Over the years I've made no secret about my hatred for the traditional Thanksgiving food. Turkey almost always comes out too dry and by the time it's served too cold. Cranberry sauce is just disgusting and should be outlawed. Gravy, and I know this is sacrilege to most of you, sucks. Green bean casserole...don't even. I can't.

So I'm a big fan of those who shun the tradition and go their own way. Sometimes it's for cultural reasons. Sometimes it's because you can't be with family and will be all alone on Thanksgiving and you're not going to do all that cooking. But different is good. Then I got to thinking what if we break tradition but make it a true Jersey Thanksgiving?

Imagine this...

Pizza with sausage, pepperoni, and black olives
Yes you're thinking most pizza places will surely be closed on Thanksgiving and you're right. But what's better than pizza? Re-heated pizza the next day! So pick this up from your favorite family pizza shop the day before.

Campbell's soup
Any kind, as long as it is New Jersey's heritage Campbell's brand. It's as close to anything normal for Thanksgiving as you're going to see on this menu.

Pork Roll
Cut up a typical size pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich into fourths, throw in some toothpicks, and you have a nice little appetizer plate.

Sliders
Same as the pizza, get to White Manna in Hackensack early and freeze some of the heaven sent sliders for a re-heat when guests arrive. You'll be doing Thanksgiving in total Jersey style.

Salad with Jersey tomatoes
Yeah, I know, don't give me how they're out of season. This is a fantasy, okay?

A good bottle of Jersey wine
We have a ton of great vineyards around the state, but my personal preference would be Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes. There's a friendly and knowledgeable guy there named Joe who works in the tasting room and can help you come up with the perfect wine pairing for a large pizza with sausage, pepperoni, and black olives.

Pumpkin pie
Okay, we'll let you have one tradition especially since Jersey has so many great fall farm markets where you can get a killer pumpkin pie. But can you at least stop by a Thomas Sweet and pick up some specialty Jersey made ice cream and make it a la mode?

Bon appétit!

More from New Jersey 101.5

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM