When a Non-Vegetarian Has Vegetarian Guests

by Libby Pelham | More from this Blogger

21 Nov 2006 11:38 AM

I had a good friend whose daughter-in-law was a vegetarian. The first time she had the daughter-in-law over for Sunday dinner, she was freaking out, hoping she had an appropriate menu. What are some things you should know when one of your guests is a vegetarian? Here's a checklist of things to think about:

- If you are a long time meat eater, you may wonder why someone is a vegetarian. There are many reasons. Some people simply believe it is wrong to eat meat. Some people do it for health reasons. Maybe he or she is trying to lose weight, has a food allergy, or is simply intolerance to meat. Don't ask them why they are a vegetarian unless they offer the information - just accept it.

- What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan? Traditionally, people who consider themselves vegetarians are those that don't eat meat. Some will include fish or fowl in their diets and some will not. They do however consume eggs, cheese, and milk. This is what separates them from vegans. A vegan will not eat any dairy products in addition to abstaining from meat, fish, and fowl. If you are hosting a vegan, you may want to ask what their dietary restrictions are to make sure you don't infringe upon them.

- What do I do about the holidays? Holidays don't have to be stressful, but since you want to accommodate your vegetarian guest, there are a few things you can do differently. If you have a turkey, cook some of the stuffing separately from the bird. Use care with utensils to avoid cross contamination. If you have a recipe that is basically vegetarian, but calls for beef stock, use vegetable stock instead. Be sure to offer plenty of breads, fresh fruits, and non-gelatin desserts. Read all the packages of prepared foods you may be serving to see exactly what they contain.

If you are unsure about something, ask, but in a polite way. And don't be offended if your vegetarian friend asks you about any ingredients in your recipes.

Great vegetarian recipes at Families.com:

Tofu?

Veggie Empanada

All-Star Veggie Burger

Learn more about Libby Pelham

Libby Pelham is a work-at-home mom located in Jacksonville, NC. She has a beautiful little boy, Will, born in July of 2004.

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