Sh*t creek - is now in my rear view mirror...!

longway2go

I might have a look for the Wellington, I was a vegetarian for many years and now just eat chicken but not much of it as I don't enjoy it really. Your dinner sounds lovely and your spuds sound fab. 

Irenadler

atrixa said:

That sounds fantastic! I got a vegan Wellington from Mr S as a backup if I couldn't get my usual 'no turkey crown'. I do vegan Yorkshires on Christmas day and maple parsnips. You've just reminded me to put maris pipers on my shopping list, so thank you!

Thanks atrixa. You are welcome!

Irenadler

longway2go said:

I might have a look for the Wellington, I was a vegetarian for many years and now just eat chicken but not much of it as I don't enjoy it really. Your dinner sounds lovely and your spuds sound fab. 

Go for it LW2G! Having researched recently about meat, I am definitely staying vegan, and can recommend it.

Irenadler

So, today managed to do some money saving cooking:

Turned half a cuke and red onion into pickle, to use up the Q. Bought another Q for evening meal/salad/cold buffet, which has changed location so the older one needed using.

Searched for vegan stuffing balls recipe and made 14 (tested 2!) so half in freezer, and half in fridge for Xmas.

Roasted up the veg in the fridge, to make a med-style veg dish, ummmm roast garlic..... should make another 2-3 meals (Ratatouille, Curry, etc.) & uses up veg.

Root veg mash done and in freezer, portioned out in one larger dish, 2 generous single portions.

Xmas plans changed a bit over the last few days. We were all excited that a relative was unexpectedly visiting just for the day, as we hadn't seen them in months. So, changed the meal to be held at my poorly relatives as that was closer to the visitor. And it made sense as my poorly relative is sadly having more accidents, so, they feel more secure that they can deal with any that happen. Don't know why we didn't think of this sooner....

And then Tier 4 so relative (sensibly) isn't coming. Disappointing but so many people will be facing the same. However, we are still having our 'bubble' meal at their place not mine, so my relative will feel less anxious about mishaps. No need for either of them to fret about getting their meat portions etc to me, or worry about having a drink/driving back, I can get to them with my vegan stuff and ready prepped veggies. And stagger back home (hic!) with rascally hound.... I think I am ready now....

MovingForwards

You've been busy with the meal prep and having dinner round relatives does make more sense, even if you will be singing while walking home 😁

doingitanyway

Your new plan sounds good. Visions of you and the dog zigzagging your way home in the dark. 
I've never thought of making mash and then freezing it. I don't know how that one escaped me...
I saw a vegan wellington using mushrooms, chickpeas and coated pecans. I would sub chestnuts for chickpeas but might give it a go in the NY with onion gravy. Making myself hungry, best seek out breakfast.

Irenadler

MovingForwards said:

You've been busy with the meal prep and having dinner round relatives does make more sense, even if you will be singing while walking home 😁

Yes, brain has finally got in gear, I will be practising my 'Merry Gentlemen' song for the stagger  civilised stroll home!   

Irenadler

doingitanyway said:

Your new plan sounds good. Visions of you and the dog zigzagging your way home in the dark. 
I've never thought of making mash and then freezing it. I don't know how that one escaped me...
I saw a vegan wellington using mushrooms, chickpeas and coated pecans. I would sub chestnuts for chickpeas but might give it a go in the NY with onion gravy. Making myself hungry, best seek out breakfast.

Thanks DIA - ha, luckily the dog has an in-built homing device and always wants to get home the quickest way to get fed! Even though she does get fed around 3 times a day....

Ah, the wonders of money saving/time saving are being bestowed upon you.... you will be slowly turned into a true MS acolyte and you will be washing your tinfoil to re-use it before you know it... 

Er, I mean the mash tip is great for 'normal' mashed tats, as well as the slightly more exotic carrot n' swede. I have even (gasp) seasoned it and melted in vegan marg. This is unheard of....

There seems to be all sorts of vegan Wellington things on offer, spoilt for choice, so, go with your budget/preference. For the mildly curious, my vegan stuffing used chestnuts, onions, chestnut mushrooms in similar portions, bit of garlic and two wholemeal crusts, and some of my fresh herbs from what I laughingly call a garden (sage leaves, thyme, & parsley in a pot).

Not 100% sure I followed the recipe correctly as instead of balls they resemble mini cow pats, but, they taste ok!

Irenadler

In other news, the relatives have succumbed to Christmas hype/Brexit shortages/Covid-19 prepping/any other reason and managed to buy enough Christmas food as if they are expecting the entire family to descend on Christmas day.... sigh... plus I am basically bringing my own food anyway!

They are now trying to foist some on to me, forgetting that I have been vegan since March, so I am gently (re) explaining why I can't eat it, and persuading them to donate some as there will be folks out there who won't be facing a great time during the festivities.... if they keep it they will be eating it until Spring at this rate, so, far better to donate on to family/friends/food box whilst it still has good dates on it.

MovingForwards

Did you add water to the pats? If so, reduce the amount next time or dry fry, strain everything and add a bit of the juice as needed.

I'm sure the Christmas food shop is a trait from when there wasn't much and being the one day of the year when it was a luxury meal.
- mince pie and turkey leftovers were still around until the end of January when I was little 😬