Happy "Healthier" Thanksgiving

Delicious YES! Enjoy the same great food without the guilt. Discover great-tasting "healthified" Thanksgiving recipes - better-for-you recipe that are just as yummy as the originals - and other healthier ideas that leave you, your family and friends plenty pleased with Thanksgiving dinner.

"Go online to search for recipes that use your leftovers as ingredients. You'll throw less food away and you might even discover a few new favorite dishes in the process."

Kristen, Food Editor - Betty Crocker Kitchens

The Menu
Party Guide
Plan Ahead

Dressed-for-Success Dinner Table

Arrange "pear glasses" down center of dining table for an easy centerpiece. Make "pear glasses" by lining margarita or martini glasses or footed dessert dishes with florist's moss or raffia. Place 1 pear in each glass.
Skip the centerpiece and adorn each place setting with a pretty Cabbage Leaf Bouquet.

Dress your dinner table days ahead, if possible. That way, if you've missing something, you'll still have time to borrow or purchase it. Drape a clean sheet over the table to keep everything fresh.

Fixed-with-Flair Foods

Main Event

Get 10 Trimming Thanksgiving Tips to help you and those special guests stay on track eating healthier through the holidays.
Search on "healthified" and you'll find many classic Thanksgiving menu favorites - mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin bread, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie - with better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the originals!

Drinks

Cranberry-Apple Spritzer is the perfect aperitif if you want to offer something special when guests arrive.

Freeze fresh mint leaves and whole cranberries in water in ice-cube trays for a special touch to glasses of water.

Sides

Add a garnish to the platter used to serve Nut- and Fruit-Filled Squash. Our photo shows red grapes, a split shallot and fresh thyme. How pretty!

Desserts

Dust dessert plates for serving cake with nutmeg for a no-fat fancy finish.

Add one of the Leaf Cookies to each dessert plate or dish.

Up to 1 Month Before

Bake angel food cake for Pumpkin Angel Food Cake with Creamy Ginger Filling; store tightly wrapped in freezer.
Bake Leaf Cookies (if serving); tightly wrap cooled cookies and freeze.

The Day Before

Thaw turkey breast (if frozen), using our Poultry Thawing Chart as a guide.
Thaw angel food cake.
Make Basil-Spinach Dip; refrigerate covered. Prepare veggie dippers or buy prepared from the produce section or deli; cover and refrigerate.
Chill ingredients you've chosen for Sparkling Cranberry Mango Punch. (Apricots for garnish may be scarce at this time of year! Just use starfruit slices like in the picture.)

About 3 Hours Before

Prepare and roast Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Turkey Breast.
Remove cookies from freezer; thaw at room temperature.
Wash and stem fresh green beans. Or, use Substitution tip for frozen green beans.
Make Pear and Greens Salad with Maple Vinaigrette through Step 2; set aside.
Finish preparation of Pumpkin Angel Food Cake with Creamy Ginger Filling; store in refrigerator.

About 2 Hours Before

Make "Healthified" Stuffing.

About 1 Hour Before

Prepare Nut- and Fruit-Filled Squash. (If no second oven, prepare squash through step 2 prior to roasting turkey; cover loosely and set aside at room temperature. Re-heat after turkey is removed from oven; then add topping.)

About 30 Minutes Before

Make Green Beans with Browned Butter.
Finish preparing Sparkling Cranberry Mango Punch as guests arrive. Serve along with Basil-Spinach Dip and dippers. Offer punch and other drinks, too.

About 15 Minutes Before