Thanksgiving is just around the corner. If you’re looking to try something new this year, why not reinvent your favorite entrees and sides? Update classic calorie-laden recipes with healthier, creative ingredients and cooking techniques. These recipes don’t skimp on taste, just the fat.
Cranberry-Orange Relish
Meld the flavors of sweet and sour with this no-cook cranberry-orange relish recipe from Weight Watchers. You simply mix fresh cranberries, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and a cut-up orange (rind and all!) into the food processor. Pulse and refrigerate, and you have a zingy sauce that’s perfect with turkey.
Light Green Bean Casserole
You won’t miss the fried onions on top of the regular green bean casserole with this version. Midwest Living’s delightfully light green bean casserole is finished off with bread crumbs and slivered almonds for a crunchy texture that’s sure to please your guests – and your family!
Apple Cider-Brined Turkey with Savory Herb Gravy
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be, well, Thanksgiving without the perfectly cooked bird. To infuse your poultry with flavor, try this apple cider-brined turkey with savory herb gravy from Cooking Light. With brining, the meat is soaked in a mixture of salt and sugar to pump the turkey with moisture – and taste.
Ranch-Style Mock Mashed Potatoes
Skip the mashed potatoes! This year, make your family this ranch-style mock mashed potatoes from Hidden Valley Ranch. Cauliflower stands in for mashed potatoes in this side dish that’s doused with light ranch dressing for a tangy zip.
Easy Vegetable Stuffing
Bring color and nutrition to standard stuffing – by mixing in veggies. This recipe for easy vegetable stuffing from Betty Crocker includes broccoli, corn, peppers and onions for a new-fashioned side dish that is sure to become a family tradition.
Honey Whole Wheat Rolls
Break out of the crescent roll habit and try these rich, moist honey whole-wheat rolls from Taste of Home. The recipe includes plenty of honey to give the rolls natural sweetness – along with whole-wheat flour and old-fashioned oats. Tip: Double the batch of rolls so you have extras to make turkey sandwiches the next day.
Crustless LIBBY’s Famous Pumpkin Pie
You don’t need a piecrust to make pie! LIBBY’s Famous Pumpkin Pie goes crustless in this ingenious recipe from Nestle’s Very Best Baking blog that’s quick and easy to make. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
