Thanksgiving is only three weeks away, unbelievably! This year, Phil and I are going to my Mom’s house in Prescott, Arizona. This will be a holiday of exciting firsts: the first time we’ve visited her and her partner Bill since they moved to Arizona in January, the first time Phil experiences Thanksgiving on American soil, and the first time I see my mother get married! Yes, there will be a wedding! Phil and I are both so excited to be witness to my Mom and Bill’s marriage the Saturday after Thanksgiving – so much to celebrate!
We’re really looking forward to heading out west and having a festive long weekend in the desert (although we won’t likely get much warmth – temperatures drop to below freezing every night in the winter in Prescott!) Still, it’s bound to be a nice change from New England in late November. A change of scenery at least!
If you’re wondering what on earth to make this year and want to try something different, consider some of these listed below. They’re a mixture of recipes I’ve made and posted on this blog as well as ones I’ve found around the web that look delicious! All are healthful, interesting, and a break from the norm. I haven’t included any “classic” foods on here, like turkey, candied yams, gravy, or mashed potatoes. You probably have some foolproof, tried-and-tested versions of those that you like! Instead, you’ll find some ideas for a Thanksgiving dinner you can feel good about. I hope you find some inspiration here for your holiday meal – and keep these in mind for other winter holidays too!
Soups
All soups listed here are gluten- and dairy-free
- Squash Apple Ginger Soup
- Roasted Pumpkin & Red Pepper Soup [pictured above]
- Vegan Pumpkin Soup
- Raw Apple-Carrot Soup
- Raw Harvest Soup
Salads
All salads listed here are gluten- and dairy-free
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad
- Chopped Cucumber, Pear & Fennel Salad
- Roasted Squash, Apple & Cipollini Onion Salad
- Brussels Sprouts Salad with Goat Cheese & Hazelnuts
- Brussels Sprouts Salad with Avocado & Pumpkin Seeds
- Sweet Potato, Celery & Apple Salad
- Mustard Quinoa, Cranberry & Kale Salad
- Raw Kale Salad with Root Vegetables [pictured above]
Sides
All sides listed here are gluten- and dairy-free, except for the cornbread
- Cornbread
- Cranberry Ginger Sauce [pictured above]
- Fresh Cranberry Relish
- Wild Rice Stuffing with Pecans & Apples
- Roast Squash with Chili, Garlic & Rosemary
- Roasted Shallots, Brussels Sprouts, Pomegranate & Hazelnuts
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Apples
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Apples
- Garlic Rosemary & Lemon Potatoes and Brussels
- Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables
Vegetarian Main Courses
All the dishes listed here are gluten- and dairy-free
- Stuffed Acorn Squash [pictured above]
- Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
- Nut & Mushroom Loaf
- Lentil Loaf
- Stuffed Delicata Squash
Desserts
All desserts listed here are gluten- and dairy-free
- Raw Pumpkin Pie [pictured above]
- Raw Apple Pie with Cashew Cream
- Apple Pie with Brown Rice Crust
- Raw Pecan Pie
- Apple-Walnut Cobbler
- Raw Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake
