lori_vt Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I am looking ahead at Thanksgiving and trying to prepare as much compliant food as possible. Does anyone have an idea for stuffing/dressing that is grain-free and compliant? Or alternatives to traditional stuffing to bake in the turkey cavity? Perhaps a root vegetable "pilaf" type recipe? The sides should be easy enough (sweet potatoes, broccoli, turnip, and maybe a cran-apple relish), and I can easily (well maybe not easily) forego pie, but I'm stumped on the stuffing. Does anyone else have ideas or plans for their Thanksgiving meal with family (who is not on W30)? I want to enjoy the meal with my family, and have them enjoy it too so they don't feel like they have to give up anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberino21 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Our stuffing used to be sausage meat, herbs and spices, cranberries or other dried fruit, nuts, bread crumbs. Sometimes rice, egg to bind... You could easily replace the breadcrumbs with nut meal, use coarse cauli rice in the mix... I'd cook the turkey without stuffing and cook the stuffing in a separate dish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vian Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I know desserts are not in the spirit of whole30, but I actually found a recipe for pumpkin pie that uses only compliant ingredients (dates and raisins for sweetness) http://thehealthyfoodie.com/2013/10/19/paleo-pumpkin-pie-a-healthy-dessert-option-for-you-this-thanksgiving/ so it might be a healthy option for people who are not actively doing a whole30 but don't want to go off the rails during the holidays. ***EDIT: My mistake, I missed the honey and molasses in the pie until I went to actually make it.*** Just do a search for "paleo stuffing" and you'll get all kinds of ideas. Personally, I'm making the pie above, as well as: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/66597843666/butterflied-big-bird-spatchcocked-turkey Thinly sliced sauteed brussels sprouts with bacon and onions Acorn squash puree Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (for everyone else) Mom will probably make her baked sweet potatoes (with orange maple glaze) and we might try one of the paleo stuffings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinkse21 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I am having Thanksgiving dinner at my house too and even though I am not doing a Whole30 right now, I would like to make it as compliant as possible because I just like how I feel eating cleaner. I plan on ordering a pastured turkey, roasting brussel sprouts with bacon, mashed sweet potatoes, maybe roasted carrots, and regular mashed potatoes for the others. I would love to make stuffing but it's one of my t-day downfalls...with gravy! I would love to find a good alternative that wouldn't make the others turn their heads! May have to have some Stove Top Stuffing on hand since they don't care what they put in their bodies (true shame!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cfcosplayer11 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Last year we had cauliflower "potatoes", balsamic roasted brussel sprouts, turkey stuffed/roasted with apples ,celery, and orange slices stuffed inside, sweet potatoes, and we were all so stuffed we didn't miss the stuffing or rolls! I understand the traditional aspect, but the higher quality foods will fill you up so you don't miss the "extras" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpinSpin Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Last year, I used some of the recipes that were posted on the Whole 30 blog--really liked the warm spinach salad with pistachios-- and I did cornish game hens which were a holiday staple for hubby when he was growing up. This year, he has requested turkey, and I am contemplating making an herbed ghee and spreading that between the skin and flesh, and I always let it sit over night in the fridge, uncovered, so the skin dries out a bit and it is crisps up nicely when it bakes. I am also going to add apples, oranges and the basics -- onion, celery, carrots to roast under. Thinking about a mashed sweet potato casserole made with coconut milk, orange zest/juice and pecans, and then some veggie sides. LOL I always make a ton of food and should really think about asking people over! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EchoDelta Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 I'm not on the Whole 30 atm, but like others I'm also looking to compliant foods. But I think the protein will be a geese and save the turkey for Christmas. We used to get a Honey-Baked ham but not this year. I want to make a green bean casserole with bacon but it's so hard to find sugar-free bacon and US Wellness Meats is always out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinkse21 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 SpinSpin, I am SO doing the ghee/herb thing under my tirkey skin! I ordered a fresh turkey from a local farm that I get to pick up the Wed. before Thanksgiving and I plan on brining it if I can find a brine that doesn't have sugar in it. Crispy skin is the best and the ghee should really help! My mouth is watering...