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Hogwash! Five Awesome Substitutes for the Holiday Ham

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A big ham is closely linked with thoughts of the holidays, but do we really love the ham or do we just continue to bake it out of a sense of tradition? Whether ham is not your favorite, not part of your dietary guidelines, or you are just looking to mix things up on the holiday table, you will adore these awesome substitutes for the holiday ham.

  1.    Seafood. Look away from the farm to under the sea for the main course of your holiday meal this year. Opt for crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, and crab; or try tuna steak, sea bass, or salmon. The options are unlimited, but whatever you choose, the results will be a remarkable addition to your holiday spread!
  2.    Steak. A steak dinner makes any occasion extra special, so including it in a holiday meal only makes sense. For optimal nutrition and flavor, choose grass fed beef.
  3.    Sides Only. Aren’t the holiday sides really the best part of the meal anyway? Forego the ham and make your holiday meal  ALL sides this year. To successfully pull off an all-sides meal, be sure to include an assortment of sides that offer fiber, protein, and healthy fat to make a well-rounded, filling, and nutritious meal.
  4.    Poultry. Who says turkey has to be relegated to Thanksgiving only? If turkey is a family favorite, let it make a comeback for Christmas and other holiday gatherings. Or, if you are done with turkey when Thanksgiving is over, try Cornish hens or a roasted chicken. Use flavorful herbs that aren’t in your regular repertoire to make the meal a standout from everyday fare.
  5.    Non-GMO Tofu. Take advantage of tofu’s ability to take on the flavors of whatever it is cooked with to use it as a protein source for a completely creative holiday meal. Toss it in a stir fry, crumble it in lasagna, or even tackle the infamous “tofurkey.”

Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to try something new. You may just begin a new (and delicious!) holiday tradition!

 

Categories: Cooking NewbiesTags:

Author: kimyoung

2 comments

  1. I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!

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