friend's cottage

[Emily]

I'm going to my friend's cottage for 3 days and I haven't told them I'm vegan yet. What should I bring? I don't really want to take up any fridge space but I want to eat well too.

I was thinking soymilk in juiceboxes that doesn't require refrigeration and maybe some peanuts.


Emily

[Maggie]

Bringing staples that don't require refrigeration is a good idea. Soymilk in little aseptic containers and nuts, as you mentioned, are good things. Maybe some veggie burgers or dogs if there will be a cookout involved. Mention to your host that you're vegan and give him/her some idea of what you do and don't eat. Then tell him/her not to worry - you'll be just fine and are really looking forward to the visit!
Peace,
Maggie

[nara]

I've been enjoying bulk granola. Canned green beans with a little soy sauce (or tamari) with some gomasio added is not gormet, but quick easy and realy yummi! No egg pasta dish everything can be canned or dry untill you eat it. Ryvita crackers are good with anything!;)

[annie7]

And maybe the oriental ramen noodle packages, whole grain bread, nut butter spread, fruit leathers, soy jerky, non perishable stuff like that.... and be sure to bring enough to share, the yummier, the better... you may be the example that helps someone else!

[Casey]

We often travel to visit friends and family (in Canada actually, some of them in Ottawa!), and I always take soymilk with me and a small container of sugar, and herbal or green tea. I usually go shopping as soon as we get there, but if I was in your situation I'd take things like bread, peanut butter, cereal (packets of oatmeal are good, or dry, cold cereal), pasta and a jar of spaghetti sauce, instant soups, popcorn, fruit, can of baked beans, brown rice and a can of veggie chili. If you think you'll be able to do more cooking than just opening a can and heating up the contents, maybe you could bring vegetables that don't require refrigeration (potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, etc), canned diced tomatoes/tomato paste/tomato sauce, couscous, and lentils or canned beans, and you could make a big hearty stew or thick soup for everyone. And if you have a sweet tooth bring vegan cookies, chocolate, etc in case everyone else is eating really decadent sweet things and you get a craving!

I'd also mention ahead of time that you're vegan, but tell everyone not worry 'cause you'll take care of bringing plenty of food that you can eat. At that point they'll probably ask you what you eat and you can go into whatever level of detail you're comfortable with.

Have fun! :D

[xmysticprincessx]

I'd say let them know ASAP just so that they don't go and make some special cake or something like that for you, only to make the akward situation when you ask them the ingredients and then tell them you don't eat dairy or eggs!