When planning the same holiday year after year, how do you keep your celebration fresh and interesting while maintaining a sense of tradition? We asked our favorite bloggers and food people to share what’s inspiring their Thanksgiving planning this year. From ancestor’s recipes and falling leaves, to beautiful piles of ingredients and thoughtful home decor, there was no shortage of imagination. See what motivates some of the most creative minds we know, and then start planning your annual feast.
When it comes to the fall, particularly Thanksgiving, I can only dwell upon a single word: warmth. Everything about the season exudes warmth, whether it be the earthy colors of autumn leaves, the comfort of family joined together or the late-fall harvest ingredients that make up such satisfying meals. The images above are a reflection of all that I cherish about the Thanksgiving season. Fresh herbs, warm bread, ripe seckle pears, hearty butternut squash soup and a carrot cake sure to trump any pumpkin pie — all of which are gluten-, grain- and processed sugar-free!
I love coming together as a family and sharing recipes new and old. For my family, we are particularly excited to share healthier takes on traditional dishes. Bread made with cashews or cakes made with almond flour are perfect for those who follow a gluten-free diet or just wish for a healthier option.
I am grateful for all of the wonderful dishes that make up the Thanksgiving feast, but it is the fellowship with my family and friends over a scrumptious meal that makes that one fine day something to be truly thankful for.
For more Thanksgiving ideas visit our Thanksgiving Inspiration Board Gallery.
Caitlin is a graphic designer and freelance photo stylist based in Birmingham, Ala. Her blog, Roost, was born after she got married and needed a creative outlet to share recipes and ideas. Two years later it has become a full-blown passion, and her desire is to inspire others using healthy and creative alternatives in the kitchen.
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Healthy and Holiday are two words that need to be separated. These are "Olde" feast days and as such should be celebrated with full fat and sweetness, not substitutes. Please, it's only for a few short days each year. Keep your diet on the rest of the days. And to those with allergies, I can sympathize. We should try to be more accommodating.
Caitlin's husband has Crohn's disease and he has healed his Crohn's and has been able to go med free by following a strict diet of no grains, gluten, starches, sugars or lactose. For some, the words "healthy" and "holiday" can't be separated. I applaud Caitlin for creating such amazing recipes that will keep her husband healthy, included, full and happy on Thanksgiving and every day of the year!
P.S. Caitlin and her husband follow the "Specific Carbohydrate Diet" (SCD). Here are other SCD holiday recipes (gluten, grain, lactose, refined sugar and starch free): http://mrsedsresearchandrecipes.blogspot.com/2010…
I an my family don't eat pork. What can I substitute for the many times I see prosciutto, bacon in recipes?
I think the traditions that they offer here is so good. It is always good to cook with these great traditions. So much great food will come from it. Keep up the good work. Garbage removal Vancouver