Vegan Mofo Day #12: Thanksgiving Alone WIth Classic Mac & Cheese

The lone holiday dinner pack.

Greyhound sold out. Megabus had no trips. Plane costs crept up to a thousand.
I should have expected that. Still, surprise came anyway-- unleashing stark sadness over a still questionable holiday. Fresh from a week overseas, not the least bit tired or jetlagged, I didn't mind another adventure-- a thirteen hour ride to good ole Dayton to make the customary vegan dishes for Mom and siblings plus spend quality time with dearest friends. New tradition of walnut and mushroom couscous stuffing stays on my mind, but it's various versions of family approved mouthwatering macaroni & cheese making heart pound.

From Newsweek.

Then again, when it comes to celebrating fourth Thursday of every November, Americans need to face honest reality, go beyond thankfulness and focus on North Dakota. At this very moment, descendants of horrifically glossed over genocide are fighting to keep their land and water from a pipeline threatening their livelihood. Now it's not just the pipeline itself. Militant police forces are using extremely violent measures to stop peaceful protests. So yes, history is being repeated in modern contemporary age. We need this to end. Immediately.
This afternoon, over an isolated dinner, alone and unsupervised, I prayed for family, friends, North Dakota, the world. Times are toughening up. We need to be strong and protect each other during this challenging strife. I am thankful for what I have and need no Black Friday to say otherwise.

Classic Macaroni & Cheese Ingredients and Preparation

1 cup macaroni (or fusilli, grocery store sold out on macaroni)
3 slices Daiya Provolone
1/3 cup almond milk (or any dairy free milk)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon love, peace, and thankfulness (more if necessary)

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Melt Daiya into warmed almond milk. Stir in onion and garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour sauce over pasta and mix until evenly combined.

Holy angels gave blessing and light.

Simple no fuss recipe that can be made an hour or two before holiday supper.

Creamy close up.

Whole Foods Holiday Vegan Box consisted of roasted Brussels Sprouts, butternut squash with cranberries, cornbread stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Of course it was missing the best carb-- macaroni and cheese.

Eat, be merry, and think of those in need. There will always be people who need more than what they have been offered in this life. It's our duty to see that they receive our loving helping hands.