Thanksgiving Alternative Dinner Feast
Thanksgiving tables burst with traditional feast items. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie celebrate the fruits of a fall harvest. Yet not every family wishes to participate in a traditional feast. Prolonged preparation and clean up times discourage chefs from creating the traditional dinner. Additionally, serving alternative dishes offers families a chance to think creatively and start new traditions. This year, celebrate with alternative foods and nontraditional Thanksgiving dishes that please your palette and allow everyone to relax together.
Appetizers
Serve sushi roll or a bean dip. Hummus with baked pita chips satisfy everyone’s craving for crunch and taste. Purchase pre-made products or invite friends to create masterpieces for the feast.
Nutritious vegetables keep diets on track. Chop seasonal favorites such as carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and celery. Serve a variety of cheeses. Create unique dip combinations by adding blue cheese, bacon, curry, basil, onion, or chopped shrimp to sour cream or cream cheese.
Main course
Allow the turkey and pig to live another year. Serve fish or tofu instead. Bake lasagna or a Shepherd’s Pie. Serve Chinese or Indian cuisine.
Bake cauliflower and other seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, carrots, okra, and squash in a vegetable broth. Serve with warm dipping sauces or Italian dressing.
Host a potluck meal or barbecue. Guests bring a dish to share, and the feast offers everyone a chance to show off their culinary skills while sharing the preparation burden.
Dessert
Sweet oatmeal serves a crowd and offers a sweet taste without overwhelming full stomachs. Stir chopped apples, raisins, pears and walnuts into the oatmeal before serving. With an ice cream scoop, serve each guest a portion of deliciousness. Garnish with cold vanilla ice cream or warm caramel sauce.
Bake a candy cake rather than traditional pies. Into a white cake mix, stir 2 cups of finely chopped Halloween candies. Mix thoroughly and pour into a greased Bundt pan. Bake at 350 F for 50 to 60 minutes.
Beverages
Serve your favorite wines or create a non-alcoholic substitute. Combine a bottle of your favorite chilled grape juice with a liter of ginger ale. Mix and serve over ice.
Hot, spiced cider flavors your home with delicate aromas while warming cold bodies after the football game. Warm the cider in mugs, and stir in cinnamon sticks or a jigger of rum.
When you wish to forgo the traditional Thanksgiving dinner foods, serve alternative dishes. Maintain the tradition of family time together, and give everyone a chance to enjoy the day with gratitude.
