The Thanksgiving menu has long been a source of stress for home cooks and chefs alike. There are so many dishes and such tradition associated with each one that we want to get it just right. I know I am not the first one to say it but once you get your tried-and-true recipes set, the meal is actually pretty easy. Here are my top tips for a smooth Thanksgiving menu…
- Don’t try something new on the big day! – If you want to make a change or try a new recipe, be sure and do a test run before Thanksgiving. There is nothing a frustrating as trying something you thought would be great only to find out it was a flop. This is especially true with dishes that your family looks forward to. If you want to be spontaneous, do it with a dish that hasn’t been at your holiday meals since 1900 🙂
- Delegate! – Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to make every single dish at the meal. Family and even friends love to contribute and hasn’t that been a tradition since the first Thanksgiving?
- Make ahead – There are many dishes and ingredients that can be prepared ahead of time. Most pies are good several hours and even a day after baking. Unless you have 4 ovens and a desire to be in the kitchen for 24 hours, I advise making a few things ahead.
- Serve some simple appetizers – This may sound like added work (if it does delegate it!) but having something for guests to snack on as they arrive can save you a lot of kitchen loiterers and “tasters”. A simple relish tray, crackers and cheese or some yummy dip is really all you need.
One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is the way that family, friendship and food all come together without the worry over gifts. We come together to enjoy a meal, remember God’s blessings and be grateful. The meal is prepared with special care and attention and each dish is “oohed” and “ahhhed” over – I love it!
Here are some of my favorite dishes…
Deviled eggs with Basil Aioli & Capers – I have been making and eating these deviled eggs since I discovered them in 2011. The best ever!!
Turkey – This roast turkey is the best and it is so easy!
Gravy – Jamie Oliver is my go to for turkey gravy. I use arrowroot powder instead of flour to make this grain free. SO good!
Dressing – This is my favorite dressing! You can make it gluten free by using Udis gluten free bread & my flour-free cornbread.
Mashed Potatoes – These mashed potatoes are as healthy as I can get away with in my home. So yummy with turkey gravy!
Cranberry & Elderberry Chutney – This is my herbal spin on a holiday classic. If you prefer an elderberry free version try this one. It can easily be made sugar free using your favorite alternative sweetener.
Carrot Almond Salad – Before you turn your nose up, take a look at this recipe. It is a roasted carrot side dish that is delicious & vegan! I wish I had thought of it myself.
Winter Sunshine Salad – This Trim Healthy Mama kale salad is so delicious! I have brought it to baby showers and holiday parties and it is always a big hit.
There are so many desserts I could mention that I have decided to wait and talk about them as we near Christmas. Be looking for some yummy ones!
