Want to forgo the traditional turkey centerpiece this holiday, but worried it won’t go over well? Great news — you make the rules! One of the perks of being an adult, after all, is getting to cultivate your own conventions. And with this list of trendy turkey alternatives, shaking things up never tasted so good. We think your party will agree.
There are a number of recipes available for the following dishes. Do some online research and find one that suits your tastes.
Cranberry beef brisket
You had us at brisket. But top this slow-roasted meat with Thanksgiving’s favorite berry and you’ll be saying, “Turkey who?”
Maple-braised pork belly
Nothing says cool weather quite like pork belly. Slow-cooked in a sweet cider and maple syrup broth, this dish boasts decadence fit for a holiday.
Cornish game hens
Sharing turkey’s familiar presentation, these whole birds can be seasoned, glazed and stuffed. Best of all, Cornish hens are small, so you won’t have to commit to weeks’ worth of turkey leftovers.
Seafood soup
Soup? For Thanksgiving, you ask? Why not! Some historians believe the first Thanksgiving was more likely to have featured fish than turkey. This chowder can be prepared using any number of combinations of your favorite seafood flavors.
Vegetarian potpies
Meatless meals are a growing trend, and chances are there will be a vegetarian at your table this season. Hot and hearty potpies can be filled with everything from veggies to mushrooms to tofu.
Glazed ham
We know; ham isn’t exactly a ground-breaking idea for a main holiday dish. But here is a ground-breaking idea: Don’t cook this year. There are a number of nearby restaurants that will do it all for you — including whole hams or turkeys. See our list of such places on page 4.