Tofurkey: A Vegan's Guide to Thanksgiving

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A NICELY BROWNED Butterball may spell Turkey Day bliss for many Americans. But for vegetarians and vegans, a long-cooked gobbler isn't an option. So, how do you whip up a feast (or a dish or two, at least) that'll please pals who shun giblets et al? We got tips from give-up-the-flesh crusaders Isa Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, whose public-access TV show "The Post Punk Kitchen" and cookbook ("Veganomicon") — demonstrate that creamy cupcakes, decadent Italian food and hearty casseroles can kick butt even sans butter.

» EXPRESS:Is there a quintessential holiday dish for those who don't eat meat?
» ROMERO:A beautiful, savory pot pie decorated with pastry leaves will knock your socks off and be a beautiful centerpiece.
» MOSKOWITZ:The stuffing. I start with my own corn bread and make my own vegan sausages. You could do apples, pears, toasted pecans or walnuts and fresh herbs.

» EXPRESS:Any dish you miss at the holidays?
» MOSCOWITZ: I never miss meat. It's funny when people think that vegans are deprived. I don't like the look of a big bird on a table, and I wouldn't think of adding cream to my potatoes. I make mashed potatoes with olive oil and roasted garlic.

» EXPRESS:How do you avoid disasters at the omnivore's table?
» ROMERO: Talk to your hosts and explain what you do and don't eat. Set aside mashed potatoes before butter is added, and dress green beans with olive oil rather than bacon grease. If all else fails, eat a big breakfast.

» EXPRESS:What's the secret to convincing omnivores that vegan food can be delish?
» ROMERO:: Don't go for fake meats. Trying too hard to emulate something that's obviously meat is not the way to go, but you should do something impressive. This is the time of year to spend three hours on a dish. Go for dishes that taste and look good. Don't be shy with oil and sugar. This is not the time to do steamed kale. Do something fun and crazy like tamales.

» EXPRESS:Tofurkey won't impress meat-eaters then?
» MOSCOWITZ: No! It's fine if you're eating with your friends who are already vegan, but I wouldn't do that on the holidays. In a post-Thanksgiving sandwich, maybe.

» EXPRESS:What's for dessert, then?
» MOSCOWITZ: The traditional stuff is easy to veganize: apple pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato or pecan. Apples are great to throw into a gigantic crisp that is beautiful and will please meat-eaters.
» ROMERO: Homemade ice creams are a great thing this time of year. A coconut-based ice cream would go great with a beautiful pie.

» EXPRESS:Any other holiday secrets?
» MOSCOWITZ: The secret weapon for anybody is gravy. As long as the gravy is good, the holidays are good. Meat-eaters are always messing up their gravy, but my vegan gravy goes first at omnivore potlucks.
» ROMERO: Don't put tofu in pumpkin pie. I can taste the tofu a mile away. The secret to a great vegan pumpkin pie is a soy milk base and the other normal spices and ingredients.

Written by Express contributor Erin Hartigan