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinkse21 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 I just found this on Nom Nom Paleo's site and it looks so easy! http://nomnompaleo.com/post/66597843666/butterflied-big-bird-spatchcocked-turkey#more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinkse21 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Given that I am soooo busy at work, I found another site that has a lot of Paleo recipe ideas.....http://meatified.com/paleo-thanksgiving/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsStick Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Jinkse - why buy a brine? Buy kosher salt and use that, tons of recipes of salt+herb brines all over the internet. Way too easy to waste money buying an "official" brine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpinSpin Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 When I do my herbed (butter) ghee for turkey, I usually use the ones in that old Simon and Garfunkel song-- parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme--either dry or fresh depending on what my plans are. I have also placed whole leaves under the skin and THAT looks really neat! I am glad I gave you an idea to try Jinkse! We really love turkey done this way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Simpson Thumann Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I am not sure on what the protein will be but I will definitely be making a couple of side dishes I saw over at PaleOMG. Both dishes can be Whole30 with replacing or removing some ingredients. http://paleomg.com/thanksgiving-side-dish-maple-bacon-pecan-roasted-butternut-squash/#comment-75256 http://paleomg.com/thanksgiving-guest-post-primal-cauliflower-casserole-not-strict-paleo/ Sauteed baby kale with garlic and maybe a paleo version of pumpkin pie or just some fresh fruit. Since I'm not on a Whole30, I haven't decided if I am going to replace the non-compliant ingredients yet. Currently searching for a ham because I don't want turkey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jillian Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Here's another site I remember stumbling across last Thanksgiving: http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/11/the-paleo-moms-thanksgiving-side-dish-and-dessert-recipe-round-up.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinkse21 Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 Jinkse - why buy a brine? Buy kosher salt and use that, tons of recipes of salt+herb brines all over the internet. Way too easy to waste money buying an "official" brine. Sorry, should have specified finding a brine RECIPE that didn't include sugar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goSonja Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 I know desserts are not in the spirit of whole30, but I actually found a recipe for pumpkin pie that uses only compliant ingredients (dates and raisins for sweetness) http://thehealthyfoodie.com/2013/10/19/paleo-pumpkin-pie-a-healthy-dessert-option-for-you-this-thanksgiving/ so it might be a healthy option for people who are not actively doing a whole30 but don't want to go off the rails during the holidays. Just do a search for "paleo stuffing" and you'll get all kinds of ideas. Personally, I'm making the pie above, as well as: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/66597843666/butterflied-big-bird-spatchcocked-turkey Thinly sliced sauteed brussels sprouts with bacon and onions Acorn squash puree Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (for everyone else) Mom will probably make her baked sweet potatoes (with orange maple glaze) and we might try one of the paleo stuffings I feel like I'm missing something here. There is honey and molasses in that pie recipe. did you make a substitution to the recipe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vkanders Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 I feel like I'm missing something here. There is honey and molasses in that pie recipe. did you make a substitution to the recipe? It's a small amount (just a few tablespoons) - could probably be left out, or a few more dates/raisins could be added. If you're looking for a dessert-y type thing, maybe try the apple crumble from Well Fed - no added sweetener. It's not Whole30 approved because it's, well, a dessert, but it's all compliant ingredients. Just a SWYPO thing. A delicious SWYPO thing. EDIT: just checked my cookbooks. My friend made this and said it was from Well Fed, looks like she did a hybrid of the baked apple slices and the peach crumble. I think she did the apples and then topped with almond meal-salt-coconut oil-cinnamon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HIlaryDilaryDock Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 I love Nom-Nom Paleo, and will be using most of her Thanksgiving recipes (definitely the Turkey, OMG