My Fantasy 2024 Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner

Plus a Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

It’s my last newsletter before US Thanksgiving, so let’s have some fun. I’m going to put together my absolute dream Thanksgiving dinner for you, fantasy football style. Three questions I’m sure you’re yelling at your phone:

Q. Aren’t you an English person who doesn’t actually celebrate Thanksgiving?
A. Yes!

Q. Is it true, however, that you’ve been eating like it’s Thanksgiving since July?
A. Also yes!

Q. And finally, what even is fantasy football?
A. I think it’s like Drag Race but quieter?

Anyway, the important part is this. I love any excuse to feed people and, from what I’ve gathered, Thanksgiving is basically the Olympics of feeding people. If this were a real relationship instead of a parasocial one, I’d have invited you round for TG dinner about six months ago. And right about now you’d be receiving your sixth whatsapp update about how my cornbread stuffing has turned out. But alas, we’re only internet friends, so instead I’ve written you a menu (and TWENTY recipes) that’ll make you feel very loved and cared for (via the internet waves).

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ve also written an absolutely insaaane Vegan Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe for all paid subscribers, which you can even download in printable PDF format at the bottom of the page.

If you want my Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe, or perhaps you just fancy helping me to keep School Night Vegan going, you can upgrade to a paid membership for just a few bucks. These are really weird times for food bloggers, with the looming threat of AI content and an increasingly volatile Google at the helm. So please, if you’re in a position to, support your favourite blogger - even if that isn’t me! 🥰

OK, let’s get dinner on the table!

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Fantasy Thanksgiving Dinner

Ok, here’s how I’ve broken things down! I’ve chosen four starters, sides, mains and desserts that I’d 100% be making for you at our fantasy Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve tried to deliver a balance of traditional recipes and slightly unconventional ones, to keep things fresh. I found it difficult to cut some of my favourites, so I’ve also added this first section “Honourable Mentions” to avoid hurting any feelings.

Honourable Mentions

Vegan Dinner Rolls (Top Left)
My goal with this recipe was to achieve that super satisfying pull-apart texture you get from Japanese milk bread, but without any actual milk (or demoralizing manual labour). These are the softest buns you’ll touch this fall (easy tiger) and they make great use of my perfect vegan egg wash recipe to achieve that glossy, golden brown finish.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole (Top Right)
Creamy, shroomy and totally from scratch. You don’t need any weird tins of condensed mushroom soup, or even any tubs of vegan cream. I even figured out how to make the crispies French fried onions for this recipe too. Who knew you’d be using the phrase “from scratch” so much this Thanksgiving - so chic!

Apricot & Harissa Roasted Squash (Bottom Left)
This one remains a Substack exclusive. It’s sticky, glossy and spicy - how could I not include it! You can also sub the squash for sweet potatoes or pumpkin! She’s a versatile fall side-dish topped with crunch roasted almonds hun!

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls (Bottom Right)
The latest update to one of my favourite recipes on this blog - they’re now about twice as soft! The great thing about cinnamon rolls during Thanksgiving is that they ALWAYS taste best fresh, plus they make your entire house smell like the actual gates of heaven. Auntie Sal will be drooling all over the linoleum!

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Starters

Vegan Pumpkin Orzo (Top Left)
OK, here’s my thought process behind this selection. You’re at my house for a vegan Thanksgiving. You’re almost EXPECTING rice for your starter - whether it’s a wild rice salad or the humble mushroom risotto. But out comes - PASTA DOING RICE DRAG! And what’s more, it’s golden and packed with pumpkin! Nothing says “you’re in safe hands” like this pumpkin orzo!

Vegan Crab Cakes (Top Right)
Now this is my option for the sensible folks trying to pace themselves. A super light, fresh and zest vegan crab cake. They’re made with hearts of palm, so you don’t need to go to any unusual stores for the ingredients - just the canned veg aisle of the supermarket! They’re flaky, herby and I guarantee they won’t spoil your dinner.

Vegan Sweet Potato Soup (Bottom Left)
For some reason, most vegan Thanksgiving themed soups contain coconut milk or coconut cream. This is fine, and probably quite delicious, but for me coconut just screams summer - not fall! So I developed this insanely creamy soup recipe with one requirement: NO COCONUT. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this one.

Vegan Fall Harvest Salad (Bottom Right)
I’ve never been sure about dried cranberries in a salad, or even about serving a salad with a roast dinner, but this recipe had me convinced. It’s something about the bitterness of the kale, the sweetness of the apple and the tart bursts from the pomegranate and cranberries - it’s possibly my favourite salad of all time. Chuck in some toasted pecans and some roasted squash and MWAH chef’s kiss. A little goes a long way, so we’ll be serving this in a big salad bowl, for people to dish out by themselves while they ask you where you get your protein from.

Sides

Perfect Mashed Potatoes (Top Left)
Sides are the body of any good Thanksgiving feast, so let’s start with a classic. In the UK, we’re all about roast potatoes, but mash seems to be the G.O.A.T. across the pond. This is my recipe for fool-proof mashed potatoes that even reheat beautifully too.

