Bizarre Twists on Thanksgiving Classics

Health fanatics, beware. Thanksgiving is a time normally associated with greasy turkey, piles of mashed potatoes, and sugary sweet treats like pumpkin and apple pie. These are typical dishes seen on the table during the holidays, but for those wanting to try something a little different, there are plenty of weird and wacky options to satisfy the taste buds.

As our country’s culinary spectrum grows and changes, the options for a Thanksgiving feast are nearly endless. Normally, meat is an important component of any holiday meal, but with the growing awareness and popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, it’s easier than ever to find alternatives that suit every dietary need. If you’re willing to try something new, maybe give one of these unique foods a shot this Thanksgiving.

Turducken– Everyone knows about the infamous turducken, but not all people have the courage-or the stomach- to try it. Comprised of a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey, this twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey dish should satisfy all meat-lovers and horrify everyone else.

Gravy-Flavored Jones Soda– At one point, Jones Soda Co. released an entire Thanksgiving meal in the form of carbonated beverages. A five-pack of sodas was offered that included Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potato and Butter, Fruitcake, Cranberry, and Turkey and Gravy flavors. If you’re interested in drinking your dinner rather than eating it, consider this strange alternative.

Tofurky– If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you may find yourself feeling isolated at the dinner table. But Tofurky is a great option for anyone looking to go meatless this Thanksgiving. Although fake meat products are commonly perceived as strange, give the Tofurky roast a try and it might surprise you. The company also offers 100 percent vegan gravy to complete the meal.

Hot Dr. Pepper– A vintage ad from the 1960s recommends a hot Dr. Pepper drink with a slice of lemon to pair with Thanksgiving dinner. Although this may not sound appetizing, it could be an interesting replacement for apple cider.

Coca-Cola Salad– This dish, which is mainly found in the southern United States, is a combination of cherry Jell-O with Coke, pecans, pineapple, and maraschino cherries. It has a lot in common with the classic green Jell-O salad that Utahans are so familiar with.

Green Jell-O Salad– A food that is particular to Utah, green Jell-O salad is almost sure to make an appearance during large parties, potlucks, and get-togethers, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Made with Jell-O, cottage cheese, pineapple, and pecans, this dish is a favorite of many Utahans and will surely grace many tabletops during Thanksgiving.

Turkey Dinner Cake– Instead of eating Thanksgiving dinner in a normal three course meal, why not eat everything all at once? The turkey dinner layer cake incorporates ground turkey with mashed potato and sweet potato frosting, topped with mini marshmallows.

Snickers Salad– If you’re a candy bar fanatic, this salad may just be the perfect fit for you. Made with Snickers bars and apples, this sweet concoction can be made for a dessert or, in extreme cases, substituted for a green salad.

Turkey Potato Chips– Lay’s is well known for producing chips with all different kinds of strange flavors over the years. To celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2012, they launched the “Do Us a Flavor” campaign and asked customers to send in their fantasy chip flavors. The finalists included sriracha, chicken and waffles, and cheesy garlic bread. Compared to these flavors, turkey potato chips might even sound appetizing. Unfortunately, they’re only available in China.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Jelly Beans–These jelly beans are included in the Harry Potter Bertie Bott’s Jelly Beans bag, and are perfect for anyone looking to include a sweet- or savory- treat with their Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkey Ice Cream Cake– If you’re feeling really daring this Thanksgiving, forget dinner and just eat dessert instead! Produced and sold by Baskin Robbins, this unique cake comes in the shape of a turkey roast and can be made with up to two flavors of ice cream. The “drumsticks” are made of ice cream cones and the “skin” is made of caramel praline glaze. This holiday-themed cake is a sure way to please guests.