This year we are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for our family. While it may seem like Christmas everywhere already, Thanksgiving is the one holiday I like the most as it just involves good food, good cooking and good conversations with our family. No Gifts! There are a few things I make each time I host and our meal tends to be the same each year, but its comforting knowing that we have some predictable traditions each year. My family is great in that they each contribute a side dish so there is less for me to prepare. That also means they are making and bringing something that they like too.
My friend and I talk each year about hosting a Thanksgiving type dinner for ourselves, featuring those recipes that we know our families won't eat, but we want to try. I would serve either a squash or pumpkin soup as well as some roasted veggies. She wants to make a fancy stuffing. Someday we will have to plan our special meal!
This year I'll be making the turkey, a nice brined 14 pounder that I bought at Trader Joe's. I've never bought a turkey from TJs before, but a friend recommended it. I don't have the space to actually brine a turkey, so I'm hoping this pre-brined one is good! I'm also making the same pie I've made every year for the past 12 years. This crunchy caramel apple pie was featured on abc's Good Morning America in 2001. A home baker won a contest for her recipe. It sounded so good that I made it that year and it's now a favorite here. Sometimes I leave off the nuts and its just as tasty.
I like to make cranberry relish or sauce. A lot of people are not fans of whole berry sauce and I don't recall when I was first introduced to it, but I really like it. It's so easy to make and I think makes a great addition to a leftover turkey sandwich. I always serve the jellied canned cranberries too, since that is a favorite with most people!
Thanksgiving Dinner Menu:
Roasted Turkey with gravy
Cranberry relish (and canned cranberries for those who prefer them!)
My guests are bringing mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and an apple-cranberry crisp.
What are your favorite dishes to serve at Thanksgiving? Do you always serve the same menu each year?
Happy Thanksgiving!
