Thanksgiving is a week away, and if you have no idea what to put on the dinner table other than the frozen turkey you're planning to buy next week, then start mapping out a plan. Originally, this holiday is celebrated to give thanks for the abundant harvest, and is highlighted by a family dinner. Keep in mind that it's not only an American holiday: it is also celebrated in Canada, Liberia, Puerto Rico and the Norfolk Islands.
Anyway, in order to make this year a tad more special, here are some clever food ideas and dishes you'd want to put on the table (be sure to place your own ideas in the comments too!):
More info: en.wikipedia.org
Thanksgiving Turkey Cake
Source: www.tablespoon.com
Everybody loves cake, and it wouldn't hurt having some in Thanksgiving. If you don't plan to have a roasted turkey, make a cake shaped like one instead - complete with stuffing.
Turkey Cupcakes
Source: welldonestuff.com
If there's a shortage of turkey in your area (like that'll ever happen), having anything with the poultry can enhance the Thanksgiving atmosphere. Make turkey cupcakes instead. I strongly suggest raspberry-flavored ones with chocolate icing!
Turkey Vegetable Tray
Source: cucinadivina.blogspot.com
If you're serving vegans or vegetarians, give them something to munch on. Put up a vegetable tray with sliced veggies shaped like a turkey!
Turkey wrapped in Bacon
Yes, this is what it looks like. Turkey wrapped in bacon, the most loved food in the Internet. Who doesn't love it anyway? Wrap your roast turkey with bacon and munch away!
Stuffed Pork
Source: www.taste.com.au
If you sympathize with the turkey population, you may want to try pork roast instead. Try out stuffed pork recipes, especially this one with prunes and baby apples.
If you want to scale it up a notch:
Source: www.spitsnpieces.com.au
Get a whole roasted suckling pig instead. It's perfect if you're hosting dozens of people!
Apple and Cranberry Pie
Source: www.flickr.com
Don't forget about the apple and cranberry pie! This should be a mainstay in every Thanksgiving dinner: eating one will send you to palate heaven!
Mashed Potato Volcano
Source: theenlightenedchef.blogspot.com
Nothing completes Thanksgiving more than mashed potatoes. Other than gravy, you can place other stuff, like cheeses, meatball sauce and even thick soups.
Stuffed Sweet Potato "Turkey"
Source: holidaygeek.com
At first glance, you might have thought that this is your traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Well, it's actually sweet potato stuffed with rice, veggies and other spices which is made to look like Turkey. Vegans and vegetarians are getting creative by the year. Kudos!