I feel like I missed out this X-mas.

[MountainMamaGC]

I really think that I am going to make X-mas dinner at my house from now on. I have Crohn's and I am so tired of going places where I cant eat anything. I hate being the one to ask "Is there ____ in this?" Not to mention I did like the turkey and baked goods with all the dairy and eggs in it. Its frustrating because even though they make a special dish for me here and there, I know I could do better for myself at home. This diet is new to me and I havent got the hang of not eating things when I go over to someones home. I KNOW its bad for me and I know I shouldnt but I still find myself sneaking a tiny bit here and there and then paying for it later. This holiday has been really hard on my gut and I didnt even go to all the dinners I was invited to. I feel alone in this. My hubby eats whatever he wants when we go out and I am jealous. I shouldnt be because he eats veg at home with no complaints, but I am jealous. Dont get me wrong, I love this diet, it really does help me and I have mastered it at home. People just dont get how bad it is for me because they dont get to see me suffer later, so they dont think its bad if I eat that stuff every now and then.

Anyway, I NEED a good holiday dinner. I feel like I missed out, so I am going to make us a New Years Day dinner. Here is my menu.

Shake and Bake Tofu Strips
A stuffing casserole made with apples, walnuts, and cranberries.
Mashed potatoes and gravy.
Peas
Homemade cranberry sauce.

Does anyone have a good stuffing casserole recipe? I am going to kinda wing it but I wouldnt mind a recipe to work with. Keep in mind I dont use dairy or eggs.

[Shantimama]

I tend to wing it instead of following a recipe, but I love stuffing too! I use good bread, celery, onions, apples, pecans, cranberries and lots of fesh thyme, rosemary and sage.

[es1967]

This is not how I make mine but I've wanted to try the recipe in the link.

http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/f...-stuffing.html

[Tangled Hill]

I've never made stuffing, so I can't help you there, but I know what you're going through. I've been vegan for a few years, and my MS symptoms have really almost disappeared in that time (I was a mostly-junk-food-vegetarian for 19 years prior to that). And, my brother has Crohn's, so I understand (albeit second-hand) the huge difference diet can make with that.

Family gatherings, especially at holidays, were always meat-based. Turkey, ham, beef enchiladas(!), etc. I knew, if I wanted to eat anything - especially after becoming vegan - that I had to bring it myself. They even pre-buttered the breads!

So, I'd make my own foods and take them - things I *loved*. Special foods I didn't make for myself that often. I made enough to share, but I think most people were scared away from my freaky vegan goodies. So, I generally ended up with leftovers to take home, as well. (More treats for me!)

Just knowing I had special food was usually enough to keep me away from traditional favorites (like Velveeta and Rotel dip or broccoli, rice and cheese casserole). It made the day enjoyable and less stressful.

Anyway, enjoy your New Year's dinner! What a good idea! I might do that next year. I've recently gone raw, so I might plan to have a raw feast next New Year's (since that's a holiday when we don't generally go anywhere).

Have fun!

[MountainMamaGC]

I made it a day early and it was so good. Unfortunately I think I have damaged my self to the point that I will be eating a bland diet of soup and rice until things calm down. I hope I can recover.