yum). My in-laws can bring their own processed food. My MIL is bring the store bought desserts - no temptation there. I am on the fence about Nom Nom's Paleo Pumpkin custard cups. I could make them Whole30 compliant by removing the maple and vanilla...but I'm not sure if its too desserty, making it non-compliant with Whole30. Any thoughts? http://nomnompaleo.com/post/12318335046/paleo-pumpkin-coconut-maple-custard-cups Recipe: Here's what to gather to make ten 4-ounce ramekins: •1-1/4 cup coconut milk (I used Aroy-D)•4 large eggs•½ cup grade B maple syrup•¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (I use Libby's)•1 teaspoon ground cinnamon•½ teaspoon ground nutmeg•½ teaspoon vanilla extract•¼ teaspoon kosher salt•½ cup toasted coconut flakes (bake raw flakes in a single layer at 300 F for 3-5 minutes until golden brown) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Simpson Thumann Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I'm thinking of making pumpkin brulee.. not Whole30 but since I'm not on one.. I figure one treat won't kill me. All ingredients are paleo though.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberino21 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I love Nom-Nom Paleo, and will be using most of her Thanksgiving recipes (definitely the Turkey, OMG yum). My in-laws can bring their own processed food. My MIL is bring the store bought desserts - no temptation there. I am on the fence about Nom Nom's Paleo Pumpkin custard cups. I could make them Whole30 compliant by removing the maple and vanilla...but I'm not sure if its too desserty, making it non-compliant with Whole30. Any thoughts? http://nomnompaleo.com/post/12318335046/paleo-pumpkin-coconut-maple-custard-cups Recipe: Here's what to gather to make ten 4-ounce ramekins: •1-1/4 cup coconut milk (I used Aroy-D) •4 large eggs •½ cup grade B maple syrup •¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (I use Libby's) •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •½ teaspoon ground nutmeg •½ teaspoon vanilla extract •¼ teaspoon kosher salt •½ cup toasted coconut flakes (bake raw flakes in a single layer at 300 F for 3-5 minutes until golden brown) Unless you're going to serve it as a side dish with your main meal, I'd probably avoid it. It is very desserty IMO, and even more so if you plan on eating it after your meal as an alternative to other dessert options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Maryann Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I make stuffing with equal amounts of sausage, apples, celery and onions. I saute them all first, so they are soft and make sure none of the pieces are too large to cook thoroughly. It doesn't hold together quite as well as it would with bread for a binder, but with a healthy dose of sage and whatever else you normally season it with, it tastes fantastic and many people don't even realize the bread is missing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpinSpin Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 That sounds really good Maryann! all the yummy bits with out the bread! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Maryann Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 You can bind it with an egg if you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lori_vt Posted November 27, 2013 Author Share Posted November 27, 2013 So I'm undecided about doing the "Spatchcocked Turkey" procedure (cutting out the spine and butterflying the bird) that I found on NomNom Paleo's site. I will definitely use the dry brining technique she talked about. Our Thanksgiving feast will be on Saturday, since my kids are going to their dad's for the big meal on the traditional day this year. Before I discovered paleo and ultimately W30, I used to bake a ton of bread items, so my oldest son asked me to make stuffed french toast for our Thanksgiving brunch tomorrow morning. How could i refuse? I'm making blueberry breakfast sausage - and it's compliant!! from this site: http://blog.stuffimakemyhusband.com/2012/09/blueberry-breakfast-sausage-coconut.html and will make the boys the stuffed french toast, and I will be having straight-up scrambled eggs or something not gluten-based. For our big feast on Saturday, I'll be doing the turkey, and using Well Fed's cauliflower pilaf for stuffing (but not actually stuffing the turkey), and I'm making Garlicky Ginger Colcannon, a long time fave, and Mark's Daily Apple's "Ultimate Walnut Pie Crust with Pumpkin Filling." I'm not doing a W30 right now, but don't want to stray too far. Just having dessert after 5+ weeks without is going to be weird. Hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving holiday and meals and their time with family and friends. I'm grateful for so many things this year, and family is a huge part of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Maryann Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Sounds yummy, but how do you make colcannon without potatoes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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