Hey there, lady chefs! Wondering how to level up your Thanksgiving menu this year and surprise your guests with something beyond the traditional turkey? Well, we've got you covered! Want to know the best part? There's no turkey involved this time, just pure, flavorful alternatives that will have your guests raving for days. Sounds intriguing, huh? Let's dive in and explore together! 

"Variety is the spice of life." - William Cowper

Exactly that! This Thanksgiving, it's time to play around with some variety. A courageously curated Thanksgiving menu might just become the talk of the town. Up for this culinary roller coaster? 

Without further ado, we present you the top 10 delicious turkey alternatives  to spice up your Thanksgiving feast this year. Ready to rock and roll the dining table? Buckle up, cause here we go! 

1. Roast Chicken: Who doesn't love a well-marinated, succulent roast chicken, right? It's a stellar turkey alternative, ravishing in its simplicity and taste. Here's how to do it: Season a whole chicken with rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stuff it with onions and garlic, and bake it at 425F for about 1.5 hours. Voila, a delightful roast chicken! 

2. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: How about a veggie alternative? Magnificent mushrooms replete with savory stuffing just might steal the show! Saute garlic, onions, bell peppers in olive oil. Combine with breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and stuff these into large Portobello caps. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes and serve these beauties up! 

3. Lamb Roast: Now there's a rich, flavorful stand-in for turkey! Flavor a leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Roast it slow and low, at 325F for about four hours, and the result? A tender, lip-smacking alternative! 

4. Grilled Salmon: A lighter option maybe? Salmon to the rescue! Simple yet savory, grill fillets with lemon, garlic, and dill, over medium heat. Grill for 8-10 minutes until it's flaky and moist. Deliciousness guaranteed! 

5. Veggie Lasagna: No meat? No problem! Hearty veggie lasagna it is! Layer cooked lasagna sheets generously with sauteed spinach, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375F for 45 minutes and there you have it, a vegetarian wonder!

6. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Not feeling turkey this year? How about we put the whole Thanksgiving feast in a squash? Acorn squash baked to perfection, and filled with a yummy blend of quinoa, mushrooms, cranberries and almond, it's a game changer! You may love your turkey, but this little beauty might just steal your heart away! 

7. Cranberry Glazed Ham: Who says Turkey should get all the glory? Mix sweet and savory with some cranberry glazed ham. Baked until it's all kinds of golden and delicious, and then glazed with a bright and tangy cranberry sauce, this ham will have you questioning why we ever needed turkey. 

8. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos: Ever thought of Mexican food on Thanksgiving? Spice up your Thanksgiving with some Black bean and Sweet potato tacos. They're zesty, they're easy, and they're gobble-gobble good. Forget the turkey, amigos! 

9. Butternut Squash Risotto: Hmm, how about something Italian, maybe? Oh yes, my friend, we're talking about a creamy, dreamy Butternut Squash Risotto! Its smooth texture infused with the flavors of Autumn, you'll wish every day was Thanksgiving! 

10. Portobello Mushroom Steaks: You heard us right, steaks! But we're not talking about your usual beef here. Juicy Portobello mushrooms, marinated to perfection and grilled until they deliver punchy flavors in your mouth. Turkey who?

These ten tantalizing alternatives to turkey are not just exciting, they can make your Thanksgiving feast even more memorable. So why wait? Get cracking on these recipes and cook up a storm this holiday!