Seasonal Favorites: Thanksgiving Recipes with a Twist

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many, particularly those whose passion is cooking and entertaining. In the spirit of the day—celebrating old traditions and sharing new ones—here’s a fresh spin on some conventional dishes.

Wines to Give & Serve

Thanksgiving dinner is the quintessential American holiday meal, but these imported wines pair beautifully with so many varied flavors and textures. Here are a few helpful recommendations:

• Curried Pumpkin Soup: A light, fruity, red wine - Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.
• Salad: Serve with Champagne or Prosecco.
• Turkey: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer; any medium to full-bodied, dry white wine. Pinot Noir, Cote du Rhone; any soft red wine.
• Honey-glazed Ham: Pair with a light, fruity, dry wine like a Gewürztraminer.
• Fish: Serve with a medium to full-bodied white wine such as Gavi de Gavi or a light to medium-bodied Mediterranean red wine such as Sangiovese.

Catering to Vegetarian Guests

Whether it's just family or Thanksgiving dinner for all the "holiday orphans" you know and love - in a party of six or more it's quite common for a vegetarian to be among the bunch. Here are a few tips to make everyone happy.

• Turkey: There are tofu turkey options at most organic markets. If there are none in your area, order online in advance. We suggest adding your own touch like dried berries or apricot preserves on top before you bake.
• Stuffing & Side Dishes: Make extra trimmings! Offer a hearty  Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf as an alternative to stuffing (use vegetable broth), or make a rich vegetarian stuffing with wild mushrooms or dried fruit and stuff in an acorn squash for a beautiful presentation that will make vegetarian guests feel special. 
• Dessert: While lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy and eggs (vegans do not), they don’t eat the lard (animal fat) in the crust of that pumpkin pie. Buy or make a vegan version, or opt for a simple but seasonal fruit crumble with oatmeal topping. (Classic Nonstick Bakeware 5 Piece Set)