I’ve only been thinking about what to serve for Thanksgiving dinner since I started this journey to lose weight back in September, lol. 
I know the quantities of food I’ve eaten in past years, so I wanted to be “prepared” this year and make sure I have some healthy options so I avoid any bingeful disasters. That’s why I made one of my Hot 100 goals this week to create my Thanksgiving menu and ingredient list. So, I’ve given it a lot of thought, scoured a lot of blogs and recipe sites, and here is what I have come up with. Any recommendations, healthy substitutions, and recipe ideas are always welcome!
MENU:
Appetizer and Salad:
- Fried Wontons
- Salad
Main Course:
- Turkey
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Green Bean Casserole
- Fresh Veggies (Zucchini, squash, etc)
- Cranberry Sauce
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Rolls
Desserts:
- Pumpkin Pie
- Cherry Pie
- Apple Crisp
INGREDIENTS:
Fried Wontons: My husband makes these and I believe he uses wontons wraps, ground beef, egg, and onion. Maybe even cabbage? I need to find out. I want to see if for Thanksgiving he will make some with ground turkey for me (and anyone else who will try them). He also makes a soy sauce/vinegar mix to dip them in. (I will not be dipping mine, I eat mine plain)
Salad: Will consist of Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I will have chopped onions, bacon bits, egg-white chunks, cheese, and croutons on the side for those who want them. I will also have some low cal/lite versions of Catalina, Ranch, and Italian dressings available.
Turkey, Gravy, and Stuffing: My mother has generously offered to make these at her home and bring with her when she comes. This is awesome because it will give me more time to prepare all the side dishes (and more room in my oven!)
Mashed Potatoes: This year, I will make a much smaller batch than I have in past years. You wouldn’t believe how much I was able to consume. I will use skim milk, a dab of butter, salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic. By the way, I am making these for my guests as I will NOT be having any this year. I’ll be having mashed cauliflower instead. (see below)
Mashed Cauliflower: I am making this as an alternative for me instead of mashed potatoes. Potatoes are a trigger food for me and I’m scared that if I start eating them I won’t be able to stop, so it’s best not to start. I’ve never made mashed cauliflower before – this will be a first. I’ll use fresh cauliflower, skim milk, a dab of butter, salt, and pepper.
Green Bean Casserole: I make this different than most people and every year it’s been a big hit. I use fresh green beans, olive oil, cream of potato soup, potatoes, garlic, and onions.
Fresh Veggies: I haven’t fully decided what to do, but I know I want to have a dish of fresh mixed veggies. Zucchini, Squash, and broccoli for sure.
Cranberry Sauce: I’ve always used the can variety, and probably will again this year unless I can find a good recipe to make it homemade.
Macaroni and Cheese: I know, I know, for shame! But, my oldest daughter is very picky and will not eat potatoes of any kind and always requests that I make her favorite, mac and cheese. By the way, I do NOT know where she gets her distaste for taters from cuz it sure aint me! This will the boxed, Kraft variety.
Bread: I’ve always just baked pre-packaged dinner rolls. Still not completely decided on what to do this year. Will update once I decide.
Pumpkin Pie: Store bought. No one really likes it except my oldest daughter, but it’s the only pie she will eat.
Cherry Pie: Maybe store bought, maybe homemade. I have never baked a homemade pie before, but looking at some recipes now. Will update once I decide.
Apple Crisp: I’ve never made homemade apple crisp, but want to and figured this will be the perfect opportunity to do so. Still looking at recipes and will update once I’ve decided on one.
So that’s it for now. It’ll probably change a lot between now and the big day, but at least I have a general idea so I know what to buy and all. I’m actually stepping out of my comfort zone (a lot) by attempting to make some of these dishes from scratch rather than pre-packaged like I have in the past. Oh, and it might seem silly why I would be making both mashed potatoes and mashed cauliflower, but if I only made the cauliflower, I’d be the only one eating it. And I definitely don’t want any mashed potatoes this year. (far too tempting for me right now)
I am SO excited for Thanksgiving this year! Looking forward to spending time with my family, reflecting on what I’m TRULY thankful for this year, putting our Christmas tree up the next day, and the glorious FOUR day weekend to come! 
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
That all sounds so yummy! Tell me what time to come and I’ll bring my whole family! LOL!
I love apple crisp and have a good recipe if you’d like to look at it!!
I would love to look at it!!!
Wonderful classic menu! And sometimes its not what you eat, just how much!
Have you ever tried making mashed potatoes with chicken broth and 1/4 cup of fat free half and half? So fluffy and flavorful from the chicken broth.
My only other suggestion, is that if your hubby decides to make ground turkey wontons, make sure you pick up ground turkey breast, because regular ground turkey has more fat than ground beef because they add the dark meat.
So, what time is dinner?!
I’ll be there to share the cauliflower with you! I’d love to try your version of the GBCasserole, too!
I am not a cook so I can’t offer up anything.. I am also BORING! I eat plain old white meat turkey which I really like, fresh veggies of some kind with just no-salt seasoning, always a roll or something like that cause I love bread AND I leave my calories for a couple of my fav cookies… I know BORING! I may take some bites of the crust of the pie… I love the crust but it stops there. I like cookies better!
Good luck!
I have made the mashed cauliflower. The key is to cook it until it is very soft. By then, once it is drained, the cauliflower taste is about all gone, then it reminds you of mashed potatoes. Along the same lines, have you thought about mashed sweet potatoes? Of course, without brown sugar and marshmallows.
It is really a good alternative that is surprisingly better for us on a weight loss journey. It also fits in well with Thanksgiving.
I’ve been using what I call “Smart substitutions”. Wheat instead of white bread. Diet instead of regular. I saw that cherry pie and personally I would really have to think twice about it. I could eat the whole pie.
Cranberry sauce is the absolute easiest thing to make from scratch! Just follow the directions on the bag. Sugar, water and cranberries is the basic, but I like to sub 1/2 the water for orange juice (and cut down the sugar), plus add a cinnamon stick. It’s so wonderful!
The cauliflower is pretty easy. I season mine with some butter, salt, milk and sometimes I even put some plain yogurt in as a substitute for sour cream. I also one time mixed some powdered ranch dressing in and that was awesome!
I have tried the cauliflower, and it’s pretty dang good, but yeah, you have to make sure it’s cooked long enough. I LOVE mashed sweet potatoes (I mix ing soem fat free sourcream and caramelized onions).
With the wontons, you might want to try steaming some instead of frying all of them?
I love that you’re puting so much thought into your menu. I may have to post some things that I make for mine.
Also, I must admit, I love you’re making Kraft Mac & Cheese. My mom always made really good “real” mac and cheese, but I always loved the fake, florescent orange stuff. So good.
Have a great weekend!
May I suggest (for ease, if nothing else!) doing a cauliflower/potato mash. This is what I do all the time now. I use a big head of cauliflower and two large russet potatoes. I throw in five or six big cloves of garlic during the boil, for extra flavor and then use low-fat cream cheese when I puree it. I keep some of the cooking water in case it needs extra moisture, but it often doesn’t. It’s much healthier than straight mashed potatoes for everyone and means one less dish to cook.
mmmmm this post did two things–made me more excited for Thanksgiving AND hungry! hehe.
I just found your site going through weight loss blogs–I started mine this week and am loving it so far. I also started my loss back the first of September like you. I’m anxious for a lower calorie Thanksgiving but a little nervous too!
I added a link to your blog on my page. Can’t wait to keep up with your progress. Good luck
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your comments and input. I am really looking forward to next Thursday making some of these dishes…tweaking a little here and there. Thanks again for all the wonderful ideas and help!!
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