With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start coming up with a game plan for your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your entire family or attending the holiday somewhere else, planning ahead will ensure that you stick with your LCHF (low carbohydrate, high fat) diet.
The Appetizers
There are plenty of LCHF-friendly appetizers that are probably already staples for you, even if you didn’t realize it. Here are a few of our favorite LCHF appetizer options to consider:
• Antipasto platter with marinated olives, artichokes, pickles, meats, and cheese
• Shrimp cocktail
• Raw vegetables with dip
• Nuts
The Centerpiece
When you think about a typical Thanksgiving dinner, what do you picture at the center of the meal? Turkey, of course! Luckily, roast turkey fits the LCHF lifestyle perfectly. Even better, you can enjoy as much as you’d like of the light and dark meat, with the skin. Turkey is high in protein and the skin adds necessary fat.
What about the gravy? Well, if you’re making your own from scratch, 1 tablespoon of flour will thicken 1 cup of pan drippings and stock. One tablespoon of flour contains 6 grams of carbohydrates, so 1/4 cup of gravy would contain approximately 1.5 grams of carbs. Cornstarch thickens twice as much liquid as flour does, so 1 tablespoon of cornstarch would thicken 2 cups of liquid, and 1/4 cup of gravy would contain about 0.8 grams of carbs. You can use other thickeners, such as cream, sour cream, and vegetable gums. Whichever method you choose, just be sure to limit yourself to a reasonable amount of gravy.
The Sides
What is a Thanksgiving meal without stuffing, squash, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes? Fortunately, you don’t have to forego the flavors of the traditional meal. You can still replicate the flavors and textures you love, while keeping the carb count low. Here are a few ideas for LCHF-friendly sides:
• Cauliflower mashed with cream and butter
• Homemade stuffing made with low-carb bread or almond flour
• Roasted butternut squash
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Creamed spinach
• Sautéed mushrooms and shallots
• Homemade cranberry sauce (without the sugar)
The Dessert
What is your “must-have” dessert for Thanksgiving? Pumpkin pie? Pecan pie? Something else? Fortunately, no matter what your dessert of choice is, chances are there’s a low-carb recipe out there somewhere for it. It may not taste exactly like Grandma’s famous recipe, but a low-carb dessert will satisfy your craving. Try pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream or a low-carb chocolate mousse. Check back here for a dessert recipe perfect for the holidays.
Shopping List
• Turkey
• Turkey stock
• Gravy thickener
• Low-carb bread
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Cauliflower
• Necessary ingredients for stuffing
• Necessary ingredients for appetizers
• Necessary ingredients for vegetable side dishes
• Necessary ingredients for dessert
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