Is it that time already?

I've seen out in the shops since early this month the begining of Christmas stock. Too early surely? Maybe not, the family are already talking about Christmas plans.

Since it's obviously hurtling towards that time of year I decided to start testing some vegan things in advance.

On my hit list:
Matrioshka Eggnog - Eggless nog? I'm quite partial to the nog myself so I'm keen to see what this version will be like. Nobody else in the family is really keen on eggnog so I don't know how they will take to this version. Oh well, all the more for me.

Gingered Champagne Cocktail -  I lurrrve ginger! It must run in the family because so does my mother and her father. I highly suspect the extended family would try this on the day.

Christmas Tamales - All I know of tamales is that Americans rave over them on the internet, and I have Latin cook book in which I keep looking at the tamales thinking they look like they'd be delicious. I know people complain were all becoming too Amercanised, but this is one American tradition I like the sound of adopting.

Greenbean Mushroom Casserole - I love mushrooms and anything with mushrooms in it. I've not been a fan of green beans however. That said certain family members make faces at mushrooms. Combining too evils could equal something fabulous. Personally I think all that mushroom will elevate this to fabulousness!
However I know from past experience sourcing prepared vegan mushroom soup is a challenge. All but one of the mushroom soups I have seen are made with beef stock. And the one that didn't? Was a cream of, so contained dairy. That said I have seen a mushroom soup recipe in a zine I recently purchased (Sunny Days in Texas), so I'm adding that to my to try list.

Thanksgiving in an Hour - Quick and also looks very simple apart from the Chickpea Cutlets which require more work. Since I'll probably be jostling for space in the kitchen, minimum effort or make ahead are going to be key. I broccoli and mashed potato, the mushroom gravy sounds good and the chickpea cutlets get rave reviews. I've never eaten cranberry sauce so it's the only thing I'm unsure about.
If I go with the Greenbean Mushroom Casserole above, I don't think I'll do mushroom gravy. Too much 'shroom I fear for the family, don't think it would be for me. Massel who make wonderful veg friendly stocks also make veg friendly gravy powders. I've not tried the gravy but a fellow Aussie vegan highly reccomends them.

Looking for something to do with pumpkin/sweet potato/carrots, I feel like I'd like something orange going on my plate amongest all this.

Things I've already made and have on the reserve list:
Harvest Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms - Back to the mushrooms again, can you tell the mushrooms and I have torrid love affair? These were wonderful, although I had filling left over, but I suspect my portobello's wern't quite as big or perhaps as deep. Basically I had to mound the filling in, rather than stuff the mushrooms.
These have omni approval, my father polished off two them, after having alreadyfinished  eating his dinner. And I will admit I found them very filling.


Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Hazelnuts - I lurrve brussel sprouts, equal to mushrooms. And as much as I love them, roasting them takes them to a whole new level. Absolutly worth a try, even if your a bit ambivilent about them try this!

Scalloped Potatoes and Eggplant Bacon - I just made this the other day, and it also gets omni approval. Well my Dad had two serves, my sister ate the potato and picked the eggplant out. Mostly approved. But I really liked it.

My line up is basically picking a bunch of stuff I like the idea of, picking my favourite things. At least I know I'll have something interesting/tasty/vegan to eat at Christmas dinner instead of my usual vegetarian pickings of past which involves bread. potatoes and salad (lettuce/tomato/cucumber/possibly avocado concoction).
Has anybody else succombed to the impending madness and started making Christmas plans???