What are you cooking for Thanksgiving? Let's Share Menu ideas.....

What are you cooking for Thanksgiving? Let's Share Menu ideas.....

Appetizer: spinach ricotta cups....I am trying to come up with an alternative to pie dough.
Potato Casserole (I won't be eating much of this.)
Prosciutto wrapped Asparagus
Turkey

I might make some alternative for desserts like German Windmill Cookies from the Commissary.. they are like gingerbread biscuits. No one really eats sweets!

In another thread, I saw that someone suggested wonton wrappers in place of pie crust.  It's a pretty good idea, I might try it myself.

It's just my DH and I for Thanksgiving, but I still make the traditional meal.  I love making the turkey leftovers into soup and salads and whatever else I can think of.  I am making a few changes since I've had WLS.  Our menu is:

Appetizer:
Deviled Eggs
Olives
Raw Veggies (carrots, cucumbers, grape tomatos) with dip (fage & ranch packet)

Meal:
Turkey
Whipped Butternut Squash (tastes just like mashed potatos to me!)
Turkey Gravy, FF as I can make it
Homemade Whole Grain Wheat Herbed Stuffing (I'll only have a bite of this)
Corn (for hubby - I might have a bite, but i'm more interested in the turkey and squash)


Dessert:
I am trying to decide between:
Double Layer SF Pumpkin Pie OR
SF Pumpkin Fluff OR
SF Maple Pumpkin Custard

DH is very supportive of the changes.  He actually wants me to make all 3 desserts in case one (or two) of them aren't that great.  I only worry that all of them will be fantastic.  If it turns out that way, he'll have to take them to work! HA!

For crust I use almond meal or carbquick... I cut cocunut oil into the carbquick instead of shortening and use cold water...  very simple.  I also pat in the pan because it is easier than rolling.

 
My Ricotta Spinach Cups use the wonton wrappers.  They are always a huge hit.

The photo is HERE

RICOTTA SPINACH CUPS

Gorgeous little bites, just right for a quick lunch with a crisp green salad.  They can also be used as appetizers for any party.  Guests will adore these and most of the work can be done ahead.

Pre-bake the wrappers and store them in an airtight container once cool.  Make the filling and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.  These are good hot or room temperature.

Vegetable cooking spray
24 small square wonton wrappers
1 cup ricotta cheese
One 10-ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
2 eggs
1 tablespoon cream
1 clove garlic, through a press
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Dash cayenne pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray the cups of a 12-muffin pan with the vegetable cooking spray.  Gently press one wrapper into reach cup and lightly spray the wrapper with the spray.  Bake for 5 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.  Repeat with remaining wrappers.

In a small bowl combine the ricotta, spinach, eggs, cream, garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, cayenne, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.  Replace 12 of the baked cups into the muffin pan.  Fill with scant one tablespoon of filling mixture.  Sprinkle with more grated parmesan.  Lay a piece of aluminum foil lightly over the pan and return to the oven.  Bake for 17 minutes.  Remove to wire rack to cool.  Repeat with remaining cups and filling.  Makes 24 pieces.

Per Cup: Calories 50; Protein 4 g; Fat 2 g; Carbs 3g; Sugar 0 g; Sodium 119 mg

My father has alzheimers and can no longer use eating utensils, so this Thanksgiving I am trying to revamp the classics into finger foods. That way it is easier on all of us, and he doesn't feel as "different".

I figure regular old turkey can be eaten with your fingers just fine. We are going with baked sweet potato fries, and rolls. Not sure exactly how I will do it, but going to try and whip up some sort of cranberry jello type thing that will be more like finger jello, but also be like a cranberry salad.

If anybody has any ideas for another veggie type dish that is finger and wls friendly, please let me know. I am excited for this thanksgiving. It will most likely be his last so I am really enjoying every moment we have.

Erin

Edamame would be a good finger friendly veggie that is comparative to green beans :-)

http://johannasrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanksgivin g

Making same thing as last year. So looking forward to it.