Thanksgiving Ideas

Thanksgiving is almost here.
How's your inspiration doing?
Sometimes mine isn't too zippy at this time of year.
I thought maybe yours needed a jump start too.

People can be picky... some don't like change, some don't eat meat, some don't eat any animal products.  
As if you don't have enough to do on that one big feast day, right?
Let's see... this is what my day looks like...
Set a beautiful table using all your best stuff
Cook all day
Eat for... what, one hour tops?
Make delightful conversation
Clear the table
Package leftovers
Clean, clean, clean
Go lay on the floor, comatose, or play a vicious board game with your loved ones.
It's a HECK of a lot of work, most of these recipes are do ahead, or at least prep ahead.
Go ahead and enjoy yourself on this day.

Here's some of my favorite recipes that are appropriate for a variety of people...

Good ole' Stuffing!  My favorite dish from Thanksgiving, which is funny since it wasn't always that way.


Chorizo Chipotle Cornbread Stuffing

Make some cornbread a couple of days before, and chop the onions and celery too, and you'll be mostly ready.

 

Sourdough and Sausage Stuffing

Like above, chop the celery and onions ahead of time, and cube up some stale sourdough in the weeks before Thanksgiving and keep it in the freezer. Don't try this recipe with super fresh sourdough bread, it needs to be dried out.



Need some Vegetarian or Vegan Options ?  Every group gathering seems to have them...
Everyone in your group will like these

Roasted Beets with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Perfect for the vegetarians in the group, and if you kept the goat cheese on the side, you could feed the vegans too.  This dish would be just as good at room temperature if you want to do it ahead of time.
 


Red Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad 

Definately do this one the day before, serve like a salad, either cold, hot or room temperature.  This would also be filling enough for a main course for the Vegan's in your group.

 

Butternut Squash Waldorf Salad

Colorful, flavorful and crunch too.  This one is similar to the above, make ahead and serve cool, or at room temperature. 



Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms, Cooking Light

I love this one, so yummy and rich too.  Make this the day before and reheat until bubbly warm with the turkey.



Caramelized Green Onions, Tomato and Zucchini

This one is more last minute preparation, but the good news is that you could get all the veggies chopped and ready to go in the days before Thanksgiving.



What about desserts?  Yeah, the most important part!

Pecan Pie with Kahlua  

Somebody at my house hates, hates, hates pumpkin pie. I always make a pecan pie to make him happy.  I like how most people want a slice of pecan pie AND pumpkin pie.  Make this the day before too.



Maple Yogurt Pound Cake 

I dunno, maybe Maple pound cake isn't special enough for the big holiday???  But, you could serve this for breakfast on Thanksgiving, or something nice much later after the big dinner with some coffee.  The flavors and textures are just perfect for Fall.
   

 (Photo credit to www.NotDerbyPie.com- Thanks Rivka!)

Rhubarb Ginger Whole Wheat Pie - 

This one is Vegan, and delicious.  You could substitute Apples for Rhubarb. I could eat this every week...