Good turkey alternatives?

Filed in archive Around The Kitchen on October 4, 2005

My November issue of Food & Wine magazine arrived yesterday with a (predictable) picture of a roast turkey on the cover. Despite the fact that malls and mega-stores already have Christmas items on display, we haven't even gotten to Halloween yet, much less Thanksgiving. I suppose, however, it's never too early to start planning for The Big Dinner so in addition to compiling a guest list in my head this morning, I started wondering about the best way to prepare the bird.

Over the years, I've had both roasted and grilled turkey and think they're equally delicious. Last year, my partner brined the turkey for a full twenty-four hours before slow-roasting it all day in the oven. The final result is the picture that accompanies this entry. Wow. It sure was good.

Now, here's my little secret. I don't much care for turkey. Don't get me wrong, this tasted wonderful but I can't honestly say I spend all year longing for the taste of roasted bird. I can't be the only person in America who doesn't really like turkey so, tell me, what are some good alternatives to stuffing myself with mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberries? Homemade lasagna, perhaps? Moussaka? A vegetarian dish?

If you don't serve turkey at your Thanksgiving celebration, what do you offer as an alternative?