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Original poster

DD bringing a super-strict Vegan friend for tea tonight

239 replies

maddiemookins16mum · 27/10/2021 12:32

Hi all, DD (17) is bringing a pal home for tea (dinner, supper - delete as appropriate 🤣). We are big meat eaters but would never dream of having meat on this occasion. My normally very level headed DD is very keen for ‘us’ to get it ‘right’. So here’s the menu.
Vegan sausage hotpot (browned off Heck vegan chipolatas - made of pea protein so the pack says), I’ve added onions, carrots, tinned toms, garlic, herbs and veggie stock.
Cauliflower cheese
Roast potatoes (they are Aunt Bessies though, as we’re all at work/college until 5-6pm and I’ve no real spuds.
Other veg (peas and broccoli probably).
Pudding - mince pies and custard (Alpro plant based).
Does this sound ok?

OP posts:
Wildheartsease · 27/10/2021 13:26

You sound a lovely Mum and your daughter is obviously thoughtful of her friend too.

(I hope the friend isn't also a 'faddy/hard-work' vegan who takes against each of your dishes for some reason... it has happened to us before :). My daughter has a vegetarian friend who dislikes vegetables. )

SpindelWhorl · 27/10/2021 13:26

[quote tickledtiger]@SpindelWhorl you must live in a glorious fart free zone.[/quote]
That's the plan!

(I have bloody awful IBS and abdominal pain on top of autoimmune conditions. I'm determined to eat my way - or not eat, as the case may be - out of this.)

CloseYourEyesAndSee · 27/10/2021 13:27

@SVRT19674

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...
Lol If you expect me to eat meat at your house fine I won't come - if you only want friends who eat the same as you that's your choice of course

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General food
HadEnough798 · 27/10/2021 13:29

@TwistMyOlive

Why would you change your diet, If you went to theirs they wouldnt change their meals. Albeit cook a vegan meal for her but I’d still eat my usual food.
But then that would be twice the work as the OP would have to cook two whole separate meals? She also mentions that they are looking to cut down meat so maybe it works out well for them... I wouldn't mind change my diet for one night, it's nice to try new things.
TheNarwhalBalloon · 27/10/2021 13:29

Sounds lovely OP. I am vegan and I second people saying ditch the cauli cheese. Most vegan cheese is awful, even if the vegan guest likes it the rest of you are unlikely to enjoy it.
As other people have suggested, just double check all ingredients in the mince pies and the roast potatoes. Milk powder can sneak into the strangest places!

AmyDudley · 27/10/2021 13:32

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...

Well I'm quite old and I was always brought up to believe you do everything you can to make your guests as comfortable and welcome as possible when they are invited to your home.

So maybe its not the times that have changed but that some people are rude and unwelcoming and others are friendly and accommodating and that's really a matter of upbringing rather than the age we live in.

OP i think your menu sounds lovely, and it sounds as if everything you are preparing is safely vegan, have a nice time Smile

008NoTimeToDiet · 27/10/2021 13:33

Check absolutely everything. Ideally anything that isn't a fruit or vegetable, clearly states 'suitable for vegans'. And offer to let them check the packaging.

ClawedButler · 27/10/2021 13:37

OK, so first of all I need to go and put my glasses on because I just read PP's replies as advising you to check for animal fart.

But yeah, the hotpot thing sounds great to me. You can do a very acceptable creamy cauliflower thing with a jar of Tesco's Free From white lasagne sauce (and a bit of nooch or paprika if you're feeling fancy). I can't bear ANY vegan cheese, they're all hideous to me.

covetingthepreciousthings · 27/10/2021 13:38

I'm sure you've checked with you're Dd already.. but if not I would double check friend will eat (vegan) sausages, I know some vegans don't want to eat meat alternatives.

All sounds delicious though, and it's nice that you're willing to cater for her Smile

LadyJaye · 27/10/2021 13:42

I'm vegetarian, and it's easier to cook a default vegetarian/vegan meal rather than attempt to 'veganise' a traditionally meat/dairy-based meal.

With respect, OP, you're making a lot of work for yourself here.

