Rethinking Thanksgiving

[mnavarre]

So, It's just the two of us and neither one of us is super enthused about turkey. And since there's still the wings, drums, and one thigh from last year's bird plus plenty of turkey stock...

It's time for something different, something new, something that's actually fun to cook.

So, I'm thinking lamb. Lamb Osso Buco, maybe. If I can find lamb shanks. If not I know I can get lamb shoulder, and I've got a couple of recipes I want to try. The lamb shoulder from Zahav is calling me, so is the one from Chasing Fire.

So, Middle Eastern/Mediterranean it is.

Now for the veg. I thought of an Israeli salad, but tomatoes are dire this time of year, so maybe a tabouli? Cucumber? I'm open to suggestions.

Hummus and homemade pita.

Polenta or Tahdig? Guess it depends if I make Osso Buco or shoulder. If it's Tahdig I really need to do a dry run, just to make sure I can pull it off.

Some kind of stuffing. My wife claims we don't need this. My wife is wrong.


For the first time in years I'm excited about cooking for Thanksgiving. And We're going over to visit friends on Friday, so I still have an excuse to make turkey gravy and popovers.

[realdocBBQ]

Sounds awesome! Go for it, and post pics!

[rickgregory]

Salad - try this or something similar. Persimmons are in the markets around this time of year (you want the fuyu type)

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pomegranate-persimmon-salad/

[mnavarre]

Thank You! That started the wheels spinning. I at least have an idea where I'm going whit the salad now.

[DTro]

Just put that recipe went right into Paprika!

[Clawbear57]

Hey Thanksgiving is not about turkey.so you do you.

[STEbbq]

Hey, just saying we have a Christmas tradition for many years of ordering glorious deep-fried sushi from the local place. You do you, man.

[smokenoob]

I think the first thanksgiving dinner served fish, so we will probably have Turkey since we eat so much fish 😉

[texastweeter]

Goose or duck?

[tamidw]

Have thought about starting to do brisket and ribs for thanksgiving rather than turkey. Seems everyone is stuck in the tradition of the meal. I’d much rather do something else. Maybe next year. 🤷♀️

[skipsdaughter]

Would something like this lentil and quinoa salad fit the bill? Lots of veggies and almost could be like a stuffing or dressing?? https://iwillmakecrafts.wordpress.co...-quinoa-salad/

It sounds like a great meal!

[Jfrosty27]

I have always been indifferent about Turkey dinners and have been suggesting alternatives to it for Thanksgiving for years. No dice. Nada. Nope. That’s all I hear in return. Oh well. 🤷♂️

[randy.56]

Quote: It's time for something different, something new, something that's actually fun to cook.

Agree, I've deep frying a couple turkey's for 20 + years, stay calm and carry on.

[Jim White]

If you're doing tahdig, I strongly recommend getting a copy of Yasmin Khan's The Saffron Tales. She has a very clear step by step that got me a wonderful dish (I went with the tacheen, which is tahdig with a middle layer to make it an entree) on the first try. The bonus is that the book is a great read in addition to the recipes.

On the salad, I recently did some pearl cous cous with just a can of black eyed peas, a can of cannellini and some Swiss chard. I used a quick lemon and olive oil dressing, but next time I may use balsamic instead of lemon. (But after looking again at my tahcheen post, don't sleep on a salad shirazi like Khan's recipe).

[fzxdoc]

Here's Yasmin Kahn's recipe for this wonderful tahdig that Jim made. It may be behind a paywall if you've used up your quota of allowed free recipes for the site.

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/eggplant-and-mushroom-tahcheen

Kathryn

[captainlee]

I just like a turkey dinner with all the fixings, Thanksgiving is the only time we do that. I would be totally open though if it was suggested to do something different. As suggested, try something not normally or ever prepared.

[rlozinak]

I suggested that we do something different and I get the same response. Nope, nada. Don't ask again. Sister will not even try a smoked turkey!

Oh well it is a traditional Thanksgiving for us. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a veg.

[captainlee]

That's what we are doing this year for a change up, you aren't alone.