Thanksgiving Dinner – What’s on the Menu?

When asked what my favorite holiday is… I really have a difficult time deciding between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Christmas has always been my favorite but as I get older I’m beginning to love Thanksgiving more and more because it isn’t as stressful as Christmas.  And Thanksgiving is more about the food.  Getting together with family and eating… two of my favorite things.

I would like to share with you some of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving.  While you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu this year maybe one of my favorites will be yours. 

The Main Event

• Turkey – This is a very basic turkey recipe that is so moist and delicious.
• Turkey 2 -  I love the flavor of this turkey it is moist and the flavors of the rosemary and olive oil is so tasty.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

• Stuffing/Dressing (option 1) – You’ll love this Awesome Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing.  I use sage pork sausage (drain it well)… it’s more flavorful.  I also leave out the cooked turkey liver.
• Stuffing/Dressing (option 2) – Bread and celery stuffing.  This is a simple, easy and basic recipe; yet very delicious.  If you are really pressed for time this dressing is great.  I also add sage along with the poultry seasoning.
• Gravy – Easy Turkey Gravy.  A creamy lump-free gravy.
• Sweet Potato Pie – I’ve prepared this sweet potato pie for the last two years and it is my all time favorite recipe.
• Sweet Potato Casserole – This Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole is to die for.  I suggest baking the potatoes so you can just scoop out the potato without having to peel them.  And do not substitute any other nut for the pecans.
• Mashed potatoes – These Traditional Mashed Potatoes are very creamy.  I sometimes add parsley, garlic and/or chives; but just as the recipe calls for is perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner.
• Potato Salad – This Southern Potato Salad is a great basic potato salad.  You can omit what you don’t like and it will still be good.  I don’t like celery in potato salad so I omit it and substitute onion.
• Green Bean Casserole – Okay I’m not a huge fan of green bean casseroles… and of all the ones I’ve ever tried, this Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole is good.  I do suggest that you read the reviews for some tips to make it even better.

Thanksgiving Desserts

• Pumpkin Pie – This is one of the easiest and tastiest pumpkin pies.  It really is the Perfect Pumpkin Pie!  You can substitute the unbaked pie crust with a graham cracker crust; and another tip is to heat the pumpkin puree and spices, let cool then combine the milk and eggs.
• Chocolate Cake -  This Too Much Chocolate Cake (which I don’t believe you can have too much chocolate) is positively heavenly.  You can make a cake from scratch if you like, but I don’t know about you… but I’m too busy and just don’t have the time.  So I search for recipes that are easy and quick but delicious.  This recipe fits the bill.  I use this Satiny Chocolate Glaze over the cake.

Thanksgiving Leftovers

• Turkey Pot Pie – A great way to use the left over turkey.

These recipes come from AllRecipes.com; I like All Recipe for 3 reasons:

1. There are tons of reviews where real people have tried the recipes and have tips and suggestions to make the recipes even better.
2. Each recipe provides a nutritional information.
3. You can calculate how many servings you need.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and give one of these dishes a try… they won’t disappoint.  If you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe please share it with us.  And Happy Thanksgiving!