Have an Off-Beat Thanksgiving Dinner with These 10 Food Items
Bojangles, Wikimedia Commons; fotoosvanrobin / gromgull / loridstone, Flickr
While many Thanksgiving tables will be laden with turkey, stuffing and other more traditional fare, there’s no rule that says you have to blend in with the crowd. In fact, doing something a little different could make you the most popular chef in your social circle — so don’t be afraid to branch out.
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
The soy-based meat substitute, which is stuffed with mushrooms, herbs and wild rice, is a favorite among vegetarians, who swear its taste and consistency are similar to the real thing.
dainec, Flickr
When a simple turkey just won’t do, how about stuffing it with a chicken that’s been stuffed into a duck? It’s a three-fer! And while it’s enough to make the vegetarians among us blanch, the turducken has become an increasingly popular item on Thanksgiving tables.
Bojangles, Wikimedia Commons
Standard butter pats are so passe. Spice up your table with molded butter instead — you can use candy molds in any shape you want, but of course the traditional turkey may be the best choice.
VictorianChocolateMolds.com
For a twist on the traditional cranberry sauce, try a delicious cranberry-nut bread. Best of all, any leftovers will pair nicely with your morning coffee.
loridstone, Flickr
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie anymore. This creamy soup gets its texture from chorizo and onion, and the subtle pumpkin flavor melds with the broth to create an unforgettable taste.
vidya365, Flickr
Buck tradition and bring a little New Orleans to your Thanksgiving table with a jambalaya. Make it as spicy or mild as you like, and use your choice of meats — turkey, chicken, or shrimp are always popular ideas.
gromgull, Flickr
Tired of the tried-and-true corn? This yummy side dish has the added benefit of being prepared in a crockpot — which means you don’t have to tend to it while it cooks. In addition, the sweet smell of carrots and ginger will make your whole house smell festive.
fotoosvanrobin, Flickr
If you’ll have non meat-eaters at the table, keep in mind not all of them like faux meat (in fact, many are decided haters of the aforementioned Tofurky). Satisfy them with this hearty Italian staple — and they won’t feel they’ve missed a thing.
zeke_, Flickr
Swap out the traditional sweet potato casserole with these individual servings, each topped with a heavenly pecan and marshmallow streusel.
Food Network
Lo these many years ago, harvest celebrations in coastal New England featured a whole, stuffed cod as the main dish. Harken back to those times with this delicious entree, using a simple stuffing of bread crumbs and Ritz crackers.
WhatAreWeHavingForDinner
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