Hosting Thanksgiving has changed so much since having kids! Now I order the Turkey and Ham, buy some desserts and make a few sides. The idea of a “purchased” meal used to appal me and I love it now!!
Cooking and prepping used to be what made it feel like the holidays for me but now it’s spending time with the family and resting that makes it feel special. I wonder if ‘ll return to all the details one day when the kids are grown. Ha!
I’m happy to let someone else make a delicious and juicy turkey for us (We have been using Whole Foods) and that Honey Baked Ham is unmatched.
Just like a wedding, I think of what makes events most memorable
(food-wise):
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A signature drink upon arrival
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An Appetizer Spread with lots of contrasting options
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Great dessert
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“Party Favor” leftovers for tomorrow and a coffee for the road
Spend your time HERE!
Here is our menu:
Turkey
Ham & champagne mustard
Appetizers (bacon wrapped dates, cheeses-goat, manchego, brie, Rosemary Marcona almonds, rolled prosciutto, variety of crackers/crips breads, nuts, olives, goat cheese, fig spread, grapes) Trader Joes is the easiest place to pick up all kinds of exciting apps. Check out the frozen section to add a hot one you can do quickly in the toaster oven.
Alcoholic drinks (old fashioned: Makers Mark, amarena cherries from TJs, bitters, oranges for rind garnish)
Non alcoholic drinks (coke, apple juice)
Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Gravy
Swiss Green Beans
Cranberry Sauce Natural
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Rolls/butter
Pumpkin pie
Pecan pie
Ice cream
Whipped cream
Coffee/Cream
So basic and it hits all the marks for us!
Here are the guidelines I use for portions
1-1.5 lbs Turkey per person
5 lbs potatoes for 10-12 people
1.5 lbs green beans makes 6-8 servings //I buy 2 bags of frozen French green beans/2 cups sour cream/onion/cornflake crumbs/ shredded Swiss
Stuffing 16 cups 14 oz=11 serv
Ok, so now I’m going to share the most incredible green bean casserole you have ever eaten. You really must add this to your repertoire. Its a great winter side all around.
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. grated onion
- 1 C. sour cream
- 4 C. cooked French style Green Beans
- 1/2 lb. grated Swiss
- 1/2 C. corn flake crumbs
- 2 tbsp. butter
- Melt 2 tbsp. butter; stir in flour, salt, pepper, sugar and onion Add sour cream gradually, stirring constantly. Cook until mixture thickens; fold in beans. Pour into buttered 1-1/2 qt. casserole. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, then the crumbs mixed with butter. Bake at 400º for 1/2 hour. Serves 6.
- I grate the onion on a hand held cheese grater.
- French style green beans can be the ones that are long and sliced in half lenghthwise. This makes them soak up the flavors more but you can use any kind of green bean. I get frozen long ones and just let them thaw and drain before adding them to the mixture.
- I get the grated "gruyere" at Trader Joes. It's basically Swiss.
- Some big grocery stores sell cornflake crumbs in a small box but I just get the organic corn flakes from Trader Joes and pulse them in the food processor. SO integral to this recipe! The crunch is so so good.
- I make this a day ahead, pull it out in the late morning to get to room temp and bake it before serving the meal.
Ham
Turkey
Stuffing
Potatoes
Green beans
Sour cream
Onion
Cornflake crumbs
Shredded Swiss
Bitters
Whiskey
Cherries
Ice
Wine Beer
Soda
Capers / lemon / smoked salmon / cream cheese
Bacon
Dates
Grapes
Butter
Crackers/ Cheese/ Proscutto
Cranberry Sauce Natural
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Rolls/butter
Pumpkin pie X2
Pecan pie x 1
Ice cream
Whipped cream
Coffee
Cream
To Go Coffee Cups
Tupperware to send leftovers home
Checklist:
Crock pot to keep potatoes warm
Drink labels
Cups
Toothpicks
Chairs
Tables
Linens
Napkins
Plates
Silverware
Turkey Gravy Boat
Prep Timeline:
Up to a week before do the grocery shopping
Wednesday:
Pick up the ham
Pick up any pies and rolls
prep the green bean casserole
set the table
pull out all the plates, cutlery, serving dishes etc.
Thursday:
Pick up the turkey
cook the green bean casserole, potatoes, stuffing, gravy
Buy ICE
Appetizers
Pull out a huge Chartucerrie board and spread everything out with cute, small spreaders. Have some festive cocktail napkins, good glassware for drinks and ways to identify each person’s drink.
As with all entertaining, its most fun when you’re having fun! If that means you make it a potluck or buy premade stuff then do it and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! XO
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