If this is your first year cooking Thanksgiving dinner I condone you.
I usually help my parents with the cooking, but lets face face it, I did what I was asked then hid at the beach the rest of the day! Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking, but I also love being the one that gets treated to a home cooked meal. After my experience helping make the whole shebang one year, I forever have so much respect to my parents for putting together this delicious meal. That being said, I rounded up some delicious (some low cal) recipes to help put your thanksgiving menu together. Bon Apetit!
When it comes to stuffing no one says no to it. Keep in mind any gluten free eaters that might be at your table. This gluten free stuffing mix is actually really delicious and therefor you don’t disappoint anyone. I love when my mom adds spicy sausage to her dressing. It is always a family favorite.
Stuffing:
Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Caramelized Onion and Cornbread Stuffing
Ah the sides! I would consider the sides to be second to the main event of this delicious meal. Amen to whoever created mashed potatoes! I love the recipes from Skinny Taste because they are low in calories but taste so delicious. When it comes to choosing the sides don’t go overboard, you want people to fit everything on their plate. Rule of thumb pick three sides – a green, a starch and an extra veggie. That way your guests get to taste a little bit of everything without going overboard.
Sides:
Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Biscuits
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Skinny Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon and Golden Raisins
I was recently asked to give advice on cooking a turkey and realized I have no idea idea how to cook one. Leave it to my mother to handle that. These recipes seem pretty simple if you don’t have a family recipe to follow from. The pressure it on!
Turkey:
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Roasted Turkey with Truffle Butter
Butternut Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberries and Pecans
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce and gravy. Try something different like a cranberry salsa or a maple gravy to mix it up. It’s gravy, no one will be disappointed with the gravy.
Cranberry Sauce and Gravy:
The dessert. I would recommend making every one of these if you have time! But being realistic the pumpkin pie and the pecan bars are at the top of my list. Pick two desserts so everyone has an option to choose from.
Desserts:
Gingersnap and Pear Cheesecake
Alas. Pre dinner cocktails. I highly recommend the sangria! Serve a cocktail as your guests arrive while you are putting the finishing touches on your meal. When it’s time to sit down serve white and red wine.
Cocktails:
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