Don’t let tradition bully you into submission! For as long as Thanksgiving has been an American holiday, there have been the rituals and expectations that go along with it: Roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato and/or pumpkin pie and a football game for dessert. While this article is meant to give you more ideas and options, there is still love for the old favorites. For instance, if you can get your hands on some fresh or frozen whole cranberries from the grocery store , a couple cinnamon sticks, and an inexpensive bottle of Port (a fortified sweet wine originally made in Portugal- try Taylor for about $10), you can jazz up that side dressing with a very pleasing taste! 

But let’s focus on the pies, a most expected part of the day of feasting. We know the usual suspects, and they are good. Sweet potato pie, a Southern favorite, lends a wonderful bright orange color to the décor and warm feelings of the season. For those among us that are more adventurous, consider using brandy or bourbon in your pie recipes! That, too, is a Southern specialty. For instance, Blisstree.com has an amazing Gingered Apple pie with Cider Bourbon Sauce that’s guaranteed to make your mouth water. Apples are very much in-season around this time of the year, and this version blends spicy ginger with wholesome All-American fruits. Butternut Squash Pie is another orange-colored relative of the pumpkin that can be a nice substitute, if only for the fact that it is much easier to cut! The flesh has a similar consistency and the nutrition content is top-notch.

Consider different crusted toppings, like cinnamon streusel with Pecans or a gluten-free variety for guests with food allergies. One important thing to remember is that nuts always lend a heartier flavor if they are dry toasted in the oven for about 10-15 minutes first! Maple syrup can be a delightful addition to a simple pie recipe, especially substituting any sugar used. Oprah has been touting a Vermont Maple Sugar Pie recipe since February 2002, so maybe it’s worthy of your Thanksgiving table. Also, don’t forget that candied ginger or dried fruits such as raisins, dates, and apricots can also be tasty additions for an extra special pie

If you are trying to stretch that dollar, why not consider a bean pie? Beans are very economical, highly nutritious, and a versatile ingredient for savory as well as sweet dishes. Take a hint from Japanese and Chinese pastries and make a Navy Bean Pie! Navy beans also lend a similar golden orange-brown color to the finished product that will satisfy a traditionalist’s need for holiday continuity. Navy bean pie has a sweet custard filling and is promoted as a healthier alternative to sweet potato pie.

All of these pie options have accompanying reviews online, and maybe you know someone who has tried them. They are of varying levels of difficulty, but overall should be a fun exploration into culinary worlds. To save time, look for canned beans with low or no sodium (salt), usually vegetarian varieties, and canned pureed sweet potato, pumpkin, or butternut squash, preferably without added spices or sugar. Please give us feedback if you do try one of the recipes because good feedback is good feeding!

General supplies needed for making many of these recipes include: Potato masher and/or food processor, colander or sieve, vegetable peeler, a good chef’s knife, cutting board, large pot to boil large fruits or vegetables, measuring cups and spoons (or “a good eye”).

Sources:

http://www.blisstree.com/bakingdelights/the-25-best-thanksgiving-pie-recipes-ever/

http://www.chewonthatblog.com/2009/10/27/butternut-squash-pie/

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Tags: Simple Indulgence