Must-Try Twists on Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

Must-Try Twists on Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
With Thanksgiving almost here, it's time to start thinking about if you'll go with your past traditions or add a little twist. You can include both and add some spice to your current Thanksgiving traditions. Here are some chef-approved recipes you must add to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Mashed Roots

If you're looking for an alternative to mashed potatoes, try mashed roots. You'll find extra time in the kitchen with only a few ingredients for more Thanksgiving twists!. Mashed roots are a healthier alternative to potatoes that are just as tasty and even gluten-free!

Tools Needed:

  • Cutting Board (We used this John Boos Cutting Board)
  • Chef Knife (We used this Cangshan 8" Knife)
  • Stock Pot
  • Steamer Rack
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Immersion Blender (We used a Globe 18" Immersion Blender)
  • Serving Dish

      • Recipe:

       
      Using a chef knife, cut cauliflower head into medium-sized pieces.

      Remove root from celery stalk, peel skin, and cut into medium-sized pieces.

      Boil chopped celery root and cauliflower in a stock pot with a steamer rack for 30 minutes.

      Place boiled celery root and cauliflower in a mixing bowl and blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.

      Serve in a platter and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!

      Roasted Butternut Squash

      Butternut squash is a fall favorite among the squash family (besides pumpkin, of course). You may like your butternut squash as a soup or casserole, but this recipe calls for baking in the oven. It's easy to make and sweet to taste.

      Tools Needed:

        Recipe:


        Using a chef knife, cut the butternut squash in two, dividing the base and head.

        Using a spoon, gut the base of the butternut squash until all seeds are removed.

        Due to its toughness, use a chef knife to peel the butternut squash skin and dice into one-inch cubes.

        Toss chopped butternut squash in a mixing bowl with parsley, rosemary, white pepper, and salt.

        Place seasoned butternut squash on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for 30 minutes at 350ºF.

        Add to a serving dish, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with parsely and  rosemary. Enjoy!

          Spatchcock Turkey

          The traditional turkey on Thanksgiving is stuffed, flavor-injected, and roasted for hours. Our chef-made recipe is an evenly-cooked spatchcock turkey. Spatchcock means a split-opened bird. This method cooks the bird faster. We all like stuffing on the side anyway right? This twist on your Thanksgiving turkey is easy to prep and gives it a delicious smokey flavor. 

          Tools Needed:

            Recipe:

             
            With kitchen shears, cut out the back bone of the turkey, flip it over, and press on the breasts to flatten and crack the ribs. Place on a sheet pan with a roasting rack and season with a dry rub of your choice. 

             
            Place spatchcock turkey on a smoker grill at 300ºF for 4 hours. We used a 10-12 pound turkey.

             
            Place your turkey on a wooden cutting board (preferably with juice grooves) and with a chef knife, break apart the legs & thighs, wings, and breasts.
             
            Using a slicer knife (or an electric knife if you've got a big bird), cut even slices.
             
            Serve on a platter, drizzle with gravy of choice, and garnish with parsley and enjoy.

            Looking for something other than turkey this year? We've got an alternative to Thanksgiving turkey.

            Can't get enough Thanksgiving food? Here's the ultimate guide to Thanksgiving dinner.

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