Yesterday I shared tips on how to have a stress-free Thanksgiving, if you're hosting. Today I'm sharing with you the recipes I've used every year, tired and true classics. I love not having to worry about trying out a recipe weeks before and stressing over it not turning out right the day of. I'm sure one year I'll get bored and toss them out, but for now, I'm sticking with these.
Our Thanksgiving Menu
This turkey recipe is from Paula Dean. The first year I hosted Thanksgiving, I watched the Food Network every single day after work to prepare myself. I watched Paula make this turkey and knew I had to make it myself. She made it look so easy! And it is easy, once you've done it, you'll feel like a pro. There is only one thing I do differently than Paula- I brine my turkey overnight. The turkey goes into a liquid mixture of water, salt, pepper, rosemary, oregano, and basil and sits in the fridge until Turkey Day. I wash the turkey well and get to work on Paula's recipe. It's the most flavorful, moist turkey I've ever had!
These sweet potatoes are TO DIE for!! I just love them and look forward to making them every year, with marshmallows and all. Don't like marshmallows on your sweet potatoes? Leave them out, it won't affect the dish at all!
I like to change up the veggie side dish every year, but I usually stick with carrots or corn on the cob, in an effort to keep it easy, since everything else requires more work! As I mentioned yesterday, sometimes friends will be in charge of the veggie, and I'll leave it up to them!
Desserts
Deciding on what to make for dessert is always the hardest part for me! I want to bake all the things and I have a tough time narrowing down what to make for Thanksgiving. This year is no different. I still have no idea what I'm going to end up doing. I love having cheesecake on Thanksgiving, as it was a traditional dessert my mom made every year, but I also like having something unexpected, like cranberry bars, or even cookies, which I've done over the years. Since I'm not sure what I'll be making for this Thanksgiving, here are a few dessert recipes I've made in the past for you to check out.
Pumpkin Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars
What are you looking forward to eating the most this year? Will you be cooking or baking?
We are both definitely in full Thanksgiving prep mode!!! Can't wait to hear all about your festivities! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and helpful post! The turkey sounds yummy and super moist with a brine and glaze.
ReplyDeleteWay to go you!! Not only does the food look AMAZING but aren't you a hot little number?! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh so yummy! I want to come to your house for Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHi hun. I nominated you for the Liebster Award if you'd like to participate. It should be fun :)
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