for Stilton, but gorgonzola would be fine, too. As far as the dessert with the Port, I just know that's the classic dessert wine, particularly with puddings, so figured it might go. Any other suggestions (Riesling?) would work too.
Answers:
6 months ago
Note I do not want to serve the Port with the Stilton as the tomatoes would counteract the Port. I'm also not sure about serving the tomatoes as an appetizer; I might serve them before dessert. Any 'planning' details like that would also be appreciated.
What I'm generally wondering, though, is this: If you were primarily a meat-eating person (aka my dad), would you enjoy that meal from the sounds of it nonetheless? He seems to like the sound of it, but I want to be sure.
6 months ago
And again, a stealth edit: I don't mean to 'impose' on my dad, for what it's worth. If he REALLY wants to put lamb or something with this, I don't mind him cooking it and haven't forbidden it from the table or anything goofy like that. I just wanted to see if I could do a Christmas dinner without meat that he would like and, like I said, he's reasonably willing to take chances.
As far as the Brussels sprouts not being quite right with the Moroccan pie, that's probably true, but they sounded tasty (and my family all likes Brussels sprouts). Spinach would probably have a similar flavor, so I think I'll take that suggestion.
The cheese in the tomatoes recipe called for Stilton, but gorgonzola would be fine, too. As far as the dessert with the Port, I just know that's the classic dessert wine, particularly with puddings, so figured it might go. Any other suggestions (Riesling?) would work too.
I think that sounds GREAT! Any meat-eater would like it.
sounds great. if i had food like that every day, i would become a vegetarian.
Can I get an invitation too?;)
Anyway, sounds really good! The entree sounds very rich and high in protein. I did notice that they didn't specify the amount of salt in the recipe. I would add quite a bit to balance the honey and raisins, OR cut down on the amount of honey. Just a suggestion.
I love meat, but if you invited me to this dinner, I would eat everything and enjoy. Your menu sounds wonderful, espically the Brussles sprouts.
Sounds good to me, but as a meat-eater myself, I might suggest you have larger amounts of the food available than would normally be served with a meat entree, as vegetarian isn't as filling as meat and starches.
I think the port (even with a sweet dessert) might be a bit strong.
It sounds good, especially the roasted potatoes. The only thing that I wouldn't like is the brussels sprouts. The entree sounds good to me also. I love meat, but so long as it tastes good I'm always happy.
sounds pretty good. the only part i might worry about would be the entree. have you had it before?
You are ruining your dad's holiday by imposing your affectations on him. Stop being childish and selfish: make him some roast meat to go with your other tasty items and everyone is happy.
Here are my critiques:
The salad sounds good as it is.
The tomatoes--are you sure you want to use Stilton which is expensive and very rich. I might go with a gorgonzola instead.
The pie sounds good, but the brussels sprouts would not go well with it. The potatoes sound right. I think you need a more Meditterannean veg like sauteed spinach with garlic, raisins, pine nuts and sherry (it is a classic Spanish dish that can be served with or without a little chopped ham).
The dessert sounds good.
As a further idea, since you are not serving meat, to make this dinner a little heartier, have you considered a cheese course before the dessert? The port would go for both. Just an idea.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
I would suggest making your entree before Xmas and making sure it tastes good and turns out okay. It sounds like you've never made it before, and it's generally a bad idea to try out a new recipe for a main meal while entertaining... catastrophe is bound to strike! :) So... I'd make the entree in the next few days, make sure it's suitable... then you can plan to make it (or not) based on how well you like it.
It sounds great to me.
First of all, Moroccan spiced pie is excellent. It's one of my faves and I don't put harissa in it. Good choice for a meal. Your entire menu sounds great. The only things I would change is taking out all cheeses - but I'm vegan, so I don't eat any animal products:) Your dad will be very satisfied with this menu and the amount of food. I don't think he'll feel as though anything is lacking. As for the comment that someone put about you ruining his holiday, I doubt it. I sincerely doubt you will kill someone's holiday spirit by not having dead animal as a dish:) Kudo's to you for cutting meat from the menu!
Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy that pie! YUM!
maybe u should ask ur parents to bring a little meat just in case they want to eat it. just because ur a vegetarian doesnt mean they are. and maybe a diffeant dessert cause urs sounds a little bland. maybe like an apple bake or something. but have a merry christmas!
I'm trying to become a vegetarian, but still eat chicken and fish. I will still answer though, that this dish sounds wonderful! Right on!