Thanksgiving Meal Entrees

Holidays/ Celebrations

By: aupoet 16-Oct-2010

Introduction:

When it comes to meals one of the most memorable ones of the year is the Thanksgiving day meal. This list is filled with thanksgiving dinner ideas including delicious and healthy food choices.

Turkey

Turkey tops my list because there are so many ways to prepare a delicious bird. It can be roasted, fried, smoked, and flavored by using many different rubs and marinades. Turkey is also healthy, compared to other meats, it is low in fats, high in proteins, and a good source of the B vitamins, iron, and selenium. Turkey breast meat contains only 2 grams of fat, 17 grams of protein, some 40 mg of cholesterol, and only 106 calories per 100 gram serving. After the main meal, turkey leftovers lend themselves to all kinds of wholesome dishes. Casseroles, soups, sandwiches, turkey pot pie, and even turkey salads, are some of the many ways to use leftover turkey.

Stuffing/Dressings

There are many different recipes for stuffing and I feel that no thanksgiving meal is complete without it. Cornbread stuffing is my favorite, made with mild country sausage. Dressing recipes are very adaptable. They can be made with differents types of breads and meats, and can include nuts and fruits for an added sweetness or crunchy texture. Stuffings are a great way to use up stale or leftover breads, crackers, and even rice. From celery and onions, apples and cranberries, to mushrooms and carrots, all kinds of fruits and vegetables can be used in dressings, making it a great way to add these to a diet.

Pumpkin Desserts

The first thing that most people think of when pumpkins are mentioned as part of a meal is pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream topping always deserves a place at the table and it seems no matter how much I have pigged out during the main course, I will always have room for some pie. Other pumpkin desserts that I love include, warm pumpkin buckle, pumpkin sweet rolls with honey glaze, Cream cheese filled pumpkin roll, and pumpkin cake with pecan drizzle.

Vegetable Dishes

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the year's harvest so it is a great time to enjoy some of it. The table filled with steaming hot bowls of sweet corn, potatoes, green beans, english peas with new potatoes, and turnip greens boiled with bacon bits, just makes my mouth water. Full of fiber, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and other nutrients, vegetables besides being flavorful, are a plus for any diet.

Rolls/Bread

No thanksgiving meal would be complete without some sort of home made bread or rolls. Warm yeast rolls that melt the butter, crescent rolls that steam when opened, corn bread muffins with a crisp outer covering, or a loaf of some sort of specialty bread such as rye, wheat, or pumpernickle, they all set the meal off and make it special. Breads are filling and a good source of fiber. Fiber is necessary for a healthy digestion system and diets high in fiber have been shown to help fight colon cancer and to help lower cholesterol.