Thanksgiving week is upon us, which means it’s time to wrap up our menu planning and make some decisions already — grocery shopping awaits! Whether you’re hosting the meal or bringing a dish to the potluck, every Thanksgiving cook is faced with a major decision: stick to tradition or add your own little twist? Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows… or Sweet Potato Wedges with Cilantro Crema & Pumpkin Seeds? Herb-Roasted Turkey with Gravy… or Porchetta-Spiced Turkey with Pan Gravy? Decisions, decisions… Don’t forget that there are a few things you can be doing today to make things easier for yourself come Thanksgiving, such as:
- If you’re working with a frozen bird, now’s the time to let it start thawing in the fridge. (Allow 24 hours for every four pounds of turkey)
- You can make your cranberry sauce and salad dressings now… they’ll keep great in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Make your pie crusts now and freeze the shell, so they’ll be ready for fillings on Thursday.
What am I forgetting? I’d love to hear what you all have on the menu this Thanksgiving, and click through the slides for an inspired Thanksgiving menu with a “twist!”
**For lots more Thanksgiving menu inspiration, check out our full Thanksgiving hub here!**
Winter Sangria
Mix up a big batch in advance and you’ll be set to go for cocktail hour.
Get the recipe here.
Cider Brined Pork Chops
The apple mostarda and pumpkin seeds makes this worthy of a holiday meal — no one will even miss the turkey!
Get the recipe here.
Shells & Brussels Sprouts
A much healthier (and yummier) take on shells & cheese.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato & Pomegranate Salad
Festive enough to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, simple enough to toss together for a weeknight supper.
Get the recipe here.
Kabocha Pumpkin Buttermilk Pie with a Crème Fraîche Swirl
This gluten-free pumpkin pie will have everyone swooning over it’s creamy, flavor-packed filling.
Get this recipe (& 19 other amazing Thanksgiving Pies!) here.
**For lots more Thanksgiving menu inspiration, check out our full Thanksgiving hub here!**
