ALT-1 How to Celebrate Thanksgiving without Turkey
Turkey has become such an ingrained part of Thanksgiving that the holiday is often referred to as “Turkey Day.” However, it’s not about the turkey, it’s about being thankful for the many blessings God showers on us. So if you find a turkey for dinner too large, too difficult or just not what you want for any reason, try these ideas for how to celebrate Thanksgiving without turkey.
- For Vegetarians
The number of vegetarians grows each year as people become more aware of the need to eat healthier. However, they aren’t missing out on anything. A delicious array of vegetable casseroles, pizzas and breads could be just the meal you are searching for if you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving without turkey.
Vegetable lasagna, squash stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms, baked sweet potatoes and apples, spicy corn pudding with jalapenos, or a hearty bowl of 15-bean soup with a loaf of crusty bread are all wonderful dishes for which to be thankful. For dessert, try this to-die-forsquash pie.
- You Just Don’t Like Poultry
If you just don’t care for poultry then the answer might be aBrown Sugar/Honey Glazed Ham. All of the usual Thanksgiving side dishes will go well with this ham and you can easily feed a large crowd with a whole ham. Just bake your ham per package directions until the ham is almost done, Remove the skin and all but a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern and add one whole clove to each section. Drizzle honey over the whole ham and sift brown sugar onto the honey. Return to over for 15-minutes and repeat the honey and brown sugar. Best ham you will ever eat!
Or, you might prefer some beef, which could be a simple grilled steak, a pot of chili, a tender rare roast or a fancy standing prime ribs. The ways to prepare beef is as endless as the ways to prepare chicken. Anyway you like it, it’s okay.
- The Turkey Isn’t Thawed
It happens to best of cooks. During all the holiday preparations, you forget that it takes several days to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator. Don’t panic, Cornish hens, duck or even a roasting hen will save the day. They thaw much faster and you can place them in a cold-water bath to speed it up even more.
Wild rice dressing is fantastic with duck, Cornish hens or any poultry and it isn’t at all difficult to make, in fact, it is much like making bread stuffing. Cooked wild rice, sautéed onions, celery and mushrooms with some sage and parsley mixes up fast to get you out of the kitchen to enjoy the company of your guests.
Stuff the wild ducks or Cornish hens, wrap in bacon, and roast in the oven per instructions by weight. Serve with the side dishes you had planned on serving with the turkey or try grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes and baked acorn squash with butter and honey. If you still have room for dessert, try traditional pumpkin pie or a light fruit tart.
- You Prefer Rack Of Lamb
You won’t miss the smell of sage when the aroma of rosemary and garlic assails your senses. Neither will you miss the turkey when you taste a melt in your mouth bite of a rare lamb chop dipped in a horseradish/mustard sauce. Serve with a spinach casserole, potatoes gratin and a grilled vegetable salad. Finish the meal with prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe slices.
- Thanksgiving Fast
Many Christians fast several times a year, though not usually on a holiday. However, it does make sense that if you are truly thankful; you might choose to do it on Thanksgiving Day as a love offering to God. Fill your day with prayers of thanksgiving and be content with fruit juices.
What matters most on Thanksgiving is our state of mind, not the food. Concentrate on good friends, family and the bounty of your life not just material things, but your health, your job and the freedom you enjoy to live your life as you choose. Then you’ll be happy with anything you decide to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.
