Know Your Guest’s Vegetarian Type

Start by determining what type of vegetarian your guest is. Here are some common categories:

• Vegan: Avoids all animal products, including honey and yeast.
• Lacto-ovo Vegetarian: Eats dairy and eggs but not meat.
• Pescatarian: Includes fish in their diet.
• Semi-vegetarian: Occasionally eats meat but primarily follows a vegetarian diet.

Key Questions to Ask

Before you start preparing your holiday meal, consider these five questions to understand your guest's dietary preferences:

1. Do you eat certain types of meat or none at all?

   • If they are okay with some meats (like fish or poultry), you might prepare a side dish accordingly or ask if they’d like to bring a small dish for themselves.

2. Are you okay with serving utensils that have been in contact with meat dishes?

   • Some vegetarians may experience discomfort from cross-contamination. To avoid issues, designate separate utensils for vegetarian dishes.

3. Do you eat foods that contain milk and eggs?

   • Knowing this can help you tailor your recipes. For those who avoid these, consider egg replacers and plant-based milk alternatives.

4. Do you consume honey and yeast?

   • Some vegetarians avoid these for ethical reasons. If so, adjust your recipes or suggest they bring a dish that aligns with their preferences.

5. Would you like to bring your own main dish?

   • Many vegetarians enjoy meat alternatives like "tofurkey" or veggie burgers. They may appreciate the opportunity to bring their own dish.

Communication is Key

The most important step is to communicate openly with your vegetarian guest. Ask how you can accommodate them and if they’d like to cook alongside you or bring their own dish.

By being considerate and proactive, you can create a holiday meal that everyone, including the vegetarian in your family, will enjoy. Happy cooking!