Unconventional Thanksgiving Ideas

The holiday season is upon us and with Thanksgiving looming on the horizon, the stress of preparing a big meal also awaits many. Having the same traditions and customs year after year though, can become a bit tedious. Here are some interesting dish ideas to help spice up your Thanksgiving holidays this year.

Main Dishes:

1. Deep Fried Turkey - While taking very safe precautions, this popular trend is becoming prevalent within the Laredo area. Think of it as a Thanksgiving carne asada. You'll have to be willing to buy extra turkey frying hardware and have a strong unconventional disposition towards this dish. Keep the kids and pets away, lest disaster occur. Lastly, do not stuff the turkey. I repeat, do not stuff the turkey.

2. Roasted Chicken and Herbs – A healthier version of turkey, roasted chicken provides an unconventional non-turkey dinner.

3. Turkey Legs –Not in the mood to make a huge turkey? Make turkey legs instead. This meal is much more inexpensive than spending $30 on an entire turkey. Turkey legs provide a great choice for busy students who want to enjoy Thanksgiving yet don't have the six hours to waste.

Side Dishes:

1. Tater Tots- Yes, tater tots. Thinking more along the lines of students without the culinary skills to prepare homemade mashed potatoes, I offer this interesting alternative. Tater tots are easy to make and kids love them. So children with fussy eating habits are sure to enjoy tots. Don't forget the ketchup.

2. Side salads – Side salads are healthy and affordable. Instead of having heavier side dishes, many can choose to enjoy a side salad.

Desert:

1. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake - Ever find someone who doesn't enjoy pumpkin pie? Yes, these folks do exist. What will you do to appease these fussy appetites? Try pineapple upside-down cake. This festive fruity dish is sure to be a great alternative for pumpkin haters.

2. Pudding – Pudding, anyone? This easy, instant desert can be done in five minutes. Buy an instant pudding mix, add some sliced fruit, and you're done.

Whether you're a mom on campus who cooks for her family or a student anxious to have a few days off for turkey time, the holidays can be a time to break these traditional standards.