I wanted to pop in today to share our favorite recipes to set the thanksgiving table. I had never cooked thanksgiving on my own much (though I knew how) before 2010, when the pioneer woman did a blog series sharing her recipes, and that settled it. I think that I brought the turkey to our larger family gathering a couple of years, and otherwise, we celebrate a separate thanksgiving dinner on our own each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Our son, E and I have a number of food allergies, and I just hate checking every label of every package when we’re at someone’s home as guests. It feels invasive and impolite. So to simplify things, this was our solution. We cook together Saturday afternoon, and then enjoy the meal. We always take a few moments some time in the meal to acknowledge and talk about the things that we’re thankful for, and it’s just a whole lot about family. And being together.
turkey: favorite turkey brine from the pioneer woman. I keep meaning to try other recipes, but this is just heavenly. So why mess with a good thing? We picked up our fresh turkey from Whole Foods on Tuesday, and the boys were already drooling. It’s a bit pricey, yes – but worth it. I had to start going the all natural route several years ago when I had a case of hives for three weeks after thanksgiving two years in a row. We eat all natural and organic as much as possible, and I had told myself that one meal couldn’t hurt, right? Boy did I pay. Not worth it. So we splurge just a bit.
cranberry sauce: homemade cranberry pomegranate sauce. I had a few oranges in there, too. If you’ve never made the sauce, it’s totally worth it! So easy, and it tastes worlds better than anything from a can.
gravy: I make my own using stock and a roux. And I always deglaze the turkey pan using a pinot noir or riesling. And then my husband and I share the leftover bottle over the meal, while the boys clink their wine glasses filled with sparkling grape juice.
mashed potatoes: I love alton brown’s tips for making great mashed potatoes. I skip the heavy cream for 2% organic milk, and tip the smallest spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese into the whip to bump the creamy factor, too.
green bean casserole: Yes, I grew up with the canned green beans, and condensed cream of mushroom soup version, but this recipe is for grown ups. and has bacon. And is seriously yummy.
sweet potatoes: I don’t make a casserole version. Just bake them, mashed them add a bit of butter, and cinnamon, top with a handful of marshmallows, and toss them in the oven.
creamy mandarin orange jello salad: I know it’s cheesy. But my thanksgiving isn’t complete without it. It’s something my mom always made when we were growing up, and I’ve managed to make it a bit more grown up. I’ll have to snap a photo this year. It’s simply orange jello, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream. It’s not served in a mold or anything crazy old school. But once the boys had a taste of grandma’s salad, it wasn’t possible to leave it off of the menu.
hot rolls: I cheat. I know how to make them, but who has time when you’re making all of the rest of this stuff? Please. We either have crescent rolls from pillsbury, or grab some brown and serve type thing. Maybe one day I’ll be super woman, but not yet!
dessert: pumpkin swirl cheesecake. I originally found this recipe in 2004 on the kraft website, but I see you can grab it via all recipes now. I went through a cheesecake phase there for a while, and had to learn to make every kind under the sun. Some have come and gone. But this remains a constant. I will say over the years I’ve modified it – I omit the pecans from the crust, and sub in some graham crackers, because the gingersnaps can get a bit strong in flavor in contrast to the cheesecake.
I hope you’ve enjoyed a peek at what our thanksgiving table is like! I’d love to hear what your favorites are – how you prepare your turkey, and what are your essential sides? Please, do share!
Kelly Jean says
Yummy! Love your new blog! I am making green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving this year. My first time! Eeek! Happy Thanksgiving!
PS: I shared your blog on my Reading List post. One of my favs. I hope you don’t mind. Here is the link: http://kelsterjean.blogspot.com/2013/11/reading-list.html
admin says
Omgosh! You just made my day! Thanks so much and I’m so glad you enjoy stopping by!