So this year the only ones attending will be my immediate family. I am not one to cook great amounts of food so this should be perfect. Also, because I get to cook it, it can be done the way that I want it done. I can include the foods that I want. Not that I will alienate those that aren’t following the South Beach Diet Plan but I can be creative with some new and different side items of traditional ones that I have updated and made healthy.
I will be ordering a Honey Baked Ham, which I will personally be cutting that wonderful famous Honey Baked skin. This really makes no difference to me. I never cared either way about sugar crusted skin anyway.
I will make real mashed potatoes for the non participants. I will also be making the South Beach Mashed Potatoes for myself and anyone who wants to step outside the box a bit. I will have green beans, peas, sweet potato fries and salad for the vegetables.
The stuffing which was last years favorite dish I made. This dish was polished off way before the regular white bread stuffing. This will show itself again this year sure to be the winner : Turkey Sausage and Pear Stuffing. I will however omit the pears. Its just never been my thing to include fruit in my stuffing.
Dessert will be another favorite from last year : Pumpkin Pie (Phase 2). This is a great recipe I think for all pies and I think that you can actually taste the flavor of the pie without the overbearing taste of a “bready” crust. My son and I could not leave this thing alone last year. Too good to believe that it is actually “better for you”.
The Appetizers will include a veggie tray with lots of extras for refills and a dozen deviled eggs. My brother will be helping by bringing the rolls the others cannot live without and some Pinor Noir to accompany our meal. I am really looking forward to this Thanksgiving and it will be tough to keep the cost down. I dont think it will be too much of a problem with our neighborhood 99 Cent Store.
Hopefully you will let me know how your Thanksgiving goes with your family as you try to swap out some of your family favorites with some healthful options that can be just as tasty if not more.

This week in making my plans for the next weeks meals I began to consult my new South Beach Diet Recharged book for new recipies. I was kinda uneasy about trying them out with my family but I pleaded with them to try something new. Heck! If they didnt like them than we never had to make them again. So I will post these meals this week for your review and pictures. First one that I have made tonight for sunday night dinner was the Homestyle Turkey Meatloaf with Mushrooms and White Beans. This is a Phase 1 Meal. I paired mine with broccoi. Here is a picture of the one I made. My husband said it was “Ok”, but kept adding more Tabasco. So maybe a little kick would be good on the flavor. My son however loved it and he LOVES meatloaf. Being the creature of habit that he is though he did add Ketchup, which by the way is not South Beach Diet friendly. But, we pick our battles. I thought it was wonderful as I said before I deffinately recommend this recipie.

Home-style Turkey Meatloaf With Mushrooms and White Beans (Phase 1)

Serves 6

Description
This healthy alternative to typical meatloaf adds white beans for a delicious high-fiber twist. Serve extra Dijon mustard on the side; it lends a satisfying, piquant flavor element.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 75 minutes

Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound mushrooms, trimmed and chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/4 pounds extra-lean ground turkey
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped parsley
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard plus extra for serving

Instructions
Heat the oven to 375° F. Lightly coat an 8- by 4- by 2 1/2 –inch metal or glass loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, thyme, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and mushrooms are incorporated, about 5 minutes longer. Add beans and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a bowl and let cool, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine cooled bean mixture, turkey, eggs, parsley, and 2 teaspoons of the Worcestershire sauce. Mix well with wet hands to combine. Form into a loaf and place into the prepared pan.

Stir together mustard and remaining 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce and set aside.

Bake meatloaf on the middle rack of the oven for 50 minutes.

Remove from the oven and brush with the reserved Worcestershire mixture. Return to the oven and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until a thermometer inserted into meatloaf registers 170 ° F. Let meatloaf stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional Dijon mustard.

Nutritional Information
205 calories
5 g fat (1 g saturated fat)
15 g carbohydrate
30 g protein
4 g fiber
549 mg sodium

This recipe is from Dr. Agatston’s new book, The South Beach Diet Supercharged. For more information, click here.