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