Thanksgiving Tofurkey: A Bad Vegetarian With Big Dreams

DIY Turkey: Take a nature walk ...Find two stones for the body & head...A snail shell or pebble for the eye...And some shed feathers (look around your birdfeeder). This project is nice for keeping the kids busy while you are trying to cook....

Saturday Night Live did a funny bit last week on a flock of Wild Turkeys (the cast plus country singer Tim McGraw in tights, feathers and felt beaks) trying to evade hunters just before Thanksgiving. Fred Armisen's turkey character wonders: "Why do human beings hate us so much?"

Not us here at The Katillac Shack...we will go creative on a "Tofurkey"...this Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving Main Course: the turkey-shaped tofu treat designed for veggie aspirational ex-carnivores. Yep, I ate the real deal for years – because my parents had created the family tradition. I never really thought about where turkey came from or that he might have had a wife and kids...yummy as he was--smothered in delectable mashed potatoes. Then, it occurred to me, one day, that I wouldn't eat Oliver Wendell, my Bassett Hound, so why should I eat any other little being?I know this may sound extreme or silly to some of you...and it may be! To each his own. I bless your meal, your family, and your world this holiday, however you may design it. Traditions-- including foods-- are too personal to take lightly and are due abundant sanctity and respect.

Really, no soapbox here....as I glance down at my vintage leather cowboy boots. I am the conflicted vegetarian, completely imperfect – but trying to be better--to meet my new ideals, someday. And, I am thankful for many things during this holiday: freedom in this peaceful country and those that keep it for us; kind and open-minded friends like you; family; and health. Mostly, though, that I am not a turkey. :)

                                       

                                        Happy Thanksgiving!

Go see other inspiring projects at Metamorphosis Monday and Knock-Out-Knock-Offs. Thank-you Susan and Cheri!

Note: A portion reprinted from 2008: Photo Copyright 2008

Comments

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

I love the turkey! Too cute.

[Kelee Katillac]

HI ALL!

Thanks for ALL of your kind comments. This is such a sensitive subject and all points of view are honored and respected. Whether you eat turkey or not is not important in the big pic....gratitude is the key on this sacred holiday!

AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU IN MY LIFE!

love, kelee

[elyse]

happy tofurkey day to you!

xo

[Claudia]

Hi Kelee - I am a vegetarian and have been for many years. We have had Tofurkey many times for Thanksgiving. I'm with you...I can't eat another being. Just can't. Paul McCartney says he can't eat anything with a face. That says it all.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with wonderful Tofurkey!

[Beth]

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, Kelee!
xoxoxo

[Deb]

LOVE this post Kelee!!
I've been a vegetarian for MANY years and really believe that Kindness begins with what we have on our plates :-)And speaking of plates ~ your turkey decoration is adorable!! When my son (who is now 20)was in kindergarten, he made little paper Thanksgiving name cards ...every Thanksgiving since, they come out and grace our table!We celebrated Thanksgiving last month here in Canada, so now we are on to decorating for Christmas ♥ Sending wishes for a Blessed Thanksgiving to you and sweet Oliver.

[Debra@ Bungalow]

Hi Kelee, Thank YOU for linking up to the sharing Thanksgiving party! Could you Please link back to the party in your post.

After thinking about the tofurkey...I guess many others have this problem on Thanksgiving. I liked your comment about the salmon, I just never think about things like that...but I will now.

[rue]

Hi sweet Kelee :)

To each his own is right! This is America after all :)

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I want you to know that although I don't come by as much as I would like, I am thankful for you :)

xoxo,
rue

[joanne]

I'm sure there will be Tofurkey on the table again this year as we are surrounded by vegetarians. Actually, it's the only day I cheat and have a few bits, with a little gravy...

[Lisa Bradford]

That was sweet! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family Kelee!!!!

Big Hugs,
Lisa

[Debra @ Bungalow]

Hi Kelee,
Do you remember the tofu turkey on Everybody loves Raymond? What a hoot, anyway good for you for being a vegetarian. My G'daughter is one too....
this would be a great tradition to share at my Sharing Thanksgiving link up, come on over. :)

[Joni Cobb]

Kelee this is wonderful! Great post! I eat turkey and wish I could eat less meat. You are funny and kind. Thanks for being you. hugs, Joni

[Cheri Peoples]

Conflicted ey,

You are a hoot. I can't imagine a tofu turkey-that is a lot of tofu. I had tofu once and it doesn't taste like anything, it's like eating funky air.

cheri

[Mermaid Debbie]

Love it! I just saw the most beautiful wild turkey on my way home from taking my daughter to school. A couple of years ago... I heard a strange noise outside my bedroom window. Imagine my surprise! 7 turkeys on my roof, rooting away at fallen pineneedles and leaves. Loving the turkeys!

[Someday Crafts]

so fun! Love the idea

[Kelee Katillac]

HI SARAH!

Enjoy your turkey--glad you popped by....

love, kelee

[sarah]

So you will start new traditions! Happy Thanksgiving what ever is on your plate. I like the turkey on the plate. LOL

[Drawn to the Sea]

"a conflicted vegetarian"
Me too, Kelee... leather sneakers & car upholstery are my biggest conflicts. Like Kim above, I still eat fish (& other seafood), & silently thank them for their life. Perhaps many of us do that.

This will be my first meatless holiday season, still easing off the dairy. Happy broccoli, happy squash, happy tomatoes!
Julia

[Daisy Cottage]

Oh Kelee I so love how you express yourself.

To each their own - that is the beautiful spice of life, no? I gave up pork over a year ago and have often been close to becoming a vegetarian. I hang out on the fence over it. We are always changing and evolving. As long as we are blessed to be alive we can experience that miracle, right?

Happy Thanksgiving beautiful girl - I know that I am thankful for you.

Love,
Kim

[Kelee Katillac]

KIM: Salmon is a nice idea....I eat it occasionally! When I feel low on energy I go for it...I ask
the salmon to help me and promise in a little prayer to not waste his energy and to try and do something lasting and positive with the energy he gives me. The native american tradition of asking the animal for help and honoring his life is one that helps when we eat meat and fish...I think......just my humble idea....

[kim]

I think most tofukey have gluten and I can't have them. I do mostly vegan, but I confess on Thanksgiving day I will probably have Salmon.

[elyse]

hmmmm ... i am curious about this tofurkey. i do eat meat but i also love my tofu! i put it in soups and pasta salads.

happy feasting!

xo