Thanksgiving Favorites

One of my all-time favorite meals to prepare, Thanksgiving dinner is a great time to mix the old with the new ~ recipes, that is. We all have our tried and true favorites when it comes to stuffing, potatoes and pie, but I like to shake things up every now and then. Here are some of my favorites; perhaps you will be inspired to try something new! But, before we go there, let me spend a moment being thankful for our followers, supporters, family and friends.  Okay.  I’m ready now.

• If you are looking for small bites to have around for cocktails, try white bean tapenade, spinach puffs, roasted grapes with cheese and crackers, or quick pickled vegetables.
• I love a brined and grilled turkey, not only for the flavor, but also for the empty oven!
• Soup is a nice way to start the meal or just nice to have around for house guests. Seasonal favorites include butternut apple bisque or pumpkin-peanut soup.
• This spiced pumpkin, lentil and goat cheese salad is delicious and different, or you can go totally delicious and old-school with broccoli apple salad.  I am making this kale salad with apple and spiced pecans. Again.
• Rosemary mashed sweet potatoes with shallots have been a hit in years past, as have these olive oil mashed potatoes with spinach and basil.
• Spaghetti squash, warm corn salad, and butternut squash with wild rice and sage make great side dishes.
• Maple corn bread and spiced pumpkin dinner rolls are naturals for your bread basket.
• I also like to make this cranberry nut bread, which is a family favorite.  A delicious breakfast bread, it makes a great hostess gift and freezes well.
• I haven’t posted a recipe for my pumpkin crumble pie yet (!?), but you probably have a recipe of your own.  Looking for something different?  Make these salted pumpkin caramels.  Such a sweet ending.

For more ideas, check out our recipe index!

Thankfully yours,

Kristen