RECIPE: Adapting “Christmas Dinner” Staples
Living in a secular country and culture can present some challenges to the practicing Christian, however, we can keep some principles in mind when holiday parties present themselves to us.
Make some small changes to your menu
Remembering that we fast in private, or rather, that we don’t need to show others that we are fasting, it is quite doable to adapt holiday menus to include vegan, or at least vegetarian, options. Here are some options:
Green beans - try olive oil instead of butter, and skip the bacon bits and parmesan. Try ginger or sesame seeds as a topping.
Mashed potatoes - try almond milk or oat milk instead of cow’s milk or even just the cooking water itself. And olive oil instead of butter.
Brussel sprouts - olive oil instead of butter.
Stuffing - olive oil instead of butter.
Gravy - try a packaged version instead of using the meat juices, and olive oil when frying mushrooms (if using).
Turkey - consider stuffed stuffed peppers, a lentil cake, veggie patties, or stuffed squash.
Possible exceptions to Fasting Rules:
(Reprinted from Holy Protection parish (UOC of USA) website. Bolded parts are from the editor.)
“Orthodox Christians must always fast in ways that are not a detriment to one’s health (to do things that harm the body goes contrary to the faith). Particular fasting disciplines are relaxed, when necessary, when one is travelling or ill. Also, when receiving the hospitality of others (if someone invites you to dinner, for example, go and receive with thanksgiving what is set before you). For those who live in households where not everyone is Orthodox, for example, modifications will need to be made for everyone to be able to eat as a family. If you have not already, consult your parish priest and maybe make a good fasting plan that works for you. For those who have special health needs, for example diabetes, modifications need made to fasting rules. In such a case, fasting from all foods that are unhealthy may be your form of fast. Likewise, those who take medications that require a certain pattern of eating should do so as needed. In general, the words of St. Isaac of Syria are pertinent for exceptions, where he states: “If you cannot fast for two days in a row completely, at least fast until evening. And if you cannot fast until evening, then at least keep yourself from eating too much.” (Homily 51).”