Now that December is upon us, families plan to gather around the dining room table to break bread and give thanks over an abundant meal. If you're thinking of bucking tradition and tossing a meaty centerpiece this year, Amy's Kitchen is here to help with a plant-based repast.
Which Side Are You On?
If we're going to be brutally honest, holiday meals are definitely all about the side dishes.
Amy's Macaroni & Cheese, made with organic pasta, is a soy-, corn-, and tree nut-free delight that's ready to heat and eat. It's also available in a light sodium version for those watching their salt intake. Looking for a more exotic starch? Amy's Kitchen has a quick way to whip up vegan risotto with a can of Amy's Split Pea Soup and an Instant Pot. Simply pour the soup into the pot with some salt and pepper, turmeric, cumin, garlic, and onion powder, and sprinkle in a cup of rice for a savory side.
Amy's Kitchen even offers a recipe for the Ultimate Vegan Gravy to dress mashed potatoes or a plant-based turkey alternative. With a 20-minute prep time, this meat-free treat combines mixed mushrooms, onion, vegetable stock, almond flour, coconut milk, and a smattering of rosemary, sage, and thyme with a bit of vegan butter substitute and a dash of salt and pepper.
A Meat-Free Meal Doesn't Have to Be Boring, Says Amy's Kitchen
In addition to all of its products being suitable for vegetarians, Amy's Kitchen offers plenty of accommodating products for other dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, kosher, reduced sodium, and more. With a goal of using as many organic ingredients as possible, Amy's Kitchen only uses non-GMO ingredients.
On its blog on amys.com, the global frozen food leader says virtually any dish can be transformed into a vegetarian or vegan delight as long as one keeps an open mind and is willing to bring enough for everyone to try it. Amy's Butternut Squash Soup, which comes in a can, is a prime example of a hassle-free first course perfect for a holiday feast. Amy's Kitchen features a recipe for the classic green bean casserole made with Amy's Mushroom Bisque With Porcini. This holiday dinner table staple requires frozen green beans, frozen wax beans, prepared gluten-free stuffing, cornstarch, chopped almonds, a medium-sized onion, a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, and a can of Amy's delectable mushroom bisque.
Amy's Kitchen advises that when sitting down to a holiday dinner and serving a vegan or vegetarian side dish, you don't have to make an announcement about it. You can just dish it up and let your guests make up their own minds about it, especially since it's been found that 52% of adults are at least vegan-curious.
"Whether or not consumers choose to go vegetarian or simply want to incorporate more plants into their diets when they choose Amy's Kitchen, they can count on the best ingredients," Fred Scarpulla, Amy's Kitchen chief culinary officer, stated in a press release.
Star-Studded Veggie Celebrations
There are plenty of famous faces getting in on the plant-based action. In 2021, 'Havana' singer Camila Cabello shared on plantbasednews.org that she was searching for holiday vegan recipes and that she enjoys eating vegetables.
Other vegan celebrities PETA says could be indulging in vegan celebrations include Sarah Silverman, Alicia Silverstone, Peter Dinklage, Danielle Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Ariana Grande, Jared Leto, and Natalie Portman.
Going vegetarian or vegan during holiday time has its health perks. Americans typically gobble 3,000 to 4,500 calories at their Thanksgiving table, according to estimates by the Calorie Control Council. Vegetarian versions of the meal can weigh in at far less.
Healthline.com reports a vegan diet can promote heart health and offer some protection against Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. A plant-based diet is often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, possibly reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Veganism is not only better for people's bodies, but it's good for the environment, too. The New York Times shared research from the University of Oxford, indicating that people who follow a plant-based diet account for 75% less in greenhouse gas emissions than those consuming more than 3.5 ounces of meat a day. The study further found that vegan diets equate to 75% less land use, 54% less water use, and 66% less biodiversity loss.
Maintaining a commitment to help the population introduce more plant-based meals into their daily diets, Amy's Kitchen hopes its products will grace more holiday tables this year.
"Creating a healthy environment is important to us, and we've been committed to making high-quality food with sustainable, organic, and vegetarian ingredients from the start," Amy's Kitchen co-founder Andy Berliner wrote in a letter on amyskitchen.com.