The VEGANS are coming to town

[thomcat]

Our vegan friends are coming to stay this weekend coming.

For Saturday night I was considering making red lentil shepherds pie (inc red pesto) served with broccoli and peas etc and can't think of anything other than a lovely big fresh fruit salad with raspberries and blackcurrants and strawberries for desert. Then our kids, their kids and us grown ups can all eat the same thing.

But not sure, what do you think???

And breakfast was going to be either cereal with soya milk and / or mushrooms on toast.

And then lunch the next day maybe roasted veg and cous cous for everyone? (Will have veggies sausages, beans etc in stock incase ids don't like any of the above.)

Does all that sound ok or do you have alternative suggestions?

think that sounds really nice TC.

Maybe an idea to get a non-dairy spread in for toast. Soya or sunflower? You probably already do.

Sounds fine apart from the toast - our vegan friend doesn't eat bread as it contains milk products...

If you wanted something else to go with your fruit salad - vegan sorbets / ice creams are actually quite nice, and should be easy to find in a health food shop.

I'd be quite happy with a fruit salad on its own though.

(Am by no means a vegan btw!)

most bread is ok tbh

My vegan colleague at work eats piles of bread (usually with houmous).

It all sounds fab and it's lovely that you have given it some thought, rather than taking the "pesky vegan" approach.

Does the pesto have cheese? Watch out for that.

Also, check your veggie sausages don't contain egg (Quorn isn't vegan btw).

Thinking, with your fruit salad, Swedish Glace is a very nice ice cream type thing, vegan I think. Tofutti another. Some supermarkets sell them, otherwise Holland & Barret should have some.

Don't forget the mashed potato will have to be made with soya milk/vegan marg.

What about veg stir fry or veg curry, dhal and rice? SOmething with tofu?

Check with them if you are not sure TC, they won't mind, I'm sure they would be chuffed that you were taking the trouble.

d'oh hadnt noticed the pesto - as nobiggy says, that will have pecorino/parmesan in it won't it, unless you are making it yourself without?

Ohhh will check out vegan sorbets in our loal health food shop, thanks for that.

Will check out the sausages are ok. I know their kids had some when we stayed with them so there must be some that are suitable.

Yes, soya milk and spread on list already for mixing into the mash. Is such a thing as a half decent vegan cheese is there.

Bread wise, I'm pretty sure she had that soya and linseed bread which I really like so was planning on buying that.

Wasn't planning on making anything with tofu as DP and I aren't huge fans of it.

Oh sugar - missed that about the pesto and blimey of course it'll have parmesan in it.

Hmmm anyone had red lentil shepherds pie without the red pesto, is it very bland and boring without it and any alternative suggestions or a different meal altogether (not a curry as DD1 won'te at that and was hoping we culd all have the same and eat together)?

I'll run the final menu past them as don't want them to hate anything I'm planning but want to have a idea of what we'll have so I don't make her do all the work.

pesky vegan

fgs
you dont DIE of milk in bread
find it hard to abe all " hye thast ok differnet poeple " kidn fo thign
i kwo its MY issue btu tbh its a shit idea

LOL Cod!

Sharing views with Gordon Ramsey isn't something to really boast about Cod. Bad fish.

Red pesto is not vegan but you can buy vegan pesto - is by meridian & is usually in the "free from" section in supermarket

Linda McCartney sausages are vegan

check bread labels but most are actually vegan.

Beans on toast is another good breaksfast option.

You sound like you are really thoughtful & on track but don't be afraid to ask your friends for advice, I'm sure they'll be touched that you have gone to so much effort for them.

Salca do an aubergine pesto too which is widely available & vegan (wonders will never cease) - might be nice in shepherds pie

Linda Mac sausages are grotesque - really, I wouldn't bother. Ditto vegan cheese, but you can get some great vegan pates (check labels - cauldron foods do a range and many are vegan).

your menu sounds fab. I have a couple of vegan shepherds pie recipes if you can't find the vegan pesto (Suma do one as well)

Fruit dipped in melted chocolate (good quality dark chocolate is vegan) is always popular.

Agree Swedish Glace is a very nice ice cream

whats is it wiht milk>
i dont get it

Oh and most vegan children seem to like a nice pizza made without cheese IME

a tasty tomato sauce and some nice vegetables on top, no cheese necessary

cos ythey are scared of cheese.

The dairy industry is a by product of the meat industry.

do you know how modern farming works, cod? Or do you think that Cherry Tree Farm is a realistic representation of where our food comes from?

Thanks a lot everyone.

Am writing the shoppuing list out now and your tips have been great. F&Z - if I don't have any joyt with the pesto I shall check back and ask for an alternative shepherds pie recipe, but on 2nd thoughts, if you have a great vegan shepherds pie reciepe I'd love to have it from you anyway. TIA - TC x

Simple but IMO delicious, from Rose Elliot:

lentil shepherds pie

8 oz continental lentils
1 onion
1 clove garlic
1 stick celery
1 lge carrot
4 oz mushrooms
1 tsp herbs
1 tbsp tom puree

Soak lentils overnight then drain and rinse. Cover with cold water in a saucepan and simmer gently until tender. Drain. Fry all veg until tender then add lentils, herbs, tom puree, salt and pepper, put in oven topped with mash. Bake for 40 mins at 200 deg / GM 6

Obviously you can fiddle around with it and add whatever veg you have in the house. If you make the mash with sweet potatoes it is especially good.