VEGAN THANKSGIVING ROCKS!!!

We had friends over and did it potluck- Check out that spread!
There were 3 Tofurkys, 3 Field Roasts, Stuffing, Gravy, regular Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Baked Acorn Squash, Sqaush Lentil Spinach Curry, Barley Pine Nut Casserole, a Yummy Rice Dish, Crescent Rolls (yes!- they are vegan), Red Wine-Agave Glazed Brussel Sprouts, and I am sure I am missing stuff!!
And this was after Appetizers- Curry Olive Phylo Cups, Veg Pancakes, Artichoke Crostini, and Lentil Pate.
After dinner, there were a total of 7 (!!) Pies. 3 Pumpkin, 2 Apple w/graham crust, 1 Traditional Apple, and 1 Apple Cranberry! I also made Brown Rice Crisp Bars w/dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate chips.
We had enough leftovers (even after sending a bunch home with our friends) to eat for 2 more days :p

Better than the food was the company! I love having close friends to spend such a day with! One could say it makes me feel *very* thankful.... :)

I am horrible, recipe to make up?!

I know, I know...almost a year again. I guess we know my New Year's Resolution, right?! I underestimated how time-consuming an infant would be to our lifestyle..We've had 3, I figured it'd be more of the same ol', same ol'. I didn't count on one that lives on almost no sleep and also is very momma-clingy (they all went through this phase, but it seemed much shorter- I guess we mis-remember after 5 years, LOL)

To make it up, I have a throw-together recipe to share...no pics on this one, though..

Tasty Winter Bean Soup

I lb. 16 bean mix* or any assorted dry beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 cup mirepoix** veggies, small dice
1 med. crown broccoli, small dice
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBS Italian seasonings
2 TBS Spike brand seasoning
9 c. veggie broth
1/2 c tamari
1/2 lb. frozen cut spinach
1/2 box Wegmans orzo pasta, cooked and drained (I think the box is 8 oz., but not sure)

Heat some olive oil in a large pot, add mirepoix, broccoli and garlic, cook until softened (3-5 min)
Add broth, beans, tamari and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring every once in a while, until beans are tender...I usually give it a few hours :) Add pasta and spinach- cook until heated through, taste broth and adjust seasonings, if necessary. It comes out with a stew-like texture, very hearty and winterish!

I served this with baked sweet potatoes (pierce w/fork, 375 for 45-60 min.) and rolls. Yum!

* I used Goya
**I don't normally buy mirepoix mix, but had some left over from a recipe dd made for Thanksgiving. Dicing your own celery, onions, and carrots small in same proportion (1/3 c of each) should work fine :)