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Enjoy an Eastern European-Style Thanksgiving Dinner

By Barbara Rolek, About.com

Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in Eastern Europe but many of the same foods typically associated with this Western holiday are enjoyed year-round by Eastern Europeans. Shake things up a bit and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner Eastern European style!

1. Polish Roast Turkey Recipe - Indyczka po Polsku

Photo of Roast TurkeyFlickr by Hoomant
Turkey is very popular in Eastern Europe. In Poland, young hens are used because they are more tender than toms. But in the West, where toms are bred for tenderness, this recipe will work for a larger bird also.

2. Polish Raisin-Almond Stuffing Recipe

Photo of StuffingFlickr by Meadaura
Raisin-almond stuffing is great with any roasted meat -- chicken, turkey, lamb, pork and game. Unlike traditional American stuffing, this version has no celery or onions.

3. Polish Rutabaga-Potato Mash Recipe - Brukiew z Ziemniak

Photo of Polish Rutabaga-Potato Mash© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Rutabagas and potatoes are two favorite vegetables among Poles because they overwinter so well and winters can be very harsh in Poland. Here they are cooked in chicken stock and mashed with as much butter as your diet will allow.

4. Russian Root Vegetables Recipe - Ragu iz Ovoshej

Root Vegetables© 2009 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Common root vegetables include potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots and beets. Their not-so-glamorous, but equally delicious, cousins include turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, and celeriac (celery root), and they show up on most Eastern European tables in late fall and winter.

5. Polish Cranberry-Currant Sauce Recipe - Sos Zurawinowo-Porzeczkowy

Photo of CranberriesFlickr by rivadock
This cranberry sauce is less gelatinous than its American cousin, and it gets a little zip from grainy brown mustard. If you like, add a jigger of red wine but, since this is a no-cook sauce, the alcohol won't cook out. Make two versions -- adult- and kid-friendly!

6. Polish Creamed Pumpkin Recipe - Dynia w Smietanie

Photo of Pumpkins at a Fall Farmers Market© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This creamy side dish combines pumpkin, onion, sour cream and dill. It's not something you see everyday. Polish pumpkins are naturally very sweet. If yours is on the bland side, add a little sugar to brighten the flavor.

7. Polish Potato Bread Recipe - Okregly Chleb Kartoflany

Photo of Polish Potato Bread - Okregly Chleb Kartoflany© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Polish potato bread is firm enough to accommodate sandwiches made of leftover turkey AND cranberry sauce without falling apart. And its flavor won't compete with the meat the way rye bread would.

8. Polish Apple Cake Recipe - Placek ze Jablka

Photo of Apple CakeFlickr by Freitag1220
Go to any Polish restaurant and, along with cheesecake and kolaczki, you will find some type of apple cake on the menu. This is how my family likes it. I think you will, too.

9. Polish Cranberry Cordial Recipe - Likier Zurawinka

Photo of Polish Cranberry Cordial - Likier Zurawinks© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
You can say na zdrowie! as you lift your glass to toast your guests with this refreshing cordial that packs a kick.

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