Halloween Vegan Potluck

Had a delightful Halloween vegan potluck at my house this afternoon. It was pretty funny because one of the attendees was heading to volunteer at the cat coalition after the dinner, so she wore the top that she wears to do that with the logo on it. We joked that she came as an animal rights activist. Since I was the hostess, I spent most of my time getting ready, so I just wore a dark straight hair wig and plenty of dark makeup and red lipstick. The head of the animal rights group that organized it came as a hydrofracking protestor. It is always fun to break bread with activists of any kind - there is a bond that can be a source of encouragement and, in this case, fun! There are things in this world scarier and more evil than witches, ghosts and vampires! :-) The food was good too. I made a green bean casserole with soy milk, and still was able to use those fried onions in the can (believe it or not, they are vegan). I also made a cranberry orange relish - a big hit - and an apple pie. Others brought roasted brussell sprouts and sweet potatoes and cranberries, a pasta dish with broccoli, black beans and a sauce; pasta dish with tomatoes, capers and vegan feta cheeze. Vegan peanut butter cups was another favorite. We had candles and lighted pumpkins and a holiday tablescape? - not exactly up to Martha Stewart standards, but festive nonetheless. The talk was sometimes serious - animal rights, politics - or just fun conversation getting to know each other a little better. And now I have some tasty leftovers! Oh yeah - being the hostess has its perks, eh? Happy Halloween to all and to all a good night!