by Patti Beckert

Created on: October 27, 2009

Those of us who grew up in families that celebrated Thanksgiving the traditional way, with turkey and all the trimmings, probably find it hard to imagine a menu that strays much from the norm. Oh sure, there are untraditional family favorites that have been added to the menu over the years, such as Aunt Sally's rhubarb pie, or Uncle Joe's made-from-scratch Boston baked beans, but for the most part, it would be almost sacrilegious to sit down to a table that didn't have a huge turkey upon it.

But, as America becomes even more diverse and new ethnic foods are introduced into our diets, what seems to the traditionalist a strange food to have at Thanksgiving, might be perfectly normal to someone from Mexico, or Thailand, or India. In addition, many people are becoming more health conscious and changing from meat-eating diets to ones that do not include any kind of meat.

Vegetarian or Vegan.

Those who are previous carnivores, but have switched to a no-meat diet, can feel left out during this holiday, which centers so heavily around the turkey. No problem. A company by the name of Turtle Island Foods, Inc. offers a turkey alternative for vegetarians called Tofurky. This is a soy-based alternative to eating meat. And the company also makes a giblet and mushroom gravy as well as wild rice stuffing.

For others, who have followed a vegetarian eating pattern all their lives, but who appreciate the day to get together with friends and family, a typical meal may include fish, rice, beans, lentils, and various vegetable dishes.

Italian.

There are many Italians who have a traditional Thanksgiving spread with a turkey and all the trimmings; however, if you are going to an authentic Italian mother's or grandmother's home for Thanksgiving, you can be assured that either right beside or in stead of turkey, you are going to see a big pan of authentic lasagna, a large bowl of meatballs in sauce, and various other Italian dishes to complete the dinner. If you thought getting stuffed at Thanksgiving was something, get ready for one of the longest and most filling dinners of your life when you have the fortune of spending Thanksgiving with an Italian family.

Mexico and Latin America.

Although chicken is a very popular dish in these countries, turkey is not as big an item and doesn't really have any significance in a Latin American's history, nor do the traditional stuffing and side dishes. Instead, you will find different meats served on this day of thanks, such as pork or beef,

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