My Thanksgiving dinner plate:
Macaroni and cheese is better than turkey any day.
Chandler Bing would agree :).
I celebrated Thanksgiving with my family and a few friends, and the macaroni (this recipe) was actually the only thing on my plate made by me. Everything else: my mom’s broccoli salad (lightly steamed, then tossed with olive oil and lemon juice—so simple but so good), my neighbor’s homemade cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes (cooked with orange juice, then some were set aside for me before the marshmallows went on top), and my favorite magic mushrooms.
The “Magic Mushrooms” recipe is from here.
(Warning: it’s a very old post!)
And a close-up shot of the macaroni. Recipe coming soon!
Edit:
For the commenters who asked about appetizers, here is what I ate before the meal: hummus (store-bought) and blue corn chips, a few steamed asparagus from the mostly-raw veggie tray, and quite a few handfuls of roasted pecans, which are one of my favorite things in the world. Oh, and wine! (Beaujolais nouveau, if you’re a wine connoisseur. I’m not one.) How our Thanksgiving works is that we pretty much eat for the entire party, not just when we sit down for dinner! 😉
Dessert was my Healthy Pecan Pie.
I also had a homemade chocolate truffle from the recipe in Sunday’s post. No pumpkin pie; I’m pumpkin-ed out this holiday season, at least for awhile. (Sorry for the ugly nighttime lighting and flash photography. It doesn’t do the pie–which was a non-chocolate variation of the original recipe–justice at all.)
The best part of the night was that my sister was able to fly in, which we weren’t sure was going to happen. During the day, she was very useful as a taste-tester. I made a batch of cranberry cookies, and she said, “Please Katie, don’t serve these!”
Question of the Day:
What’s one thing or person you’re thankful for this year?
This year I am thankful for my sister… and for her brutal honesty! I’m also thankful for chocolate-chip cookie dough, chocolate brownies, and chocolate milkshakes. See a pattern?
And I am very thankful for these faces.
Erica {EricaDHouse.com} says
I’m thankful for realizing I don’t need him 🙂
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Most thankful for our new puppy – makes our house really feel like home! 🙂
Olivia @ OmNom Love says
The macaroni looks super yummy! Can’t wait for the recipe! I’m most thankful for my family, who is brave enough to try all my kitchen experiments. 😉 And for chocolate. Can never forget the chocolate. 🙂
Shundara@ SavyNaturalista says
I cannot wait for the mac and cheese recipe, I am burned out on pumpkin as well I had so much I never got any pecan pie and it looks so good.!!!
Jenni says
I am thankful for my new little buddy, Macaroni! He followed my sister home one night and decided he didn’t want to live on the streets anymore, so now he lives with me and his 2 other doggy siblings and he seems very happy about it!
Terri says
Oh pretty please post the mac and cheese recipe soon!!!! My son is celebrating his 8th birthday and he asked for mac and cheese for dinner. Would love to make him a delicious healthy version.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
When is his birthday? If I am not planning to post it in time, I will can email you!
Terri says
Wow thanks. It was yesterday but we are celebrating tonight. I would love to have it emailed if that isn’t too much trouble. tlchello@yahoo.ca If you can’t make it today, no worries. I will throw together another fave of his and plan on the mac and cheese for the weekend. Thanks so much.
Trish @ MyBigFatBundt says
Lol @ ‘Please Katie, don’t serve these!’
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes, she is very tactful. 😕
Sarah the official CCK drooler @RomneyRyan2012 says
I am so thankful for my dad- yeah he can be tough sometimes but as you get older you realize how much your dad has sacrificed. He is the best, always trying to teach me the truth and setting a godly example for me. It makes me tear up when people come tell me how he’s changed their lives with the love of Christ. Love ya dad! ( and my dad loves your home made almond joys)
Oh and I am thankful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for saving me again and again from circumstances I never would have gotten through without His clear intervention. Love You, Jesus! 🙂 I just had to say that 😀
becauseHeloves! says
I’m thankful for Jesus, too!
Meagan says
Looking forward to that mac and cheese recipe!