I would be more inclined to go for a veg casserole/stew, made with vegetable bouillon (the Marigold brand is vegan), served with a grain such as bulgar wheat or freekeh, and something green, like roasted broccoli. Some great recipes here.

Frozen yoghurt with fruit is always a good choice for dessert!

LadyJaye · 27/10/2021 13:43

And yeah, vegan cheese is revolting.

Topseyt · 27/10/2021 13:44

@SVRT19674

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...
Do you even apply that rubbish to people with allergies?

Would you think that a vegetarian should eat meat in your house because that is what you are providing?

If you are expecting guests then surely you make an effort to cater to their needs?

Lotusmonster · 27/10/2021 13:45

Sounds really comprehensive and delicious. I’m sure she’ll be delighted. Maybe you guys might rethink your meaty ways and cook a bit of vegan ongoing? I’m not a vegan but I genuinely enjoy the vegan style of cooking and now often make my own cashew cream, use nutritional yeast etc instead of diary…..it’s actually v quick. My food bill is less without pricy meat items and you can produce wonderful meals and I just don’t miss or eat the same amount of meat anymore.

Mosky · 27/10/2021 13:47

@TwistMyOlive

Why would you change your diet, If you went to theirs they wouldnt change their meals. Albeit cook a vegan meal for her but I’d still eat my usual food.
Making something different for a guest would be more effort and may make them feel uncomfortable when I want them to feel welcome.

I have vegetarian DS2, his GF is also veggie. DS1 eats meat but his GF does not, no vegans.

So if any of them are visiting for a meal I do my best to make a nice meal we can all share.

Having said that when DS2 lived at home after uni for a year I would cook meat based meals for DH and I some of the time, often with a version of the same for DS, others we all ate vegetarian.

I'd draw the line at eating vegan for more than the odd occasion though. Mainly because of dairy. I think plant based dairy tastes disgusting and it's production is bad environmentally.
And as many have pointed out vegan cheese is evil.

iklboogiemaninthecloset · 27/10/2021 13:47

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...

I'm so glad times have changed. Nothing more miserable than being forced to eat food you can't stand / makes you ill in the pretence of being 'polite'.

iklboogiemaninthecloset · 27/10/2021 13:49

This is gorgeous

RED DRAGON PIE

Mosky · 27/10/2021 13:50

Also for future reference if you cook vegan think about avoiding meat substitutes or fake meat because they are highly processed and frankly seldom very nice. Instead think about using more nuts or pulses.

And always double check puddings - I've been caught out endless times with a bought pudding that has gelatine in.

Fetarabbit · 27/10/2021 13:51

@SVRT19674

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...
It's not a bad thing that people are happy to not serve up animal flesh and products if a guest doesn't eat them. The opposite isn't true, if a vegan cooks a meal people can eat it.
Forestcantrun · 27/10/2021 13:51

Love this. Is exactly what my mum does when her vegan daughter in law visits. Fully seasoned with love and effort! And no doubt will taste lovely.

Carder · 27/10/2021 13:53

@SVRT19674

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...
Everyone is giving you a hard time over this comment but I agree to a large extent. I think the key point is "bending over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn't dream of accommodating you ". I see this often in many different areas of life . Also, why is your DD not organising the catering arrangements for this ? Why is it down to you ?
FartNRoses · 27/10/2021 14:00

@Taoneusa

Easy pudding = sliced banana with tons of cinnamon and lashings of oatly cream, served with a cup of chai.
@Taoneusa I'm not vegan but I'm going to try this deliciousness. Thanks
ToffeeNotCoffee · 27/10/2021 14:04

Ratatouille ? (Mediterranean vegetable stew) Serve with pasta or potatoes maybe ?

AwaAnBileYerHeid · 27/10/2021 14:04

@SVRT19674

Ah how times have changed...i was taught when you are invited to someone´s house you eat what is offered, no pursuing personal fads...now everyone bends over backwards to accommodate people who wouldn´t dream of accommodating you...
Same, bar allergies.
EmJay19 · 27/10/2021 14:04

Perfect

Fetarabbit · 27/10/2021 14:13

And everyone can eat the vegan dish, it's odd so many people seem to get pressed about veganism. Sure it's stuff that OP wouldn't normally eat, we don't all eat the same foods all of the time.