The Middle East
Middle Eastern Lemon Chicken
"What makes this recipe Middle Eastern is the spices used. Not to be confused with lemon pepper chicken, this recipe for lemon is savory and just so good," says Saad Fayed, adding, "the spices used make it more of a Moroccan dish."
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europeans are known for their love of game birds, and Barbara Rolek notes that roast turkey is a requirement on New Year's Day. No need to wait until then, however, and she suggests:
- Polish Roast Turkey with Raisin-Almond Stuffing
- Dishes for An Eastern European-Style Thanksgiving Dinner
The cranberry cordial, in particular... Especially if it's cold out, and you don't have to drive home.
South America
Pavo Relleno, Holiday Stuffed Turkey
"Roast turkey is a holiday tradition in South America, and the stuffing tends to be rich and complex, spiked with dried fruits, sausage, olives and nuts," says Marian. "The turkey itself is often injected under the skin with wine or brandy, which makes for juicy meat and richly flavored stuffing."
Thailand
Roasted Lemongrass Chicken with Sweet Lime Sauce
"This recipe for roasted chicken with a lemongrass marinade is fragrant and moist," says Thai Cooking Guide Darlene Schmidt, adding, "it is delicious as is, or serve it together with my sweet lime sauce for a low-fat and delectable Thai treat your family and friends (including the kids!) will love."
The Southern United States
Diana's site is another I stand in awe of: One can easily get lost in it. Turkey being an American tradition, it's no surprise that she should have several recipes, and here are some of her personal favorites:
- Roast Turkey With Giblet Gravy
- Roast Turkey With Oyster Dressing
- Basic Bread Stuffing
- Cornbread Dressing With Eggs
Vegetarian Cooking
Yes, there are vegetarian (vegan, even) workarounds for those who won't or can't eat a Turkey. Jolinda Hackett has several tofurky (vegetarian mock turkey) recipes, suggests many other non-meat holiday dishes, and also has tips both for hosts expecting vegetarian guests, and for vegetarians going to a non-vegetarian home.
Winding down, looking for something to serve with your stuffed bird?
You'll find thousands of recipes on the food channel, but I especially recommend my late Godfather Jack Seely's Baked Sweet Potatoes with Lime and Ginger. He sent the recipe, saying, "I've been annoyed that it is hard to find candied orange or lemon zest in local stores, except at Christmas for fruitcakes. Recently I had a hard time finding crystallized ginger. But since I have a supply, I used it yesterday in my baked sweet potato with lime recipe. It was the hit of Thanksgiving dinner!"
Well, that's it. Enjoy the Holidays!
