This Thanksgiving, vegans and vegetarians in Wichita are finding savory alternatives to turkey.
Local vegetarian and vegan expert Dianne Waltner hasn't eaten meat in more than 25 years. Waltner says tofurkey, instead of turkey, is an old standby that she likes--but some don’t. She says other options include a holiday plant-based roast that comes with gravy, as well as a cranberry-hazelnut roast in a puff pastry.
"That is really wonderful!" she says. "That's one that we are going to be having for Thanksgiving."
Waltner will also serve a new forager roast with mushrooms and huckleberries, plus vegan cheese, for the holidays.
"When I first went vegan and I first went vegetarian, I have to admit that most of the vegan cheese was virtually inedible, so that has changed a lot," she says. "The market for vegan products is just exploding, and there’s some really really good options."
Waltner also organizes a monthly vegetarian meetup in Wichita. On Friday, educator and best-selling author Will Tuttle will speak on being healthy and saving the planet. Meat eaters are welcome to join.
Friday's event takes place at 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, located at 7202 E 21st Street. Doors open at 6 p.m.
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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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