Thanksgiving Swiss Green Bean Recipe

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):

1. A signature drink upon arrival

2. An Appetizer Spread with lots of contrasting options

3. Great dessert

4. “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. 

[yumprint-recipe id=’6′]Grocery List:

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