Typically every year, I go out traveling because that is what I love. I go out and try new foods and am beyond thankful I can afford these fantastic experiences. This year thanks to COVID-19, my fiance and I are home for the holidays. However, instead of feeling down, we decided to take our favorite dishes from our travels and incorporate them into our Thanksgiving meal.
This may seem untraditional, but it’s what we need for it to feel like Thanksgiving. I also wanted to choose recipes that involved more veggies and fewer carbs. I know most people like thickly made mashed potatoes, but after eating food from all over the world, I decided that it was one of my least favorite dishes.
Artichokes In France
When I went to France, I had the pleasure of eating out a few times. Though France was not my favorite trip, the cuisine was phenomenal. They know how to cook, and they know exactly what wine should be paired with your food.
My favorite dish?
Artichokes à la barigoule
Technically this is a springtime dish known mostly throughout Provence. However, it is a bright dish that has vibrant colors and a delectable cream sauce. I thought we could use some brightness in our Thanksgiving dinners since things seem to be a little gloomy here in the U.S.
For this recipe, you will need:
- Artichokes
- Yellow Onions
- Carrots
- Garlic
- White Wine
- Vegetable Stock
- Spices
- Olive Oil
You can check out the full recipe here. I know many of you are hesitant to cook with wine but remember that the alcohol in it burns off. You can also let the wine simmer before adding any stock to the pan. This will allow you to have the white wine’s fantastic aroma, taste, and no alcohol. It is easily one of my favorite dishes.
Inspired By Moroccan Lamb With Prunes
This may seem like an unusual combination, but trust me, it was terrific. During our trip to Morocco, I tried loads of food that I never thought I would try. One of them was lamb with prunes. Now, I have had both individually though prunes hardly ever make it on our grocery shopping list. In Morocco, I had a dish full of sweet prunes and savory meat. So we decided to do our own take on it. Chicken prunes, apricots, and olives! Trust me, this will come close to what we ate in Morocco but with a flare!
Chicken With Prunes
This will totally rock your world and add a nice surprise to your Thanksgiving dinner. It can be done in many different ways but for the recipe I love you only need a few ingredients and less than an hour to make everything.
What you will need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Prunes
- Apricots
- Olives
- Garlic Cloves
- Rosemary
- Chicken Broth
- Brown Sugar
- White Wine
- Lemon Slices
This dish is easy to make and takes up very little space in the kitchen. It is a good alternative if you are like me and not a huge fan of turkey. The entire recipe takes 45 minutes to bake and prepare. It’s a simple dish that tastes delicious and is easy to make. Check out the full recipe to find out detailed instructions.
Baked Brie From France
Again, France was not my go-to choice, but the food was phenomenal. I would go back just to eat at every restaurant and be surrounded by their amazing chefs. They have a skill like no other place I have ever gone, and the French truly know how to do fine dining.
Baked Brie
This is one of the easiest recipes you can do at home and something I enjoyed traveling around Europe a few times. There is something so satisfying about melted brie topped with nuts. Here is my favorite way to have it.
What you need:
- Wheel Of Brie
- Chopped Nuts
- Honey
Though the last two ingredients are optional, I recommend adding walnuts or even pistachios to your baked brie. All you have to do is put your brie in a round baking pan and let it sit in an oven of 375 until it is nice and melted. Sprinkle in the nuts 5 minutes before it is done, and you have the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving. If you need the recipe, you can find it here though oven temperatures may vary.
What will you eat this year?
I know things are entirely different this year. Is there something you are doing or making that reminds you of what you normally do? If you’re looking for something new to try this is the year to do it.
