Birthday Blog Takeover #7

I don’t think I could put into words how thankful I am to have veg-curious in-laws.  It’s one thing for your husband’s family to be accepting of your diet, but it’s a completely different thing to have them be interested enough to embrace it in their own lives.  I know they already wrote a joint post, but this one is just from Beverly.  It’s funny because I remember this story SO VIVIDLY (but somewhat differently).  Enjoy!

In & Outta Love

On the HHH blog, many readers noted they wished their family embraced their veganism.  Well it isn’t always an easy bridge!

It was always our signature and welcome to feed those who enter our home – and all meals were prepared with love.

Our family comes from a rural farming background – where if you grew it or raised it – you ate it.  Our Scandinavian heritage based their recipes around cheese and butter.  In addition, with hubby’s roots being southern where deep fried food and full fat dinners is a sign of love.  Excited and thrilled to have Kyle come “home” my “motherly love” began thinking what to cook.  

When Kyle left for college, I (his mom) was immediately out of the loop from whom he was dating… Therefore, when he informed us he was flying home and bringing his girlfriend….we knew it had to be love.

Making the list of all the un-heart-healthy family favorites, the fridge was fully stocked.  I really wasn’t brought up to speed on Elise’s preferences or health influences with eating prior to her arrival.  I now relate it to the scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding when the Mom and the Aunt are informed the boyfriend doesn’t eat meat —with a response “NO MEAT???? —Then we will have Lamb!” 

Looking back, I was THAT naïve about cooking vegan.  I will even embarrass myself by sharing the thanksgiving fiasco when I asked her to slice the meat… WHAT was I thinking!  Thankfully, her now sister-in-law pointed out to me that wasn’t the best job to delegate, as Elise was dutifully obliging – but in tears.  Poor Elise must have nearly starved to death (now I know, Elise brought hidden food and nourishment in her suitcase).  Everything I thought was vegetarian missed the mark.  Moreover, I wanted soooo much to welcome and know her.  It must have been outta love that she hung in there with us.

I do remember being “hip” somewhere in my teen/hippie years where for a short period (probably a couple of weeks) experimented with being vegetarian.  Which I am sure thinking potatoes qualified – so why not French-fries.  My next real wave embracing Food and Cooking is when I went from corn oil to EVOO.   How Savoir-faire!  So I had some work to do!

Elise has been so patient as we learned to understand Veganism vs. Vegetarian.  She has exposed us to absolutely a plethora of new, colorful, flavorful and healthy choices –and getting away from the thought that it meant eating sticks and weeds. 

Now this learning experience has not been one sided with Elise showing up and wondering, “whatcha got” when she arrives for a visit – in fact, do you remember the blog where she traveled across the US with a batch of brownies??  Now that was love!!!  Ok and darn yummy too!  Each visit she joins me in the kitchen and we tackle a recipe, a salad dressing or she adds something to a meal.  That has made such a difference!  She too wanted me to learn.

It wasn’t until I was asked to do the Daniel Fast at church that the light came on – hey, THIS is Vegan.  Then I knew I could bridge my inexperience with my deepest desire to be closer with my daughter-in-law. From that experience Kevin and I have embraced, experimented, and incorporated vegan recipes into our life.  There are healthier food choices made though now it is not a struggle but a pleasure to adapt.  

It is outta love!  With love, we old dogs learn new tricks. Most importantly, I can continue to show my “motherly love“, through food–especially for my daughter-in-law!

[Barcelona 2005]

*Aside from having to baste the ham that first Thanksgiving with Kyle’s family, there’s never been a moment where I haven’t felt completely comfortable.  Kevin and Beverly have always welcomed me and my food preferences – no raised eyebrows, no eye rolling, no snide remarks – just pure open-minded intrigue.  They are the dream audience for a vegan who just wants to share how wonderful and delicious plant based food is.  And for that, I’m extremely grateful.