Craving something other than turkey this year? We found five turkey alternatives that are sure to impress.

Preparing a turkey dinner can be time consuming and chaotic (and just a tad traditional), so we asked five chefs to give us the recipes for their favourite turkey alternatives.

1. “Turnumpkin”

mamie-taylors-turnumpkinThe “turnumpkin” is Mamie Taylor’s chef Jeff Koop’s vegan take on the turducken. It’s a whole Japanese pumpkin stuffed with turnip and eggplant “bacon” stuffing that’s sure to please even your non-vegetarian guests.

2. Salt-Crusted Leg of Lamb

yalla-salt-crusted-lambChef Joel Pollock from Yalla restaurant in Victoria never cooks turkey for the holidays. This year, he and partner Pam Smith will be making this salt-crusted leg of lamb for their annual orphans’ Christmas dinner.

3. Roasted Duck with Potatoes and Gravy

torafuku-roasted-duck-2-credit-sophia-chengForgo the the traditional turkey dinner in favour of this roasted duck from Torafuku’s chef Clement Chan.

4. Fennel-Crusted Steak

shannynhiggins_photography-250For all you beef lovers out there, The Lazy Gourmet‘s executive chef Jenny Hui offers up her recipe for a fennel-crusted steak.

5. Wild Salmon Wellington with Tarragon Beurre Blanc Sauce

salmonGive your beef Wellington an ocean makeover with this wild salmon Wellington recipe from Fresh Ideas Start Here‘s chef Lucas Harrison.