Pumpkin is symbolic of fall! Its bright color announces that it is loaded with alpha and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, can help maintain a health youthful body and has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and protect against heart disease. Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamins A, C, K, and E, along with minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Ingredients:

2 cups canned pumpkin, solid-pack
1 cup soymilk, preferably a rich soymilk
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 Tbs. molasses or blackstrap molasses
1 tsp. cinnamon, grounded
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ginger, ground
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. allspice or cloves, grounded
9" unbaked pastry crust

Directions:

1. In a blender, comine all ingredients.
2. Pour the filling into the pastry crust and bake at 350 degrees F. for 60 minutes, covering the edges with foil if they begin to brown too quickly.
3. Cool on a rack, then refrigerate overnight before serving (It needs a day to set really well).

For this and other great recipes, visit www.VeganConnection.com!

In addition to spending much-needed time with loved ones, holidays provide a perfect opportunity to inspire and help others… especially turkeys!

Encourage those close to you to extend compassion toward all beings this year and adopt compassionate alternatives to turkey dinners. Help promote a Gentle Thanksgiving by reaching out to your friends and family with colorful handouts (pictured to the left) offering a Free Veg Starter Kit and subscription to Meatout Mondays.

And don’t forget to send out animal-friendly greeting cards to everyone in your address book! Check out some of these compassionate cards to open the hearts of those around you:

Highland Creations - bring joy to others with humorous & lively cards.
Blue Mountain - send beautiful free e-cards to everyone on your list.
ASPCA - adorable cards that feature cutest, cuddliest animals.
Animal Advocates - touching cards, with unique animal stories.
HSUS - inspire a smile with your favorite animals.
International Fund for Animal Welfare - charity cards that feature animals from around the world.

To request Free handouts, visit www.GentleThanksgiving.org!

According to a recent study, eating two or more servings of vegetables a day can play an important role in maintaining mental acuity. For six years, researchers at Chicago's University Medical Center monitored the eating habits of nearly 2,000 Chicago residents 65 and older. Study participants completed questionnaires about their eating habits and were given mental function tests three times across the course of the study to determine changes in short-term and long-term memory.

All participants experienced some decrease in mental ability over time, however those who consumed more than two servings of vegetables a day experienced a 40 percent less decline than those who ate fewer.

While meat-heavy diets can contribute to heart disease and narrowing of the arteries, vegetable-rich diets are more beneficial to the body and brain. Most vegetables are naturally nutrient-dense and low in calories; eating them raw is a good way to preserve their nutrients.

To read the full article, click here!

Millions of vegetarians and other caring folks across the U.S. are celebrating this Thanksgiving with a delicious array of vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and meat-alternatives, replacing the turkeys on their dinner table. The Vegetarian Society of D.C. will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day with hundreds of people and a gourmet vegan feast. This annual gala brings together vegetarians and non-vegetarians to enjoy life-affirming food in a wonderful social setting.

Show your friends and family how fulfilling and wonderful cruelty-free cuisine can be! Host your own local Gentle Thanksgiving – visit www.GentleThanksgiving.org to find out how.

To read more about VSDC Thanksgiving Celebration, visit www.VSDC.org!

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10101 Ashburton Ln Bethesda, MD 20817
info@meatoutmondays.org

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