Meagan says
I stumbled upon your blog several months ago and have since made the pumpkin pizookie, the coconut crack bars and the chocolate chip cookie dough dip, all of which were received EXTREMELY well. Your recipes are incredible and you are my new go to blog when it comes time to make desserts!
Allison says
Thankful for family, friends )both 2 and 4 legged) and good health.
What *I* want to know is, what’s that yummy looking orange stuff in the glasses in the (bee-yoo-tee-ful) photo?! And yes, I’m looking forward to the mac&cheese recipe too! =]
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
That is actually a jello “salad” thing a friend makes. My sister loves it!
S says
You don’t eat much at all! Thanksgiving is when I stuff my face – I think I had about four times what you ate 😛
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I think the photo is deceiving. It really was a lot of food… the macaroni goes pretty far back. Plus appetizers and desserts. And of course quite a lot of tasting while preparing. Can’t forget that!
Liz says
So funny, I thought it looked like a lot of food. Would you mind sharing what appetizers you made? I’m a new vegan and would love some ideas.
anonymous says
Would love to know, too!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
OK updated! 🙂
Emily says
Haha, I thought the same thing! I was like, ‘whoa, Thanksgiving dinner from a salad plate? I’ve been doing it wrong for years lol’
I’m excited for the macaroni recipe. I’m not a vegan, but I can’t eat dairy so cheese is one thing I really do miss. If you can make something that’s similar to mac’n’cheese, I’m in. c:
Jess says
I’d love a recipe for the macaroni ‘cheeze’! Have I missed a link at all?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Recipe coming soon :).
carolyn says
As of now, you will DEFINATELY be posting that macaroni and cheese recipe OR ELSE.
(Or else what?
OR ELSE I’LL TAKE ALL YOUR CHOCOLATE AWAY! An unbearable punishment, I know…)
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
Omigosh that mac and cheese looks phenom! I cannot wait for the recipe!! And looks like you had a great Thanksgiving dinner! We actually had a gluten-free & vegan Thanksgiving and it was amazing! Everyone enjoyed it which was quite a feat considering there were some skeptics!
kimthevegan says
Mmmm I love mac & cheese. It was my absolute favourite food before going vegan and I finally found a healthy, vegan version to make myself.
I’m looking forward to seeing your recipe though.
Glad you got to see your sister =)
And those are some cute faces!!!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Haha I actually live brutal honesty, I think that’s why my best friend from highschool and I are so close: we always know what the other is thinking, nothing to hide!
{Moni} @ Moni Meals says
Looked lovely Katie! Yes, Mac N Cheese is great anytime!
Andie says
Aaaahhh Katie, please post the recipe for the mac n cheese! (If it’s yours/an original one!) It looks amazing! If you didn’t make it up, is it from a recipe or a mix? If so, I would love to know where I can get it–Mac ‘n cheese is my ultimate dinner and I’ve missed it since becoming vegan! Lol. Also, you and your sister are so pretty! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thanks, Andie. I’ll post the mac and cheese recipe soon… if you absolutely need it earlier, let me know!
narf7 says
I NEED that macaroni and cheeze recipe! I will be waiting and checking my rss feed reader every single day till I can tenderly copy and paste it and make it for dinner that night. I implore you to not make me wait too long…I may have to be hospitalised 😉
kaity @ kaityscooking says
that mac and cheese looks amazing, i cant wait for the recipe!!
Suzanne says
Sisters…what a blessing you are for each other!
kate says
Im not from America and Im not sure I read this correctly….you put marshmallows…..on sweet potatoes?
Courtney says
Yes! Sweet potato casserole. It’s delicious. One of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Yellow Haired Girl says
You can’t tell you guys are sisters AT ALL 😉
Excellent Friends reference, lady!
Ed says
Thats some good looking mac and cheese!
