By Sarah Shilhavy Health Impact News Celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday is just as much about food these days as it is about being thankful, so menu planning is key to a successful feast. Discovering how to plan a completely gluten free Thanksgiving meal (free of strange substitutions and not lacking in flavor) is definitely something for which to be thankful.

Drinks

Spiced Coconut Mocha

Spiced Coconut Mocha. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

If you’re going to be planning a huge meal, might as well go all the way and make a few fancy drinks as well. The good thing about most drink recipes is that they are either already gluten free or easily adapted. This spiced coconut mocha gets festive with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Make it with coconut milk for even more coconut flavor.   Coconut Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin is a tradition at Thanksgiving, but have you ever had it in a cold, blended drink form? This dreamy concoction will go over well with anyone who enjoys pumpkin and coconut.   Buttery Breakfast Chai

Breakfast is in the title, but this spicy, frothy drink is great for any time of the day (unless it’s late at night and the caffeine will keep you up). Brew your favorite black tea, and get ready to enjoy this hot, spiced drink in mere minutes.   Coconut Eggnog

Eggnog is a classic cold-weather holiday drink. This recipe uses coconut milk, and the result is fabulous.

Main Course

Herb Roasted Pastured Thanksgiving Turkey

Herb Roasted Pastured Thanksgiving Turkey. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy

For most, Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without a turkey. Invest in a good, pasture-raised bird, and follow this recipe to learn how to make the perfect roasted turkey with coconut oil, and just the right blend of herbs.   Roast Chicken with Coconut Oil

Roast Chicken with Coconut Oil. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

If you’re one of those people who just don’t want to do turkey, try roasting up a few chickens. Take the time to find the best source of high quality poultry that you can get your hands on. Your family is worth it.   Slow Cooker Lamb Roast

Slow Cooker Lamb Roast. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

Not into the idea of poultry for Thanksgiving? Try a lamb roast slow cooked in a crock pot with rosemary and garlic. Easy, stress free, and completely impressive.   Bison Coconut Cream Curry Stew

Bison Coconut Cream Curry Stew. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

If both poultry and lamb aren’t getting you excited (you’re probably being a little difficult), go completely non-traditional and make a rich, curried stew with bison chunks. This is good. Very good.

Side Dishes

Coconut Sautéed Green Beans with Tomatoes

Coconut Sautéed Green Beans with Tomatoes. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

Green beans are another traditional staple at Thanksgiving tables. This quick and easy recipe will not drive you crazy with the other 99 things you have going on in the kitchen, but it still provides all the flavor, pizzazz and gluten free safety you’ll need.   Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pumpkin

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pumpkin. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

Pumpkin isn’t just for the pies. A little pie pumpkin chopped up and roasted with just the right ingredients will delight any pumpkin lover.   Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Easy to prepare, easily made ahead of time, and completely gluten free and delicious make this recipe hard to dislike.   Gluten Free Drop Biscuits

Gluten Free Drop Biscuits. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

Drop biscuits are pretty much the easiest bread to make. Just mix up all the ingredients, drop them onto a cookie sheet, and bake. You could even make these up a couple days ahead and simply reheat on the day of the feast.

Desserts

Coconut Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Why limit pumpkin to pies? Make cupcakes! They are fun, tasty, and everyone will love them, never knowing they are gluten free.   Grain-Free Honey Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Perhaps the biggest issue with gluten free pies is the crust. This delicious crust works well with so many different pies. Feel free to swap out the regular pie crust in your favorite recipes for this one.   Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie. Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy.

Classic, no frills pumpkin pie gone gluten free. Use the provided crust or experiment with the graham crust if you’re feeling adventurous.   Gluten Free Pumpkin Tart

If you want a no-bake option, try this pumpkin tart. It’s every bit as delicious as it looks.   Apple Pie Bowls

If you want to make little individual desserts without any processed sugar, give this recipe a go. This is also an easy make-ahead recipe so you’ll have one less thing to worry about later. Read the Full Article Here.