Trying to put together a meal that satisfies everyone is a lot like arranging a big bucket of flowers -- each is delicious in its own way -- but composing different flavors to satisfy different tastes and dietary requirements on the and feel as though the meal feels thought out and complete, is either an overwhelming hassle or a creative challenge. I choose the challenge. My sister-in-law (a vegetarian) married my steak loving little brother (go figure); one of their daughters is a vegan and her sister seems to exist on plain noodles and sweets. A dear friend is gluten intolerant, her son, allergic to nuts. My cousin can't have lactose; his daughter is "off sugar." And, they are all coming for Thanksgiving. Oh, my three sons and husband prefer dark meat (and fork fight over the drumsticks). How to satisfy them all without "flipping a bird" needn't be to hard, as long as I'm realistic about my own limits. So here's what I plan to do:
Turkey - add two extra drum-sticks and two thighs to the roasting pan with the big turkey for more dark meat
Vegetarian / Vegan / Gluten Free / Lactose-free - Wild rice pilaf with dried cranberries, chopped apples and chestnuts served in quartered baked squash (doubles as entree or side dish)
No Sugar - applesauce, maple cream pie
Braised Brussels Sprouts - tossed with extra virgin olive oil, sauteed until lightly browned, tossed with lemon juice
Tossed green salad with light balsamic vinaigrette, diced pears
I'll invite those with dietary needs to bring a dish they'd like to share (just in case the options I've imagined don't fly).
The rest of us will enjoy the bird with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and plenty of pie. But no one will feel left out or weird, and everyone will get plenty to eat.