Melody says
I’m thankful for pecan pie 🙂
Mmma says
The pie looks so good, and the mac and cheese too! That’s a ton of food, and you sure stuffed a lot onto that one plate. Is that a salad plate or a dinner plate? It’s hard to tell from the photo.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Those are dinner plates (around 11 inches). Not exactly fancy… it’s a long story, but the gist is that we only own a certain number of fancy Thanksgiving-type plates, and two unexpected guests were coming at the last minute, so my sister and I used regular dinner plates.
snenny says
Glad you had a happy Thanksgiving! It’s lovely having your family around for celebrations (and the day to day stuff too <3 ).
The mac looks amazing, can't wait for that recipe to come up. Mac n' cheese was my fave pre-vegan 🙂
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit says
Love the Friends reference. One of my favorite Thanksgiving episodes is where Monica tries to be sexy to get revenge on Chandler and she ends up cutting off his toe. That scene in the kitchen is hilarious! 😀 Looks like a delicious Thanksgiving and I’m so glad you got to spend it with your family and, especially, your sister. 🙂
Cassandra says
I am so thankful for my husband! He’s a wonderful provider. And I can’t wait until you post the mac & cheese recipe. It looks DELISH!
Bianca-Vegan Crunk says
Yum! That mac & cheese looks delicious! Glad you had a yummy vegan Thanksgiving!
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
I’ve never done Thanksgiving before but I’m glad to hear that there are still so many yummy and healthy options for vegans!
Lia says
Nommm! I’m excited for that Mac & Cheese. I looks really nice. I’m glad you had a good Thanksgiving with your family!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I had a vegan Thanksgiving too- my first one! And I would also take mac n cheese over turkey any day. Man, I should have thought of that one! I did have some FANTASTIC cherry walnut stuffing and roasted root veggies!
And Healthy Pecan Pie…. must make ASAP!
I’m thankful for my new career. It gets better every day!
This Fit Chick Carrie says
Long time no talk, Katie!!!!!!! You look gorgeous!!! I’m back to blogging – hope everything is well 😀
Melissa @ My Whole Food Life says
Looking forward to the mac and cheese! My older daughter loves it, but I never serve her the gross boxed version. I am thankful for the health of my family and that my daughter, who is currently tube fed, actually has started eating by mouth. Huge accomplishment for her!
Joy says
My husband had his first turkey-free Thanksgiving this year! (Mine have been that way for almost twenty years now, though.) Your plate looks delicious!
I’m thankful for my family, and that my husband was home this year!
Dora J Crow says
I am another Mac n cheese freak here! I am also a newbie. My name is Dora J Crow and I am from Montgomery, Al. I am also patiently ( frantically ) awaiting that gorgeously perfect recipe. I truly do not think I have ever seen any Mac n cheese that tasty looking in a photo. It sorta makes me want to lick the screen of my iPhone! Anyhow, nice to meet you! I am also another chocoholic as well!
Nicki says
When are you coming out with your recipe book??? I can’t wait!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Not sure yet… hopefully I’ll know more in the next few weeks!
L. says
Ooh! I can’t wait for the mac and cheese recipe. The others I’ve tried just haven’t worked out well.
Purelytwins says
looked like the perfect Thanksgiving!!
xoxo
Vyvacious says
I LOVE MAC AND CHEESE! OH AND CHANDLER BING! 😛
Aleise says
Yes please mac looks soooooo yummy cant wait for recipe
Lea says
Your plate looks delicious! I love that you make a vegan Thanksgiving seem so accessible! Vegan sides are definitely my favorite Thanksgiving foods!
Kit-Kat says
My mom makes her yams with fresh-squeezed orange, too! It is THE BEST way to have yams! (she slices and stacks them in a cake pan and bakes them in the oven) Yummmmm.
And agreed; Mac’n'”cheese” is so much better than turkey! 🙂
Ms. Chanandler Bong :) says
CHANDLER! 😀 im thankful for my friends, family, every single person on the wonderful world wide web, and chandler, rachel, ross, monica, joey, and phoebe. 😉
The Life of Clare says
I love the look of the pecan pie! I’m thankful for my husband, our life and our baby chickens.
TorontoRunner says
Your blog name is all that’s needed for me to check you out! (obsessed with chocolate!)
