Tips on How to Cook Tofurkey This Thanksgiving

If you insist on having a vegetarian Thanksgiving this year, or simply need to cook for the vegetarian family members of your Thanksgiving Day party, consider the many benefits of Tofurkey. Tofurkey is the modern-day equivalent of the average bird, a 'synthetic' turkey made entirely of tofu. Instead of experiencing a tryptophan-induced coma after Turkey dinner, Tofurkey gives you a bonus of extra energy and a meatless Thanksgiving experience. If you're still hesitant to create your soy-based masterpiece, you'll need a basic guide to put together this veg-friendly entrée. (Sorry, the tofu package doesn't come with directions for this one).

Tofurkey Basics
Thawing your tofurkey is essential, so make sure you've left the tofurkey out overnight before cooking day. When it's ready for preparation, you'll want to 'compile' your tofurkey in a bread pan. This makes sure everything stays put as you develop the roast, and it will be much easier to baste the tofurkey when you have it securely wrapped with tinfoil in a bread pan. Forget about the large-scale roasting pan at the supermarket-those are best used for an actual bird.

You'll need to wrap the tofurkey as tight as possible, since this preserves the sauce or any marinades. After cooking, you'll be draining away some of the excess sauce as well, so keep this in mind when wrapping--make sure you're wrapping it so it closes on top. The tastiest sauce combination that actually gets absorbed in your pseudo-bird is anything soy-based; add your choice of spices and seasonings, but be sure to use soy sauce for maximum flavor.

Baking Your Very-Unturkey Tofurkey
Baking the Tofurkey directly usually results in some tough and chewy slices. If you want to make your Tofurkey moist (and edible), consider steaming it first and cooking it in the oven only slightly. Accompaniemnts of stuffing and gravy can be added as trimmings-you won't have much luck baking these with the Tofurkey itself, so plan on making each part of the meal separately and presenting it together when it's ready for serving.