A Thanksgiving Menu Alternative to Turkey

A baked ham makes a wonderful Thanksgiving meal in place of a turkey. A baked ham is simple to make and does not require the work of stuffing the bird. You can always add a boxed stuffing mix as a side dish if it is not Thanksgiving without stuffing.

The Night Before Thanksgiving:

Follow directions on the box to have the pie ready for tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner. If desired, you can save time by preparing the stuffed celery for the vegetable tray ahead of time. You can also prepare the ham the night before so that all you have to do is place it in the oven.

Two and a half hours before Thanksgiving: Baked ham

To prepare the ham, lightly score the outside with diagonal hash marks about ¾ of an inch a part to form a diamond pattern. In the center of each score, insert one whole clove. Arrange canned pineapple rings over the ham. Mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, and saved pineapple juice. Add enough water to equal 1 cup. Baste the ham with the brown sugar mixture. Bake at 325 for two hours. Check the ham every half hour and drizzle drippings from the bottom of the pan over the ham.

One Hour Before Thanksgiving: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into chunks. Cover with water and set on medium flame on the stove. The potatoes will need to boil approximately 20 minutes until fork tender.

45 Minutes Before Thanksgiving: Vegetable Tray

Wash and cut celery. Stuff some with cream cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Spread peanut butter on another set. Arrange on a plate with canned green and black olives that have been drained. Add baby carrots and broccoli and cauliflower flowerets, if desired. Place a small container of ranch dressing in the center for dipping.

30 minutes before Thanksgiving:

Drain water from sweet potatoes. Add one cube of butter, two teaspoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of salt. Use enough milk or half and half to mash the sweet potatoes. Leave on stove with fire off to keep them warm.

15 minutes before Thanksgiving: Green Beans and Brown and Serve Rolls

Open a can of green beans and place to heat on stove top. Remove the ham from oven and place Brown and Serve Rolls into the oven to heat. Let the ham rest for five minutes before removing from pan to allow juices to redistribute.

Serve your dinner by platting each item and placing it on the table. Have desserts ready for guests to help themselves when they are ready.

Using a menu and game plan will reduce the stress to prepare the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Keep things simple and accept help from your guests. You can visit while you prepare the vegetable tray and not be stuck in the kitchen unable to enjoy your guests.