New reader and I’m glad I found you!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks! I will have to check out your blog too!
Lindsay says
That mac and cheese looks amazing!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Mac and Cheese on Thanksgiving? I love it! I had a veggie stirfry. lol
Mike says
I’d have put some turkey in with the Mac n Cheese. Yum.
Sarah S. says
Awesome! I tweeted my plate – stuffing, roasted butternut and acorn squash, roasted balsamic brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes and a simple vegan gravy, and noodles made with “chicken” seasoning and topped with some crushed club crackers… yum! It’s really not hard being vegan sometimes 😀
Crash Course Cardiologist says
Your Thanksgiving dinner looks amazing … eagerly awaiting the (hopefully vegan?) mac-and-cheese recipe. Love your blog!!! :=)
Cate says
That’s to funny! I was just telling my family we should have vegan mac n cheese for thanksgiving instead of tofurky. haha. Can’t wait for that recipe!!!
Amanda says
It really grinds my gears when people comment on how much (or little) bloggers eat. Depending on the plate, the camera, the angle of the shot, the type of food on the plate, etc., pictures can unintentionally deceive to make things look bigger or smaller. Further, readers are never going to be fully informed about what bloggers did or didn’t eat earlier in the day, etc. So, please, to anyone who said “you eat so much!” or “you eat so little!”, above, restrain yourself next time. Not only is it insensitive to Katie (or the author of whatever blog you’re reading), but it can also be triggering for people with eating disorders who are also reading. How much a blogger eats is none of your business, and I’m tired of half of Katie’s posts having to be apologies or edits about not being clear about each calorie she sticks in her mouth.
Maya says
Seriously! It totally takes away from the purpose of the blog to have people think like that. Plus, bloggers often just plate whatever is going to look good in a photo, not necessarily the entirety of their meal! Regardless, it’s really none of anyone’s business nor does it help anyone!
Melissa says
I agree. I’ve become really bothered by the ignorance of the comments that are made on this site. The portion size of that meal was MORE than enough, and in a country where 2/3 of the adults are OBESE – so much so that it costs hundreds of millions to treat chronic diseases stemming from their obesity – the last thing we need to do is encourage ANYONE to eat more than one VERY full plate of food.
Think before you comment next time.
Melissa says
I’m pretty sure Katie eating more than one plate of food (which is 98% vegetables and largely fat free) won’t encourage the OMG!*pearlclutch!* Obesity Epidemic!!! Katie is fine. She can eat until she can’t move and won’t affect your precious pocketbook. The folks who want to gain to be healthier? Pretty sure we can definitely encourage them to eat as much as they desire.
Fat shaming is so awesome, though. Especially on a site where there are, admittedly, many readers who are either ED, recovering or folks trying to lose weight.
Good job. I’m actually sad we share a name, frankly.
Linda says
Melissa (second Melissa), I’m actually sad you are a fellow human being, frankly. Really, there is no need to attack other commenters on this blog. Don’t you have anything better to do?
Katie, I think I accidentally subscribed to comments on this post when what I meant to do was subscribe to get the recipes. Can you take my name off the list when you get a chance? Thanks!
Melissa says
Really? Sarcasm is “attacking” now?
The original comment was incredibly shaming and triggering.
Sorry, my tolerance for fat shaming and concern trolling over the obesity epidemic isn’t very high. As someone recovering from EDNOS, the original comment was really hurtful and, honestly, pretty terrible.
Fatty fat fatties shouldn’t eat more food because they cost us money with their fatty fat fatness! Plus, the emphasis that *no one* should eat more than what this commenter deems “appropriate” amounts of food. That’s triggering to anyone who is currently struggling with an ED or in recovery. Especially since Katie is in no danger of obesity, has stated she wants to gain and this plate of food is full of very low calorie, very healthy food. There is nothing wrong with her, or anyone else, eating whatever they want in whatever amounts they want.
