Thanksgiving side dishes/8 recipes

A refreshing, tasty and light salad is made with crunchy lotus roots, carrot, celery and wood ears, tossed with a flavorful soy-ginger dressing. Make it a day ahead, keep in the refrigerator overnight.

I was out of Tofurkey Italian Sausage tonight and needed to substitute something else because I can't buy it. I had a cupboard full of Bob's Vital Wheat Gluten and some TVP, so I figured I'd try making it. When my hubby came home, he tried it and immediately said "Write it down! Write it down!" I guess he liked it!

Use seasonal kale to make this hearty and delicious soup. The garlic-olive oil crostini is a must to help soak every drop of yumminess.

Pumpkin Cheese Soup recipe

Green, red cabbages, carrots, and a few other veggies together make a hearty and tasty fried rice. Top with a fried egg, or some cooked chicken, pork or beef strips to boost the protein. A quick and no-fuss weeknight meal.

A new twist on classic creamy carrot soup. Add a bit of lime juice for extra zing.

Similar to a tamale pie recipe. Sometimes referred to as the most delicious thing there ever was, this aromatic mix of ground beef, tomato sauce and, spices, topped with a cheesy polenta style cornbread-like topping baked as a casserole is certain to become a family favorite.

By using both arugula and parsley brings double refreshing taste into the pesto, ricotta adds the extra moisture and creaminess without overwhelming the parmesan, and the toasted walnuts makes the pesto taste nutty and fragrant. Toss it with pasta, or use it as a base on the pizza!

Try something different for Thanksgiving with this decadent cake that will have its own spotlight on the dinner table.

This recipe was given to me by a former co-worker. It is much lighter and healthier than regular lasagna.

Always good for parties.

Eat with Indian or Lebonese style flat breads. Great as a side with barbequed lamb.

Paleo friendly savory soup

Traditional comfort food goodness from New England. Go traditional with slow and low oven baking or use your crockpot and let it simmer all day.

Light and tasty. A quick and easy way to prepare a delicious fish dish.