Vegan Mushroom Gravy (Top Right)
This is where US tastes meet Northern English tastes! Up north, we like our gravy chunky! Whether it’s got extra fried onions or, if you’re my Mum, chunky peanut butter stirred through. So chunky mushroom gravy felt like a logical next step. I’m serving this piping hot in a massive gravy boat, and I’m giving you that wink that says “but there’s even more on the stove”.

Apricot and Pecan Cornbread Stuffing (Bottom Left)
This was the first American-style stuffing I ever tried, so it feels fitting that I’m serving it now, at this dream dinner table! In fact, when my American friend Lauren served this to me at University, I think it may have even been the first time I ever tried cornbread. Needless to say, I’ve made it every year since. Sweet, salty, nutty and toasted to perfection! Grab that spoon will ya?

Maple Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Bottom Right)
This one sounds more unusual than it is. The flavours are all familiar! Sweet, sticky sweet potatoes, buttery on the inside, caramelly on the outside. The only difference is they’re roasted with that magic smokiness of maple. This recipe shows you how to make your own vegan maple butter, which you can even double up and use on popcorn, toast, pancakes or fresh vegan cornbread!

Mains

Vegan Turkey Roast (Top Left)
This is the main event people! My first choice for this fantasy dinner centerpiece has to be my classic vegan roast turkey. It’s packed with stuffing and even has crispy rice paper skin, for that crackly texture. This is for all of you at my table who miss Thanksgiving dinners with a traditional vibe - nothing outside the box. This vegan turkey hits the spot. Now who’s carving?

Vegan Spanakopita (Top Right)
Now, I know not everyone loves vegan meat alternatives so this is my show-stopping alternative. It’s herby, fresh and zesty with the crispiest, crunchiest filo pastry ever. I even give you a life-changing tip in this recipe to guarantee crispy filo pastry! Don’t miss this one - coming in hot!

Vegan Roast Beef (Bottom Left)
This is one of the best seitan recipes out there. Texturally, the meatiness is a game-changer, but omg that flavour. It’s packed with umami savoury vibes along with all the herby orasty goodness you need from a good Sunday lunch. Yes, it’s atypical for a Thanksgiving centerpiece, because it’s not a bird, but we’re vegan! We get to do what we want!

Mushroom and Beet Wellington (Bottom Right)
Another English twist, I know, but this is my fantasy dinner remember?? Besides, I know you and your Nanna are gonna LOVE this. It’s not exactly a meat substitute, because it’s so veggie heavy, but it hits all the right spots. And can you blame me for wanting to wrap something in puff pastry?? It’s Thanksgiving for goodness sake. OK, sorry I think I’ve had too much vegan eggnog.

Desserts

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars (Top Left)
How you feeling? Full yet? Naaah, you’ve got loads of room left! Time for a pumpkin pie bar! Somehow less intimidating than eating a whole slice (or baking a whole pie) but just as insanely delicious. Top with some vegan whipped cream and you’re set!

Vegan Tiramisu (Top Right)
An oldie and a goldie! This is one of my most popular recipes around Thanksgiving, and although it’s not a typical TG dessert, I can see why. I prepped it in advance for this fantasy, made-up dinner, and stuck it in the fridge. The longer you leave it the more flavour those vegan ladyfingers soak up! Now it’s just about perfect! Dust with some cocoa and hey presto. Only one question remains: do you want to eat it with a spoon or a ladle?

Classic Vegan Apple Pie (Bottom Left)
I had to put a proper pie in here, and what could be more American than apple pie?? I’ve even worked out how to make the perfect flaky pie pastry for you. This pie is caramelly, but not too sweet! I’m serving it with some vanilla vegan ice cream and I can already tell you’re going for seconds.

Vegan Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding (Bottom Right)
If you’re a paid subscriber, this is your exclusive recipe down below (just scroll baby)! I wish I knew how to attach voice notes to this newsletter because my friend Kelly just sent me a seven minute one about this dessert. I sent her home with a few slices (and extra toffee sauce) yesterday and her thankyou message began with her saying “oh my god” at least twelve times in a row. I know I don’t shy away from tooting my own horn, but this is one of the best recipes I’ve ever made. You NEED to try this. If you makeone dessert this Thanksgiving, let it be this one.

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And that’s it! You came, you sat, you ate me out of house and home, and now I’m sending you on your merry way to enjoy REAL Thanksgiving (not my fake imaginary one).

Paid Subscribers, that Pumpkin Sticky Toffe Pudding recipe is below! THANK YOU again for your support, I hope you feel the love through this recipe!

In all seriouslness I know this time of year can be stressful, but be sure to take it easy on yourself. If you feel the pressure building, step outside and take a deep breath. Make sure you’re surrounding yourself with people who care about you, and if you can’t do that this year, surround yourself with the stuff that makes you happy. I’m truly thankful for all of you 🥰.

Big love to you all until next week!

Richard xxx