by Pamela Kay

Created on: November 15, 2011

Turkey has become such an ingrained part of Thanksgiving that the holiday is often referred to as “Turkey Day.” However, it’s not about the turkey, it’s about being thankful for the many blessings God showers on us. So if you find a turkey for dinner too large, too difficult or just not what you want for any reason, try these ideas for how to celebrate Thanksgiving without turkey.

*For Vegetarians

The number of vegetarians grows each year as people become more aware of the need to eat healthier. However, they aren’t missing out on anything. A delicious array of vegetable casseroles, pizzas and breads could be just the meal you are searching for if you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving without turkey.

Vegetable lasagna, squash stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms, baked sweet potatoes and apples, spicy corn pudding with jalapenos, or a hearty bowl of 15-bean soup with a loaf of crusty bread are all wonderful dishes for which to be thankful. For dessert, try this to-die-for squash pie.

*You Just Don’t Like Poultry

If you just don’t care for poultry then the answer might be a Brown Sugar/Honey Glazed Ham. All of the usual Thanksgiving side dishes will go well with this ham and you can easily feed a large crowd with a whole ham. Just bake your ham per package directions until the ham is almost done, Remove the skin and all but a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern and add one whole clove to each section. Drizzle honey over the whole ham and sift brown sugar onto the honey. Return to over for 15-minutes and repeat the honey and brown sugar. Best ham you will ever eat!

Or, you might prefer some beef, which could be a simple grilled steak, a pot of chili, a tender rare roast or a fancy standing prime ribs. The ways to prepare beef is as endless as the ways to prepare chicken. Anyway you like it, it’s okay.

*The Turkey Isn’t Thawed

It happens to best of cooks. During all the holiday preparations, you forget that it takes several days to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator. Don’t panic, Cornish hens, duck or even a roasting hen will save the day. They thaw much faster and you can place them in a cold-water bath to speed it up even more.

Wild rice dressing is fantastic with duck, Cornish hens or any poultry and it isn’t at all difficult to make, in fact, it is much like making bread stuffing. Cooked wild rice, sautéed onions, celery and mushrooms with some sage and parsley mixes

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