Anything but Turkey
Maybe it is time to shake out the turkey feathers and try something different for Thanksgiving. There is nothing wrong with changing things up once in awhile. In fact, it may spark some new and fun traditions.Here are some alternate ways to celebrate the traditional holiday meal. If football is the other main attraction on Thanksgiving why not change dinner to afootball favorites. Have plenty of finger foods, chips, dips, vegetable trays, fruit trays and all the normal football treats. It may be something as simple as hamburgers, hot dogs and salads with paper plates, a big family and TV. You may choose some toasted hoagies instead. It’s all up to you.How about a fiesta? There are so many choices. Tamales, pozole chili, smothered burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, pork carnitas and of course some fried ice cream. You could have a full fare of Mexican dishes. You don’t have to stop there. A pinata is always a fun way to end a party.Perhaps you come from a family of hunters. It may be that the back strap from the elk is a great main dish. Bragging rights can be served up with all the side dishes. It allows for a healthy meat and a myriad of side dishes.There is absolutely nothing wrong with prime rib. It can be done at home with ease. It is something that most families don’t get every day, so it would be a great treat.How about skipping meat altogether? Vegetable lasagna is a great place to begin. It’s easy to make. It can feed an army and it tastes great. Add a little garlic bread and nice salad and you have a meal. Sticking with the Italian theme a littlepumpkin tiramisu. It is also quick, tasty and easy to make.Want to make life easy for everyone in the house? Make some pizza dough and have everyone make their own individual pizzas. You can have as many options as you would like. Jeremey Mitchell’s favorite is cheeseburger pizza topped with pickles and fry sauce. (There is a good reason to have everyone make their own.) It can turn into a really fun party just watching people put together their choices. The perfect desert may be a fruit pizza with a cookie dough crust.Every family may not be ready to jump out of their comfort zone. It may take them years to give up the turkey. If the family is simply traditional why not try adding a unique side dish every year and “inch” them into a change a little at a time.
