Besides Turkey or Ham, what other main dish can be made for Thanksgiving that would not shock guests?

For that big Ta Da moment, do either a Standing Rib Roast or a Crown Roast of Lamb. They are stupid-easy to make - tons of recipes on the web, basically rub with herbs and roast - AND they are comparatively QUICK. You can get a roast from start to table in 2 or so hours.

These are hearty meats that easily go with the traditional sides too.

I think roast duckling or goose might be ok. I also think rotisserie Cornish Game Hen might be a nice change. When I was young, my cousin and I shared an apartment and used to throw parties like "The Wing Ding Taco Fling", or "The Five Alarm Chili Festival", which are both pretty self explanatory.

I think Tacos or Chili (maybe even turkey based) would be great for thanksgiving, as long as their is a lot of them. I think any ethnic feats might be cool. Then again, I am not as traditional as some of my family.Be prepared for the surprised guests and the nay-sayers, they exist everywhere, and then go have som fun!

I think you should definitely name your meal and advertise it to your guests. How about "The Thanksgiving Even a Turkey Can love", or "Thanksgiving, Argentina Style" and serve beef. I was in an Argentinian restaurant in Miami a few years ago and ordered the Beef Sampler.

Seems Argentina is proud of the excellent beef that they grow. It was outstanding. If you decide on Cornish Game Hen, there are recipes for Italian, Deep Fried, Blackberry sauce, and this one with tomato and wine sauce.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkdJAr7uh0o.

Whole chicken is nice. I know a few who do Lamb for T.giving. If you're looking for something non-traditional, a potato bar is pretty cool.

One year we had a spaghetti social instead. Some made their favorite spaghetti (or pasta dishes, there was ziti and lasagna) and others made side dishes, bread rolls, drinks, etc.It was actually pretty awesome. Some were vegetarian, some meat loaded, so normal, some wild and out there.

It was really cool! I want to do that again sometime.

I have made roast chicken, roast duck, grilled shrimp and ribs. My family and I unusually do not care for turkey.

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