Thanksgiving Recipes You Never Thought Of!

Thanksgiving is a great time to get together with family, and also enjoy foods that you might not serve the rest of the year. However, as much as we all love our holiday traditions, there’s nothing wrong with trying something new and different this Thanksgiving. Give some of these recipe ideas a try, and you’ll be grateful you did.

Peach Stuffing

No turkey is complete without some good stuffing, so why not give this peach stuffing a try? 

• 1/2 c. of orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 can peach halves, drained with syrup reserved
• 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken stock if using a baking dish
• 1 loaf Italian bread, cubed
• 1 stick unsalted butter, with extra for greasing the baking dish
• 2 diced medium onions
• 4 tsp. minced garlic
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 bunch chopped fresh sage
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

Let the bread stand overnight in a baking dish at room temperature or bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees when you are preparing the stuffing. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the garlic, celery, and onions with the salt and pepper. Cook about 5 minutes before adding the herbs, then cook another 2 minutes. Add to a large bowl with the bread and toss. Whisk the syrup from the peaches into the orange juice concentrate, then add to the bread with the peaches. Bake in a 9 by 13 buttered baking dish, covered with parchment and foil, at 375 for 20 minutes for best results.

Bacon-Wrapped Tender Turkey Breast and Wild Rice Stuffing

Entertaining a smaller group? This easy turkey recipe will fit the bill!

• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 rib of celery, chopped
• 6 oz. package wild rice
• 1/4 c. dried cranberries
• 1/2 c. low fat sour cream
• Butterflied turkey breast tenderloins (1 per each 2 people)
• Salt and pepper to season

Sauté the shallot and celery in butter until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. Add the wild rice mix with water according to preparation instructions on the package. Mix in the sour cream and dried cranberries once the rice has softened. Use salt and pepper to season the turkey breasts before placing stuffing on one side and folding the breast over. Wrap 6 strips of bacon around each turkey breast. Roast at 375 for 40 minutes.

Cranberry Apple Chutney

This recipe is recommended as a side to the bacon-wrapped, wild rice-stuffed turkey breasts that will liven up your meal even more.

• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 chopped Granny Smith Apple
• Juice from 1 orange
• 1 lg. shallot, chopped
• Garam masala, red chili pepper and ginger to taste
• Apple cider vinegar to cover the mixture

Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan, then bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes after reducing the heat. Place in the fridge to chill before serving. 

These recipes can offer you and your family something different this Thanksgiving, so why not give them a try? And if you’re looking for more recipes, check our time-saving recipes for an easy family dinner on page 19 of our September issue.

Photo credits: pumpkins, bacon