Thanksgiving is just a little over a week away. Are we ready??
I’m not, but NOW IS THE TIME where I figure it all out.
Looking through my archives has given me a lot of inspiration, though. Here are some of my favorite recipes that are guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving holiday warm and bright. And if you’re looking for a unique/tasty turkey recipe, Mark Bittman’s braised turkey is MY FAVORITE. I’ve used the recipe for the past 5 years. It’s really made quite a few stress-free holidays.
Let’s looking into the Shutterbean archives for some Thanksgiving Menu Ideas!
Epic Cheeseboard with Trader Joe’s Items!
All you ever needed and wanted on one tray! Plus, in this post I spell out all of my favorite cheese board items from Trader Joe’s.
TURKEY CRANBERRY MEATBALLS
When I was a kid, there were always meatballs at my parent’s friend’s get-togethers. I loved it. It’s gotta be the fact that you can eat something off of a toothpick. That makes things special, right?
Herbed Goat Cheese
This is such a great recipe for the holidays. People love HERBS and CHEESE and when you combine them with crostini, all bets are off!
Pigs in Blankets
Do it for the kids! Watch adults devour them too. Tell them to stop. IT’S FOR THE KIDS.
BAKED ARTICHOKE SQUARES
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without my mom’s Baked Artichoke squares. The best part is that you can totally make these the night before & reheat.
Mushroom Polenta Bites
I bet you can’t just have one!
The BEST Creamed Spinach
It really is THE BEST. I love that many of you have included this one in your parties throughout the years. YAY!!!
PECAN TOPPED SWEET POTATOES
This was my contribution to our Thanksgiving parties for several years! It’s a tradition that came from my Aunt & Uncle and it was a wonderful way of carrying on their spirits at our table.
No Knead Cloverleaf Rolls
Yes, I’ve made my own rolls!!! And NO, they’re not that hard to make. These went fast in my family. I think Cooper eat most of them…. I don’t blame him. Plus, I wasn’t looking! I was too busy in the kitchen.
Skillet Roasted Cauliflower with Breadcrumbs
Vegetarians at the table will sing your praises.
SWEET & SOUR ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH
One of my favorite recipes! All the meat eaters are gonna be eating this vegetarian side dish. Vegans! Vegetarians! Get your fill on servings before they clean you OUT.
I mean…just DO IT.
BREAD APPLE SAUSAGE HASH
If you have any leftover bread….or maybe you’re not even having Thanksgiving but you want the flavors of Thanksgiving….FOR BREAKFAST or BREAKFAST FOR DINNER make this recipe!
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS & BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Your guests will love this combo! There are cranberries up in it too!
My family back East made this at their Thanksgiving last year 🙂
BRAISED BRUSSELS SPROUTS W/ PANCETTA
I would be so happy if a little gravy crossed paths with this dish!
LITTLE GEM LETTUCE SALAD WITH BEETS & WALNUTS
An elegant salad that exploits beet season! I love how delicate gem lettuce is. So tender.
Beet Salad with Poppy Seed & Chive Dressing
A beautiful salad to bring to the party if you’ve got salad duty!
Bourbon Sage Cooler
Because sage syrup is a great addition to your holiday bar.
Holiday Rum Punch
‘Tis the season!!!
HOT VANILLA CIDER
Something for the kids if you take out the bourbon and something to make your old Aunt Bessie tolerable if you feel like adding bourbon.
CRANBERRY ROSEMARY SPRITZERS
I can’t think of a better cocktail to have with turkey!
Oh, wait. I found something better to go with turkey. THESE MANHATTANS.
Just keep your cool. Manhattans can bring out some interesting family dynamics. hehe
Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream Cake
This easy to make dessert is such a savior! It’s easy to slice (unlike pie!) and it requires no time to make. You just need a few hours in your freezer and you’re good to go.
PUMPKIN BOURBON MILKSHAKES
You could serve these milkshakes in addition to your dessert. Imagine them in mini glasses. Perfect!
wrong?
CARAMEL APPLE FLOATS
Kids AND parents will get a kick out of this recipe. Sparkling apple cider AND ice cream!! What could go
PUMPKIN PECAN ICE CREAM SANDWICHES
They’re small…which means that people who are STUFFED will be like “Oh, I’ll just take one!”
Then their ONE turns into 4. WATCH OUT.
Persimmon Spice Bars
Walk into the party with these bars. Immediately impress the whole crowd.
Sure people will fill up on pumpkin pie, but when they eat one of these bars for breakfast the next morning, you’re the real hero.
Burnt Butter Ginger Pear Crumble
Oh gosh. Now that I am looking at this, maybe I should make a crumble for Thanksgiving??!!
PUMPKIN CAKE WITH BROWN BUTTER ICING
You could easily turn this recipe into cupcakes. Your guests will LOVE the brown butter icing & moist cake.
You just gotta. This one has a gingersnap crust! It’s light/ fluffy and you don’t have to bake the final pie.
I’m just gonna throw that one out there and remind you that you can make a little mini pumpkin pie IN A MUG. All you need is a microwave.
ALSO!!
Don’t forget to save leftovers so you can have a bonkers sandwich like this one!
TURKEY CRANBERRY BACON SANDWICH
That’s right. We add bacon to this sandwich because more is more!
16 Ways to Say GRACE at your table this year
Because we have a lot to be thankful for!
Self Care Strategies for the holidays!
Things to remember if you’re around family and need to cope!
Don’t forget that art is therapy and you can relax by making your own place cards and table arrangements:
Here are some of mine from the past!
And don’t forget, disposable pie pans make THE BEST to-go containers!
