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I'm a vegetarian who eats only occasional dairy and, on rare occasions, some fish. But I don't eat meat, poultry or eggs.
My family is coming to visit me from out of state this summer, and they are SO opposite me in their eating habits. It's meat, meat, meat. And not only that, but they like the worst kind of meat (processed red meat like hot dogs, bologna, etc.)
I want to be a good hostess, so I know I'm going to have to provide food they like. But I can't stand the smell of hot dogs, eggs, or basically any meat. How am I going to stand it?
I've thought about just taking them out or ordering in (then I don't have to actually buy, handle or cook the meat myself), but that would get very expensive.
Have any of you had this experience? If so, how did you handle it? And if you haven't had this experience, and you were in my shoes, what advice would you give? Thanks!
Hubby and I entertain often, usually 1 or 2 couples for dinner. Sometimes, one couple, our sisters or one friend to stay for the weekend.
In all circumstances I always cook vegan. However, I usually go above and beyond offering many sides and many options. For instance, breakfast could be bagels with vegan cream cheese, toast, hash browns, refried beans, tortillas, fruit smoothies etc.
If you go out, hey, they can get what they want...
I really do suggest making any of your breakfasts, lunches or dinners as "option friendly" as possible.
I am not able to post my cooking blog but will send it to you personally.
Hubby and I entertain often, usually 1 or 2 couples for dinner. Sometimes, one couple, our sisters or one friend to stay for the weekend.
In all circumstances I always cook vegan. However, I usually go above and beyond offering many sides and many options. For instance, breakfast could be bagels with vegan cream cheese, toast, hash browns, refried beans, tortillas, fruit smoothies etc.
If you go out, hey, they can get what they want...
I really do suggest making any of your breakfasts, lunches or dinners as "option friendly" as possible.
I am not able to post my cooking blog but will send it to you personally.
My entire extended family eats meat. However, my parents and MIL enjoy eating my meals and my MIL and father even order vegetarian when we eat out. My FIL and his wife never visit. I mean never. Once, two years ago, my FIL found himself at our house (first time) at meal time (again a first). I forgot what I made, but it was something substanial and of course yummy and I could see his surprise when he said it was really good. Sometimes I wonder what they think we eat! Anyhow, I do almost all the cooking when we visit my MIL, and her husband usually loves what I make (he said he never liked vegetables until I started cooking for them), but still needs to sneak out for some greasy hamburgers. Both the FIL, Step-MIL, and Step-FIL are all meat-and-potato kind of people. Beyond extreme.
Moral of the story: Start trying out substantial, yummy recipes now. They will live and you might just show them a thing or two. Also plan a couple nights out, and if you are in an area to do so (and your family likes to), do a cook-out so they can have their hotdogs.
Oh--and remember that Mexican and Italian meals are a great crossover choice. Your family probably won't even remember to look for the meat. (maybe??...) Good luck!
I second the above poster's suggestions of Italian and Mexican.
A big pan of vegetarian lasagna would be a low stress meal. Easy too since you can assemble ahead of time. I make spaghetti with bean balls for some of my carnivore friends. They love it.
Bean and cheese burritos can be dressed up to make a nice lunch, as can fancy cheese sandwiches and hummus wraps.
Don't forget about a nice stir fry. Throw some frozen veggies, tofu, and sauce in a pan and cook. Then place atop some steamed rice.
I always find breakfast the easiest meal when having company since most people don't eat a huge breakfast these days unless dining out. I usually offer bagels and/or pastries. I also make jelly cupcakes that I offer for breakfast. They are really a dessert but so are donuts, right? LOL
I'd suggest keeping a lot of fruit on hand and maybe a big fruit salad in the fridge. So if they hate what you make, they can grab a banana or watermelon or something!
I think baked ziti, eggplant parmesan, and/ or fettucini alfredo with bread, salad, and maybe a vegtable side would make a great meal.
I think Tofo might scare some non-vegetarians.
Also, you might think about buying some sandwich bread, sliced cheese and bologna or turkey so they can make a sandwich for lunch. You could put the ingredients out and they could make their own.
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