Thanksgiving Ideas

This time of year tends to drive me insane. The second the Halloween decorations come down, the world seems to be screaming at you that you should be thinking about the holidays. I almost puked when I saw a commercial advertising a Christmas sale on Halloween. There's also the fact that I'm a very non traditional girl. My favorite Thanksgiving ever was spent with my family and we feasted on shrimp and lobster instead of turkey. I'm not a huge fan of traditional Thanksgiving foods, but fall is my favorite time of year and I have a lot of fun with the produce the season brings. Here are some of my favorite recipes that can easily be incorporated into an outside the box Thanksgiving.


For an easy appetizer, try sweet potato discs with herbed goat cheese.




This acorn squash and arugula salad is fun and also pretty to look at. Delicata squash can also be used and is less filling so you still have room for the main meal. 




If you have vegetarian friends, or people who just aren't in to turkey, this butternut squash and caramelized onion galette is decadent enough to be a main course.


Another alternate to turkey with a more meaty offering is sausage stuffed acorn squash. Once again, if you have vegetarians or vegans, you can sub quinoa or lentils for the sausage.



Stuffing is just not my thing, although I hear JenFinn's hubby makes a killer one so maybe I will be changing my tune soon. Another idea is roasted broccoli, grape, and asparagus quinoa salad which can be served warm and will certainly help stuff you.



Though I love pumpkin, I am convinced that pumpkin pie is disgusting. Cheesecake is a great dessert that can be shared with friends (I may or may not have just watched the Friends episode with all the cheesecakes). Here are two of my favorites.



Blushing Pom Holiday Cheesecake has a silly name, but it is as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to look at.




Salted caramel apple cheesecake bars. Need I say more?



I'll be spending Thanksgiving with my friends and sister in LA. It's a potluck and I'm in charge of appetizers. My friends get pretty creative so I'm looking forward to seeing what they bring. Whether you're all about the tradition or want to go a little out there, I hope you have a fun, safe, and delicious Thanksgiving!