As the holiday season rolls around, many of us look forward to the scrumptious feast that Thanksgiving brings. From the juicy turkey with all the trimmings to the delectable pumpkin pie, the culinary delights of this day are eagerly anticipated. However, this year, why not surprise your guests with some unconventional Thanksgiving dishes and creative ideas for leftovers? Let’s break away from tradition and explore some alternative and quirky recipes that add a unique twist to your Thanksgiving menu.
An Unconventional Dessert: Moose Turd Cookies
Yes, you read that right. Despite their unappetizing name, Moose Turd Cookies are a unique dessert that will surely spark conversation around the table. Made with common cookie ingredients like butter and eggs, these treats incorporate a generous amount of chocolate and a dash of alcohol, such as triple sec or Grand Marnier. And don’t let their appearance scare you off; these cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream, provided you can overlook their resemblance to a certain animal’s scat. For a festive touch, sprinkle some red and green toppings over them during Christmas and rebrand them as Reindeer Turds.
A Pie-Cake Hybrid: The Cherpumple
The Cherpumple is an epic dessert that combines cherry pie, pumpkin pie, and apple pie into one colossal cake. Each pie is baked within a cake of your choice – white, yellow, or spice – and then stacked and frosted together. This indulgent dessert is perfect for those who want a taste of each traditional Thanksgiving pie without feeling guilty. The Cherpumple is a creative way to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a unique touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
A Historical Recipe: Depression Cake
Depression Cake, also known as Wacky Cake, hails from the era of the Great Depression when ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter were expensive. This cake substitutes these ingredients with vegetable oil, vinegar, and water, resulting in a moist and fluffy dessert that is also vegan-friendly. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, and you have a delicious, dairy-free chocolate cake that caters to your health-conscious guests.
Handling Leftovers
Post-Thanksgiving, most of us are left with an overwhelming amount of leftovers. Here are some creative ways to use them:
Thanksgiving Turkey Cake
This ‘cake’ is a tower of Thanksgiving leftovers layered into a cake form. It includes a base of turkey and oats, layers of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and more turkey, topped with sweet potatoes and mini marshmallows. It’s a fun and delicious way to repurpose your leftovers.
Turkey and Chorizo Breakfast Hash
Turn your leftover turkey into a hearty breakfast by adding it to a hash with chorizo and Brussels sprouts. Top with a fried egg for a complete meal.
Leftover Sandwiches
From a triple-decker turkey sandwich with a gravy-soaked middle slice, to panini-style turkey sandwiches with melted Brie and avocado, there are countless ways to transform your leftovers into delicious sandwiches.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a meal. This year, consider adding a twist to your traditional menu with these unique recipes and creative ideas for leftovers. They are sure to bring a smile to your guests’ faces and add a dash of surprise and delight to your festivities. So, get your fat pants ready, and let the culinary adventure begin!
