Pity the Poor Thanksgiving Turkey
Pity the poor Thanksgiving turkey.
Fattened up all year, it's devoured in a matter of minutes, eaten as leftovers for days thereafter, and then long forgotten - until next Thanksgiving, at least.
If the turkey is the "Broadbreasted" variety - which most supermarket turkeys are - it's life has been particularly bleak. After being bred to produce an unnaturally large chest, its legs are so short it must be artifically inseminated to reproduce. Farmers remove the tips of these young turkeys' beaks to prevent cannibalism triggered by close living quarters in cages and warehouse, Plenty magazine reports, As for having the strength to fly? Forget about it.
Fortunately, delicious vegetarian options abound -- and you should be able to find many of the ingredients at your local farmers market.
Epicurious.com features such scrumptious courses as stuffed pumpkin and lentil croquettes with mushroom gravy.
In a Vegetarian Kitchen with Nava Atlas offers a full-course meal, including salads, main dish options, side dishes, stuffing, and vegan pumpkin pie.
The Veggie Table suggests an even broader array of delicious sounding soups, appetizers, and entrees, including a vegetable gratin made from tomatoes, eggplant and onions that will be as beautiful on your table as it is yummy.
If your Thanksgiving just won't be the same without a gobbler on the table, consider a heritage turkey. This genetic ancestor of the Broadbreasted variety roams freely outside, mates naturally, and eats a traditional (well, for a bird) diet of insects and fresh grass. Don't be surprised when you notice that heritage turkeys are smaller and more expensive than their factory-farmed cousins. This is definitely a case of quality over quantity (and besides, the size may be perfect if you're one of those people who can't face eating leftover turkey for an entire week).
You can find a heritage turkey at the Local Harvest website, or check with your local farmer's market.
The Veggie Gratin sounds delish! I'm trying to eat healthier these days so this recipe might find it's way to my Thanksgiving table.
Posted by: Online Shopping Chick | November 17, 2008 at 05:13 PM
The Veggie Gratin sounds delish! I'm trying to eat healthier these days so this recipe might find it's way to my Thanksgiving table.
Posted by: Online Shopping Chick | November 17, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Your blog rocks! i cant' wait to see what else you have to say! You are beautiful!
Posted by: Chandler Bluesoul | November 17, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Your blog rocks! i cant' wait to see what else you have to say! You are beautiful!
Posted by: Chandler Bluesoul | November 17, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Diane, thank you for your educational AND practical solutions and tips for greener, healthier living. We appreciate what you do, and your blog post has made me very hungry...
Posted by: Robin | November 21, 2008 at 10:15 AM
the heritage turkey sounds like a return to the old farm, i have asked local hunters to bag me a wild one for this season; they claim the birds just sit on their countryside driveways because most hunter's wives think them too small for a large family gathering.
i prefer the aromatic taste of wild game, and the satisfaction of pure protein rather than fullness of growth hormone and salt additives in my veins.
a pumpkin soup goes well with that, check mine.
Posted by: nadine sellers | November 24, 2008 at 08:27 AM
creo que el ser humano puede trangenitar un fruto pero no puedes trangenitar su conciencia
Posted by: daniel david cabezas rivera | November 24, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Thank you for this post! Along with having gone vegan, I'm also trying to live "greener", so will definitely check out your blog for tips.
Posted by: animal rights | November 28, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Glad to hear you found this helpful!
Posted by: Diane MacEachern | November 29, 2008 at 01:31 AM
How did people like the Veggie Gratin dish?
Posted by: Diane MacEachern | December 11, 2008 at 05:09 PM