Thanksgiving will be here before you know it so if you want to serve something a little different on your holiday table, peruse our list of tasty alternatives to hum-drum dishes.
Instead of Roast Turkey Try Smoked Turkey
Ham and turkey-lovers alike can rejoice, thanks to Alberta-based free-range and organically grown Winter’s Turkeys whole smoked turkey. The meat is a flavourful hybrid of turkey and ham and is particularly tasty with mustard. (Special order at 403-936-5586, wintersturkeys.ca)
Instead of Mashed Potatoes Try Pureed Cauliflower
I know, generally cauliflower can be gross, but when you steam and puree it and toss with a little sea salt and butter it becames a magically creamy and delicious dish. It tastes like lighter, less starchy mashed potatoes. Find locally grown cauliflower at Crossroads Farmer’s Market. (1235 26 Ave. S.E., crossroadsmarket.ca)
Instead of Pumpkin Pie Try Pumpkin Macarons
Let’s be real, after a massive meal a big ‘ol slice of pie seems like overkill. Keep dessert dainty and refined this year and serve adorably flavourable white chocolate pumpkin macarons from Ohh La La Patisserie. Get them quick, they’re only available in October. (3118, 8561 8a Ave. S.W., 587-353-0111, ohhlalapatisserie.com)
Instead of Cranberry Sauce Try Rhubarb Relish
Cranberry sauce is okay, but an equally tart and sweet alternative is rhubarb sauce – plus it actually grows here which makes it feel more true to tradition. If you’re not inspired to make your own, pick up a jar of Vancouver-based Jules + Kent Rhubarb Relish at the Cookbook Co. Cooks. (722 11 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6066, cookbookcooks.com, @cookbookcocooks)
Instead of Sweet Potatoes Try Acorn Squash
A scoop of sweet potato is tasty, but if you opt instead for baked acorn squash halves the handy veggie boats double as bowls. Find a bounty of the green squash with its pretty yellow flesh at the Calgary Farmers’ Market. (510 77 Ave. S.E., calgaryfarmersmarket.ca, @cgyfarmersmarkt)