Thanksgiving Menu: Alternatives to Turkey
Don't know where to start? We've done the work for you -- even a shopping list!
Nov. 3, 2010 — -- Turkey versus ham? Cobblers versus pie? Pecan versus pumpkin?
Thanksgiving occurs every November and every year it's the same headaches: serving a moist, fully-cooked bird, creating several side dishes that everyone will love and ending the holiday celebration with a dessert or a few that has folks talking into the new year.
This year, "Good Morning America" did the hard work for you. We put together five full-course meals using recipes from some of our most popular guests like Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Wolfgang Puck, Sara Moulton and Sandra Lee to save you the time and the hassle.
At the end of each rundown is a shopping list of what you'll need from the supermarket.
Good luck!
Wolfgang Puck's Roast Rack of Pork
This menu goes all out because it's the last one in our series and if you have the time to make this spread, you should -- your family will thank you for it later, hopefully in the form of wonderful Christmas presents. Moving on. This roast rack of pork from chef to the stars Wolfgang Puck combines ginger, cinnamon, maple sugar and sweet butter in a dish that no one will be able or want to refuse.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Emeril's Garlic Schmeared Rosemary Roast Chicken
Let's continue the roasted theme with Emeril's garlic-schmeared chicken. He calls this a crowd-pleaser and we totally agree. Again, holiday spreads with two kinds of meat are something special. Turkey doesn't always have to be the centerpiece.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Deen Brothers' Simple Apple Salad
Mothers are always pushing their children -- young and old -- to put some green on their plates. We don't think anyone will put up much of a fuss with this simple apple salad. Apples don't only come in pies during the holidays; they also can come in delicious, simple sides from Paula Deen's sons.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Mo'Nique's Brown Gravy
We're including this gravy from Oscar-winning actress and comedian Mo'Nique as an additional sauce for Emeril's roasted chicken. And save this recipe because we assure you it wil become a staple for everyday dinners and family gatherings.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Emeril's Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin
If you want cheese to make an appearance at your holiday feast, forgo the usual standby of macaroni and cheese and make Emeril's broccoli and cauliflower au gratin. It's vegetables with cheddar cheese and Creole seasoning -- you can't go wrong. And hold onto this recipe as well because after the holidays, you'll likely want to resurface this dish for everyday dinners.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Emeril's Roasted Butternut Squash Mash
More roasting, please! There's mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes and now Emeril brings you mashed squash. This was served at last year's Thanksgiving dinner and subsequent Sunday family dinners and it's always a hit. If you're trying to get your family to eat more of a variety of veggies, this is definitely one sweet way to go.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Trisha Yearwood's Daddy's Biscuits
Where there's gravy and other sauces to be sopped up, there's biscuits -- that's our rule. This recipe from country music star Trisha Yearwood can be served for dinner, lunch and even breakfast/brunch. Serve them warm with sweet butter, honey or molasses.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Diane Sawyer's Mom's Pecan Pie
Whether you say pee-Kahn or pEE-kan, it's a pie from the mother of ABC News' Diane Sawyer. That will automatically make it a conversation-starter at your Thanksgiving dinner. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a strong cup of coffee and chat about the good, ole Southern days whether you experienced them or not.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Gingersnaps
We were thinking about the kiddies when we added gingersnaps to the menu. If they don't want the pie, offer them these cookies with a mug of apple cider or warm milk. And again store this recipe for later because we're sure you'll want these gingersnaps to make an encore for the next big holiday celebration ie. Christmas.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Shopping List
Butcher or Deli:
free-range chicken
2-pound pork rack
Fruits and Vegetables:
butternut squash
white pepper
yellow onions
red delicious apples
golden delicious apples
lemon
raisins
craisins
Spanish onions
cauliflower
broccoli
Oils, Condiments and Spices:
salt
black pepper
olive oil
fresh ginger
cinnamon
star anise
rosemary
EVOO
garlic
molasses
vinegar
baking soda
ground ginger
ground cinnamon
ground cloves
ground cardamom
mayonnaise
dark corn syrup
white wine vinegar
Emeril's Original Essence or Creole seasoning
cayenne
thyme
Baking Goods:
all-purpose flour
maple sugar
white bread flour
light brown sugar
vegetable shortening
self-rising flour
granulated sugar
Dairy and Juices:
buttermilk
eggs
sweet butter
apple cider
heavy cream
unsalted butter
milk
cheddar cheese
Miscellaneous:
pecans
chicken stock