Dietary restrictions appear difficult to follow to an someone who doesn’t have any, but having to follow these guidelines during the holidays seems downright impossible. Veganism is one of the strictest dietary restrictions. They cannot eat any products that comes from an animal. Vegans have to find a way to enjoy these classic meals, especially during the upcoming Turkey Day. Many of these vegans put a twist on the classic Thanksgiving foods, such as changing certain ingredients in the classic sweet potato casserole or stuffing. Vegan brands also provide good alternatives to the well-known foods.

Many vegan recipes include ingredients such as coconut oil and almond milk to substitute for the usual dairy products. Vegans have to find substitutes for common ingredients they cannot have. However, this doesn’t mean the food has to taste bad. “Tofu actually tastes really good, and I always have it during Thanksgiving,” said a freshman at Oakton.

Being a vegan provides many benefits, including improved health. The ability to distinguish the brands and foods that are vegan is extremely difficult, and keeping this diet is very impressive. Thanksgiving is a time for family, so whether you are vegan or not, it is a special time of the year that should be cherished by all.

Ingredients such as white sugar and butter prevent many sweet potato casseroles from fitting the vegan guidelines. There are many ways around these barriers, and there are many delicious recipes out there for vegan sweet potato casserole. This recipe is just one example of the many.

Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes

Vegan butter (2 Tbsp)

Maple syrup (¼ cup)

Unsweetened almond milk(¼ cup)

Coconut sugar (3 Tbsp)

Vanilla (½ tsp)

Pinch of sea salt or cinnamon

Topping:

Pecans (1 cup)

AP flour (⅓ cup)

Coconut sugar (½ cup)

Melted coconut oil (4 ½ Tbsp)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (or 190°C)
2. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into medium sized chunks
3. Place in large pot with water and bring to a boil
4. Lower to medium heat, and boil until you can insert a fork with little resistance. This should take about 15 minutes.
5. While you wait, prepare the crumble by putting all ingredients in a food processor.
6. Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl with butter.
7. Mix until smooth
8. Add maple syrup, almond milk, coconut sugar, vanilla, pinch sea salt, and of cinnamon
9. Mix until smooth and creamy
10. Put mixture in a casserole dish and smooth. Add the crumble on top.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
12. Let cool and enjoy!