Day 10 - Being with Friends

December marks holiday parties with friends, let alone family. We've gone to some now, and still have a couple more for just after Christmas day. One thing i truly love is the commitment my friends have to my vegan ways. Thought and care is put into ensuring that i can eat something, and not just salad, but something similar to the non-vegan dish othes are enjoying. That's what the holiday sentiment is about for me - being accepted and included.

Last night was no exception, where were were invited to a traditional Danish 6-course feast, complete with a fish and a cheese course. I made my vegan tuna salad and brought along some vegan herbed creme cheese. The rest of the dishes were lovingly put together by our hosts, and were vegan-friendly (and stretched the Danish menu to be inclusive).
Mock Tuna Salad
1 cup TVP (large chunks), rehydrated as per package
1/2 cup of vegan mayo
2 sticks of celery
1 small onion, diced (optional)
2 pickles, diced (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kelp powder
1/2 tsp seafood seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
squeeze of lemon juice
sprinkle of wasabi powder

1) Place rehydrated TVP in a medium sized bowl. Add diced veggies.
2) In a small bowl, mix mayo with spices until thoroughly combined. Add to tvp mix. Finish with splash of lemon and wasabi.
3) Chill in fridge for up to one hour and serve!

Another part of holiday parties are the gift exchanges. Dear Santa, in such an UNcompromising (right??) position here was won by my sweet partner. He actually lept up over the table to get it in his madness to win it, even. We played what is called (to us, anyway) Bingo Plus where 2 rounds of dice are played, and people who get a 6 can pick a price. The second round involves stealing other people's gifts. And this, J stole happily. I'm not so sure....