News Blog Compassion at Christmas 12-12-2024 Christmas can be approached with compassion for animals, our planet and our health without it meaning us having to do without the delicious, traditional food that’s associated with the festive season. Planning a completely cruelty-free Christmas meal can seem daunting, especially for someone who is a new vegan, but it needn’t be. We’ve come a long way since a time when the only Christmas vegan option was nut loaf. Supermarkets such as Sainsburys, Waitrose, Morrisons and Aldi have a vast range of plant-based food, vegan recipe books and magazines are in abundance, and most places serving Christmas dinners will offer at least one alternative for those following a plant-based diet. It would be impossible for us to share all our favourite festive food in this one blog, but we’ll include some delicious examples! Starters and appetizers The Vegan Recipe Club has some wonderful soup recipes, salads and pates. Or try this easy to make sweet potato soup from the BBC website, buffalo sprout bites or broccoli and ‘blue cheese’ soup from Vegan Food and Living, or this delicious festive kale salad from Nora Cooks. Mains ‘Vegan turkey’ is a common sight in most supermarkets with, among others, Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys and Asda selling turkey style crowns and joints. Or, if you have the time, you can have a go at making your own vegan turkey roast with help from School Night Vegan. And don’t forget some vegan stuffing! If fake turkey isn’t your thing, how about a mushroom wellington? A favourite recipe in the OneKind office is this one from Nora Cooks, along with some delicious gravy and how about some Christmas baked red cabbage and apple from the Vegan Society? Bosh! have a mouthwatering recipe for ‘showstopping’ Christmas Pithivier, it looks delicious, give it a go! And here’s the perfect dish to use up any leftover sprouts on Boxing Day. Puddings and cakes (We always leave room, don’t we?!) There’s a wide selection available in food stores but there’s also still time to make a Christmas pudding. Our favourite traditional recipe is this one from the Vegan Society, or this alternative chocolate version from the Domestic Gothess. School Night Vegan have a tasty recipe for mince pies, or how about some delicious spiced truffles from Bosh!? And whether you’re looking for a “masterpiece of pâtisserie, or a simple sweet treat to leave out for Santa”, Vegan Food and Living have a webpage full of ideas for all sorts of Christmas cake recipes! Cheese More and more vegan cheese is being sold in supermarkets and health stores. Both traditional dairies who are now producing plant-based alternatives, and companies who are entirely vegan are giving us a wide selection to choose from. One such company who spring to mind is the UK’s first plant-based cheesemonger La Fauxmagerie. They have cheese for every purpose: melting, grating, spreading, relishing and devouring! They’re based in London, and their products are available all over the UK in Waitrose and health food stores. You can also order festive bundles from their website. Let’s not forget the booze! Beers, wines and liquor can all contain animal ingredients, or they can be used in filtering processes, Barnivore is our go-to guide for vegan options, check it out! Spread the word If you’re not hosting Christmas dinner this year, you can still try out some of our suggestions and take them along to family and friends. Or give the recipes to non-vegan hosts if they’re struggling for ideas. It’s a great opportunity to share your passion for compassion at Christmas! All photos included in this blog are of farmed animals saved from slaughter and spending the rest of their lives peacefully at Ananda Animal Sanctuary in South Lanarkshire. Manage Cookie Preferences