Thanksgiving Tradition: Something for Everyone

(Family Features) - Thanksgiving today brings people with different tastes to the same table. If you're faced with pleasing a variety of dietary preferences, plan a menu that will have something for everyone.

Start with the stuffing - a Thanksgiving menu "must". You can delight your guests by offering more than one kind. And, you can also vary the ingredients for certain dietary needs.

"Thanksgiving brings everyone to the table," said Ed Begley, Jr., host of Living with Ed (HGTV) and star of the past hit TV show, St. Elsewhere. "It's a loving gesture of hospitality to plan a menu that reflects everyone's tastes and special needs." Begley adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 1970; one of his favorite recipes is Savory Nut and Vegetable Stuffing.

For an "all inclusive" Thanksgiving and to begin some new traditions:

• Plan your menu with guests' special dietary needs in mind.
• Ask your guests for any special recipes you can prepare.
• Have a Thanksgiving mini "pot luck." (Guests with special dietary needs and traditions are often happy to bring a dish to share with others.)
• Serve buffet style and label special dishes: sugar-free, vegetarian, kosher, low-fat, or dairy-free.

Make Thanksgiving a very welcome table this year, offering a variety of tastes to suit everyone. Check out delicious ideas at www.thanksgivingtips.com.

Apple and Pecan Stuffing

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup apple juice
1 box (two 6 oz. bags) Mrs. Cubbison's Seasoned Dressing
2 cups chopped, peeled Granny Smith apple
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 2 & 1/2 - 3-quart casserole dish and set aside. Place the butter or margarine in a large skillet, and melt over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Add the chicken broth and heat for 2 minutes. In a large bowl, combine all of the remaining ingredients. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and mix well. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared dish, cover and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until heated through. If a crisp top is desired, uncover the dish and bake for 10 additional minutes.

Savory Nut and Vegetable Stuffing

1 box (two 6-oz. bags) or Mrs. Cubbison's Seasoned Dressing
1/4 cup melted margarine or oil
1 & 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 & 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 cup of chopped carrots
1 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
1 cup chopped apples
1 & 1/2 cups sparkling apple cider

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté vegetables until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Toss with seasoned dressing, nuts and apples. Gradually moisten dressing mixture with liquid, blending lightly. Cool thoroughly. Lightly spoon stuffing mix into turkey. Spoon extra stuffing into a greased 2 & 1/2 or 3-quart casserole dish. Bake covered for 30 minutes at 350ºF. Remove cover and bake 5 minutes longer, or until top is browned and crispy.

SOURCE: Mrs. Cubbinson's Stuffing