And no, I don’t have much better to do than to work for ALL people to be comfortable in their own skin and not shamed for their size/how much they eat. This sort of thing is harmful and hurtful. I could have been less snarky, sure, but frankly I’m just tired and done with this sort of thing in general. Sorry, it’s exhausting dealing with all the inevitable obesity epidemic/don’t eat/be skinny noise online. It’s tiring, it’s exhausting, it hurts. I lash out because it makes me sad and frustrated.
Jennifer says
Love the picture f your sister. Not exactly look alikes but you can sure see the resemblance.
Annessa says
Are you willing to share the macaroni recipe? It looks amazing and I LOOOOOOOVE macaroni.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
coming soon!
Laura Miller says
Yum! We had macaroni as a main dish last year. Who needs turkey?
Maya says
It’s hilarious that people even feel the need to comment on your plate size!!! And who only has one plate at Thanksgiving anyway??? What impresses me is how nicely your food is laid out…mine is always one sloppy mess piled on top of itself 🙂 Your plate is so colorful and fun.
Maya says
By my second sentence, I totally meant to imply that clearly this was not all the food that you ate 🙂 I am rereading it and realize it could be misconstrued as one of the random comments attacking the way you eat…which is totally ridiculous.
Rachel says
As a fellow Friends fan Katie, you’d appreciate this – I made moist-maker sandwiches with my leftovers. They were delicious; I don’t think I will be able to wait until next thanksgiving to have one again.
Maya says
ME TOO!!! My cousin and I do that every year. Even though we haven’t been together at Thanksgiving in years, we will cal each other when making moistmakers the next day. Soooo delicious. Bring on the food coma.
Maya says
Either my comments aren’t going through or my computer isn’t updating them and I will be bombarding your wall! Anyway, I just wanted to clarify that my comment wasn’t meant to attack you. I reread it and realize it may have been misinterpreted and I actually was trying to defend you. I had simply meant that since it was Thanksgiving, clearly the one plate pictured does not represent the entirety of your meal! And even if it was, no one should feel the need to attack you! It looks delicious, healthy, and very satisfying. And it is making me very hungry. Can’t wait for the mac and cheeze recipe.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I think there’s a lag time. They’re showing up for me :).
T. Marie says
Your Thanksgiving food looks and sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing. You and your sis are so darned cute by the way. Also, I love the pic with you and the turkey : )
Deborah says
Loved seeing what you made for Thanksgiving, Katie. I was delighted to see you had Mac and Cheeze, since that was the main course at my dinner as well. My kids love our vegan version of M & C and specifically requested it for Thanksgiving. I made some delicious garlicky greens and roasted sweet potatoes to go with it, as well as some stuffed mushrooms.
I’m thankful for all the wonderful recipes I found to make this year’s Thanksgiving meal so delicious, for my wonderful family, and my rescued friends: 4 cats, 2 dogs, and a precious little mouse that my son’s friend was going to throw away so of course we took him in and he lives a happy life in my son’s room now.
Allison @ Life's a Bowl says
Your plate looks so colorful, so pretty, and as I can only imagine so tasty! I’m a big fan of mushrooms- raw or cooked- so I’m headed over to check out your post 🙂
Gabbie A. says
my sister and I have been looking for a delicious mac and cheese recipe! looking forward to your mac and cheese recipe! seems like it’s gonna be a huge hit!
Kristen says
Funny, my son just told me last night and said he was craving homemade macaroni and cheese…and then I stumbled on your Thanksgiving post, and your FABULOUS looking macaroni and cheese. I add my voice to the chorus…pretty please, post the recipe! My mouth is watering! *Nag, nag* 🙂 Thank-you, and we love your recipes!
Alexa says
How did you make the non-chocolate pecan pie? Did you just omit the cocoa powder from your pecan pie recipe? 🙂
Shey says
You stated that you made a non chocolate version of your Healthy chocolate pecan pie, did you simply omit the coco? or did you substitute anything in it’s place? I searched the original recipe page too and couldn’t off hand spot anything. I also looked to see if you made “after” notes about it, and didn’t see anything. Sorry if I missed something but I love your recipes and pecan pies can be finicky!