| When you think about Thanksgiving recipes, what | | | | well. |
| comes to mind? Turkey. Mashed potatoes. Pumpkin | | | | Also, think about your Thanksgiving meal in terms of |
| Pie. Corn. Stuffing. Burritos. Wait a minute. Burritos? | | | | courses. You should include a lighter course or dish to |
| That doesn't seem to fit in! But what if your family | | | | start. Salads and soups make good options. The main |
| loves burritos? Thanksgiving doesn't have to just | | | | course should include an entrée and side |
| include the traditional recipes. With a little imagination | | | | dishes. The entrée is usually a meat dish, but |
| and the input of the rest of your family, you can | | | | don't be afraid to think outside of the box-a vegetarian |
| choose great recipes that everyone will enjoy, | | | | or pasta dish can work well too. Lastly, don't forget |
| regardless of the foods are "traditional." | | | | about dessert! Pumpkins, apples, and other fall fruits |
| First, think about what your family likes to eat best. | | | | are great when you're coming up with recipe ideas. |
| During Thanksgiving, you should be giving thanks for | | | | Keep in mind the preparation that comes with the |
| the food you enjoy together. Why not prepare the | | | | Thanksgiving recipes you choose. A turkey traditional |
| foods you enjoy? If you and your family do no care | | | | takes a long time to thaw and cook, but with a turkey, |
| for turkey, there's no need to spend all day roasting a | | | | you can stick it in the oven and simply check on it as |
| bird. You can start off with the traditional menus and | | | | you're preparing other dishes. However, some |
| replace certain items or you can start from scratch to | | | | entrées must be prepared closer to the time of |
| make an entirely new menu. The more you love the | | | | the dinner. It can be difficult trying to make |
| meal, the better your Thanksgiving will be. Trying sitting | | | | entrées, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts all |
| down as a family with as many of the people who will | | | | at the same time! Make sure that the timing works out |
| be attending the dinner as possible. Share Thanksgiving | | | | or that you have lots of helping hands in the kitchen. |
| recipes and ideas at what you'd like see on the table. | | | | When possible, prepare dishes, at least part of the |
| When making your Thanksgiving meal plan, however, it | | | | way, ahead of time and freeze or refrigerate. |
| is important to include foods from all food groups. A | | | | The bottom line? Thanksgiving isn't about the specific |
| traditional Thanksgiving meal has recipes that include all | | | | foods you eat. It's about spending time enjoying a meal |
| the major vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins that we | | | | with your family and giving thanks for the good foods |
| need to lead a healthy, balanced life. If you're going to | | | | and company that you have been provided. Consider |
| be preparing a non-traditional type of meal, make sure | | | | unique dishes and recipes this Thanksgiving if that's |
| that your recipes include options for all food groups as | | | | what will make your family happiest. |