Alternatives to Turkey Day

The classic Thanksgiving meal: roast turkey, gravy with a milky skin on top, chewy stuffing, that weird yam and marshmallow dish, jiggly cranberry sauce from a can, and a pumpkin pie for dessert. The same thing every single year.

Sure, you feel stuffed after cramming in your mouth the same old, food every year, but are you bored? Probably.

Maybe this season try two plump game hens glazed with mango chutney as an alternative to turkey.

Or try chicken seasoned simply with sea salt, cracked pepper, basted with melted butter, and stuffed with lemons and garlic.

But if you simply have to have turkey on turkey day, try some exotic seasonings on turkey. For an Asian inspired seasoning, try a chopped ginger, halved garlic, soy sauce, honey, and hoisin sauce (a sweet, brown sauce, like BBQ sauce) simmered and poured on your turkey.

For a simple French twist to your turkey seasoning, stuff some chopped tarragon under the skin of your turkey along with the usual salt and pepper.

For a little “Barefoot Contessa” twist on your turkey, marinate it Spanish style with some lime, chili powder, garlic, and salt and pepper mixture. It might be better to grill this dish, so perhaps buy some turkey breasts with the skin on and finish cooking the inside in the oven.

Now for the “fixings.” Sunset magazine has a lot of good ideas. To put a twist on classic mashed potatoes, how about making some chipotle corn mashed potatoes?

For stuffing, try some Sunset magazine’s “Italian chard stuffing.” Use French bread, Italian sausages, lots of garlic, your choice of root vegetables, Swiss chard, rosemary, sage, and dried basil. Don’t forget to dust the stuffing with parmesan cheese at the end so it can slowly melt in your mouth.

Another good combination of flavors for stuffing is sourdough bread, artichokes, and parmesan.

Don’t be afraid to play with side dishes, try pairing fresh salads with the meal for a refreshing aspect of an otherwise heavy meal.

Perhaps sprinkle sliced blood oranges and lemon zest curls on a simple green salad with an oil and vinegar dressing with some of the blood orange juice.

A simple arugula and shaved parmesan Caesar salad can satisfy even lofty tastes. Try sautéing spinach with a dash of red wine vinegar and a sprinkle of nutmeg for easy goodness. Even a handful of toasted nuts can add a great deal to any vegetable dish.

As for dessert, skip out on the old pie and cream deal and switch it out for some more unconventional desserts.

Perhaps try a sky-high trifle, or a light fruit tart, stewed fruit with fresh whipped cream, or just fresh fruit with thick, honey-sweetened yogurt for dipping.

If you absolutely have to have pie or cake, make some maple whipped cream or a spiced glaze to drizzle over cakes.

Don’t be afraid this Thanksgiving and play around with some family recipes. Go ahead, add some cayenne. A little spice never hurt anyone.

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