Alternative Thanksgiving Day Meal Ideas

Now that November is here many people in the U.S. are planning what they will serve this Thanksgiving. Traditionally roasted turkey is the main course of choice to be served. But what if you are tired of the same old turkey and stuffing meals? If you are in the mood to change things this year and create a new tradition here are some delicious alternative meal ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Ham is probably the second most common dish served at Thanksgiving. A warm ham with a sweet glaze on it can be the perfect centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal. If you would like to try making a nice ham to serve here is a simple recipe anyone can follow. You can serve this with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and many of the traditional side dishes.

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
2/3 cup butter, softened
4 medium apples, sliced
4-5 lb ham

Preheat oven to 375* F. In a small bowl mix dry ingredients together. Pour in dark corn syrup and butter and mix well. Place ham in a roasting pan and surround with apple slices. Brush glaze over the top of the ham, letting some drizzle onto the apple slices. Bake for 45 - 60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.

An alternative meal idea for Thanksgiving would be a pot of Three Sisters Stew. This warm and earthy Native American stew is full of corn, squash, and beans. These foods were known as the Three Sisters in many Native American tribes and were healthy staples of their diets. You can pay tribute this Thanksgiving with this simple yet tasty stew idea, serve it with corn bread and a leafy green salad and you have a wonderful meal planned.

1 large butternut squash
2 cups corn kernels
2 cups cooked pinto beans
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 400*F. Cut the squash into half lengthwise and remove all seeds and fibers. Cover with foil and place halves, cut side up, into oven for 40 - 45 minutes. Remove from oven when soft enough to pierce with fork yet still firm and let cool. While cooling heat the oil in a large pot. Saute the onion and garlic until golden. Add the corn, beans, tomatoes, and vegetable stock to the pot and simmer. Scoop out the pulp of the squash and cube into bite sized pieces. Add cubes to the pot. Continue simmering, covered, for about 25-30 minutes. Stir in cilantro just before serving.

A warm and tasty Thanksgiving casserole is another delicious idea. Using celery and onions and seasoning with sage and thyme this dish has all the flavor of Autumn without the turkey. Chopped walnuts give it a earthy flavor and provide plenty of protein. Try this casserole as your main dish and watch people eat it up.

2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
2 slices whole wheat bread, chopped into small cubes
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup milk
1 stalk celery, diced small
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sage
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon rosemary

Preheat oven to 350*F. While rice is cooking saute onion and celery in the olive oil. When rice is finished cooking mix it with the onion and celery. In a large bowl combine remaining ingredients. Mix in rice, celery, and onion. Pour mixture into a quart sized casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes.

If you really want to try something different this year instead of buying a turkey buy a Tofurky. It is a vegetarian version of the turkey, made from tofu that has been shaped like a roast. You can find them sold in most grocery stores across the U.S. Baking one is simple to do. Thaw, baste, and bake. Just as you would a real turkey.

Even though Thanksgiving is a traditional time for families to gather together you do not have to serve the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Do not be afraid to try something new this year. You may create a new family tradition in the process.