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A New Twist on Thanksgiving

Tired of turkey? Had it with ham? Looking for something new to serve this Thanksgiving? It would be hard to deny that there are few things more appealing for the holidays than a slow-roasted bird nestled in a bed of stuffing as a centerpiece for a feast with family or friends. The same could be said of a succulent, spiral-sliced ham glazed with brown sugar and molasses. However, there are several other equally delicious and attractive options available to you that will make your Thanksgiving festive, unique and memorable.

Sea Something Different

Thanksgiving is a holiday that celebrates the bounty of the land. But, the early pioneers, as well as the natives that were already here, got a good portion of their food from the sea. Following in this tradition, why not serve a beautiful baked salmon as the main course for your Thanksgiving dinner? Whether it’s a fillet or a whole salmon, serve it with a stuffing made from breadcrumbs, lump crabmeat, chopped veggies and dill, with hollandaise or a light Dijon sauce as dressing. Keeping with the seafood theme, serve shrimp cocktail, steamed clams, conch fritters or bacon-wrapped scallops as appetizers to keep nosey guests out of the kitchen. Follow this meal with a tangy Key Lime pie and you’ve got yourself a happy crew.

La Festa Italiana

Many people say that the thing they love most about Thanksgiving is the aroma of food being prepared. What could possibly have a heartier smell than fresh-cut basil and oregano, chopped peppers and onions, or the slow simmer of sausages? A great idea for a Thanksgiving alternative is putting all these together and making a large pan of baked sausage lasagna, perfect for serving a large number of people. Spinach and mozzarella stuffed mushrooms, tomato and black olive, bruschetta and mussels served with a light pesto vinaigrette make for ideal appetizers or side dishes. A perfect ending to this Italian feast is a rich and creamy cheesecake. Drizzle a little melted chocolate or raspberry sauce over the top and bravo – you have dessert!

Thrill with the Grill

Just because there’s a chill in the air, doesn’t mean that you have to put away the barbecue grill. In fact, there are worse places you could be on a brisk late-November afternoon than standing in front of a sizzling fire. If you still want to serve turkey, but want to try something different, a mouthwatering alternative is to char-grill or smoke your bird. There are two things you need to keep in mind should you decide to prepare your turkey on the grill. First, make sure that the grill isn’t too hot. A turkey needs to stay on the barbecue for a fairly long period of time, so medium heat is perfect because it won’t char the outside of the turkey and allows the meat to cook all the way through. Second, make sure you turn and baste the turkey regularly, about every 20 minutes or so, for the entire time it’s on the grill. Not only will this infuse the turkey with the flavors of whatever you choose to use as a glaze, but it also prevents the turkey from drying out and ensures proper distribution of temperature throughout cooking. To tell if the turkey is finished, test it with a meat thermometer at the thigh; if it reads between 180 and 190 degrees, your gobbler is ready for the table.

While you’re at the grill, add some corn-on-the-cob, potatoes (mashed grilled potatoes are a real treat), Texas toast and stuffed bell peppers for side items and appetizers. A fresh fruit salad is a perfect finishing touch to this cookout. Feeling a little creative? Try grilling some of the fruits. Your light and easy dessert will bring cheers from the guests.

Not Ham . . . Lamb

Although traditionally served as an Easter dish, a beautifully roasted leg of lamb is a Thanksgiving alternative that is not only mouthwatering, but also simple to prepare and looks great sitting on the carving block. To prepare this dish, take a leg of lamb and marinate it overnight in a mixture of fresh pressed garlic, chopped oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine and black pepper. Let the lamb slow roast in the oven, basting every 20 minutes with remaining marinade, until a meat thermometer stuck into the thickest part of the leg reads 165 degrees. Serve with wild rice, mashed yams, mustard greens and tossed salad as side items. Fruit pies provide a perfect ending to this delectable meal. Go with an old favorite like Apple pie or take a walk on the wild side with Rhubarb or Boysenberry pie. All your dinner guest will want next is a nap!

Whether you’re just taking a break from the usual, or looking to forge a new tradition, trying something different for your Thanksgiving dinner can be a tasty enterprise. Fortunately, we live in a country molded together from a multitude of backgrounds, traditions and cultures from around the world, so there is no lack of recipes or ideas to choose from. Ultimately, you are only limited by time, budget and the scope of your imagination. But, no matter what it is you decide to serve, make sure you remember what this holiday is for: celebrating friends, family and good fortune. So, eat and enjoy!

Article is courtesy of ARA Content

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