STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

wicked · Coach

Need advice for xmas eve meal

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

What if you did make your own pizzas? You can use pita bread for crust, he can have marinara for the sauce, but you could also have just olive oil or pesto too, and you can buy a package of pepperoni or ham for him and mozz. Then you can put some fancy ingredients out too and still use the goat cheese on the pizza. It's custom, fun, quick and easy. And, stays with your lighter fare menu and will go great with other snacks.

Maybe you can get a little heavier snack for him. I know you are vegetarian, (I am too) but if you could stand a can of chicken in your house, you could make him a buffalo chicken dip that boys go crazy for and would fit nicely with your other plans.

Boots · Gucci

GD's idea of make your own pizza is a fun idea. I've done that before for a small gatherings and it's always well received.

I'd do a cocktail section (make a fun non-alcoholic drink also so the designated driver can join in) with the snacks you were planning on serving, then make your own pizzas and follow with the tiramisu.

I know a good host takes her guests' likes/dislikes into consideration, but a good guest doesn't try to dictate what is served either. If you are a vegetarian, you shouldn't have to make a meat course if it goes against your principals. But it would be nice if you had some sort meat (like pepperoni for the pizza or maybe some sausage with a cheese tray) available to the meat eaters. But of course that is entirely up to you.

wicked · Coach

I think I may have misspoke and want to clarify. I have a very foodie/healthy-type palette and my BFF's fiance has more of a "white bread" palette. I don't think any of the things I mentioned will appeal to him, so i'm cutting them from the menu. I also refuse to buy meat. I will do a pizza, but i'm trying to brainstorm foods that would go well with it and be a compromise between healthy and junky. Or do guys even care?

Suasoria · Chanel

What about a pot of bean chili or soup? In a slow cooker, that would be as easy as cutting up veggies and stuff, and it's hearty and warm so it might be welcoming.

How about a seitan or tempeh dish that's "meaty"/protein-heavy? Or a field roast or lentil loaf, which you could slice for sammiches to go with the bread. I wish I had a good recipe to share but I'm not a huge lentil loaf fan so I don't make it often.

This baked seitan is EZ and has a sausagey/pepperoni-ish flavor. It would also be great on sandwiches or cut into finger food sized chunks:
http://yeahthatveganshit.blogspot.com/2007/04/infamous-seitan-recipe-o-greatness.html

Tamales are traditional on Christmas eve, but a lot of effort.

It's more work, but you could also do a veggie lasagna or baked mac and cheese. I make an awesome vegan mac and cheese with Daiya and tempeh bacon. It's not light but it's gooood.

Or you could fake him out with Gardein.

Really I don't think you have to stress about a meat-and-potatoes guy eating something different one day of the year, nor should you ever feel obliged to cater to someone who likes eating animals. Some people like heroin, but it's not necessary that I provide them with some when they come over.

And if he's going to be a princess about it, they can go to the drive-thru at Murder King when they leave.

wicked · Coach

Suasoria wrote:

What about a pot of bean chili or soup? In a slow cooker, that would be as easy as cutting up veggies and stuff, and it's hearty and warm so it might be welcoming.

How about a seitan or tempeh dish that's "meaty"/protein-heavy? Or a field roast or lentil loaf, which you could slice for sammiches to go with the bread. I wish I had a good recipe to share but I'm not a huge lentil loaf fan so I don't make it often.

This baked seitan is EZ and has a sausagey/pepperoni-ish flavor. It would also be great on sandwiches or cut into finger food sized chunks:
http://yeahthatveganshit.blogspot.com/2007/04/infamous-seitan-recipe-o-greatness.html

Tamales are traditional on Christmas eve, but a lot of effort.

It's more work, but you could also do a veggie lasagna or baked mac and cheese. I make an awesome vegan mac and cheese with Daiya and tempeh bacon. It's not light but it's gooood.

Or you could fake him out with Gardein.

Really I don't think you have to stress about a meat-and-potatoes guy eating something different one day of the year, nor should you ever feel obliged to cater to someone who likes eating animals. Some people like heroin, but it's not necessary that I provide them with some when they come over.

And if he's going to be a princess about it, they can go to the drive-thru at Murder King when they leave.

Thanks for the suggestions Su, chili or mac and cheese is a great idea! I love you heroin metaphor. wink