2014 Holiday Food/Recipes thread

[secretlyevil]

I'm still getting a spring foam pan and attempting cheesecake. This weekend is my trial run. HOWEVER, these are awesome sounding!

www.skinnytaste.com/2012/10/pumpkin-cheesecake-shooters.html

Sub ginger snaps for the graham crackers of course.

[redheadbaker]

I just made the dough for pumpkin graham crackers. It's chilling in the fridge now. I'm going to cut them with gingerbread man cookie cutters, and decorate them like mummies.

[katfco]

This is an old family recipe. It only has a few ingredients and is really easy to make, especially if you have a candy thermometer. We often make it to take to parties or give as a gift.

Frosted Walnuts

1 c. sour cream (do not use low-fat)
2 c. sugar
1 lb walnuts (shelled)—it’s best if you pound them into bite-size pieces, but not too small
about 1 tsp vanilla

Boil sour cream and sugar on med-high to firm ball stage (248 degrees)—5 to 15 minutes; stir frequently.
Remove from heat when it reaches firm ball stage and candy pulls away from the side when stirred.
Add about a teaspoon of vanilla and stir.
Quickly stir in nuts until they are well covered.
Spread nuts on wax paper to cool.
Dry well.
When dry, break them into bite-size pieces.

Note: when you take the candy away from the heat, it will start to cool so stir quickly. The pan will come clean easiest if it is soaked for a while—then it just wipes away.

[redheadbaker]

2curlydogs are we allowed to talk about Thanksgiving yet?

[2curlydogs]

Nov 3, 2014 14:52:15 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

2curlydogs are we allowed to talk about Thanksgiving yet?

HA! Yes.

But only if you help me figure out what to serve as a main for S's birthday party in 2 weeks. My husband wisely pointed out that Turkey and Ham are probably non-starters with thanksgiving just after that.

I need a meat and a vegetarian option. The less work the better, as I plan to be making the cake.

[redheadbaker]

Nov 3, 2014 15:04:41 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Nov 3, 2014 14:52:15 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

2curlydogs are we allowed to talk about Thanksgiving yet?

HA! Yes.

But only if you help me figure out what to serve as a main for S's birthday party in 2 weeks. My husband wisely pointed out that Turkey and Ham are probably non-starters with thanksgiving just after that.

I need a meat and a vegetarian option. The less work the better, as I plan to be making the cake.

How many people? Is there a theme? 

[2curlydogs]

Nov 3, 2014 15:46:56 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Nov 3, 2014 15:04:41 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

HA! Yes.

But only if you help me figure out what to serve as a main for S's birthday party in 2 weeks. My husband wisely pointed out that Turkey and Ham are probably non-starters with thanksgiving just after that.

I need a meat and a vegetarian option. The less work the better, as I plan to be making the cake.

How many people? Is there a theme? 

Roughly 50 people invited, I'm expecting 40ish, including us.

Lest people be like "50 people for a 1st birthday party?!" about 30 of those are immediate family (my and H's parents, siblings, spouses, and children). :?

ETA: NO theme besides food and cake and cute kid turning one. I did think about doing a ritual burning of my Medela PISA....

[redheadbaker]

What about a build-your-own taco bar? You could do one meat filling and one vegetarian filling, and put out toppings in bowls. The fillings could be made in advance and warmed up in a crockpot.

[secretlyevil]

Taco bars are awesome!

[bimbi284]

I just ordered our vegan Wellington from Native Foods for Thanksgiving. It was a hit last year, and also meant I had more time to focus on the sides, which are where it's at anyways!
My mom will make her usual turkey and other non-veg sides though smaller, since we have 2 more veggie converts in the family now. One by choice, and the other by doc's orders.

I need to narrow down my side and dessert options. My Pinterest is exploding with deliciousness but I know that my good intentions will end with me not having time to make all the stuff I wanna make.

The stand outs currently are as follows, in no particular order:
ohsheglows.com/2014/10/31/double-dark-chocolate-coconut-macaroon-tart-vegan-gluten-free-grain-free/

www.beardandbonnet.com/thanksgiving-stuffing-poppers-with-cranberry-jalapeno-dipping-sauce-gluten-free-and-vegan/

www.threebeansonastring.com/easy-ginger-asian-pear-tart/

www.gimmesomeoven.com/quinoa-stuffing-recipe-quinoa-butternut-squash-cranberries-pistachios/

www.allysonkramer.com/2011/11/bourbon-laced-pumpkin-pie-with-walnut-crumble-topping/

www.edibleperspective.com/home/2013/11/12/creamy-vegan-scalloped-potatoes.html

blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/11/best-vegan-green-bean-casserole.html

[abramos]

I am so glad it will just be DH and I.
He will brine the turkey using this method:
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe.html

I will make the stuffing and mashed potatoes in the crockpots.

I plan to make my apple crisp (an old WW recipe that gets requested)
Homemade cranberry sauce, roasted brussel sprouts.
Oh and turkey gravy from Trader Joe's.

[2curlydogs]

Taco bar has potential. I was also thinking of roast beef sandwiches. Our local butcher does nice made to order ones

[redheadbaker]

Finalized our Thanksgiving menu:

Drinks:
White wine (I think my mom is bringing pinot grigio)
I'm making pomegranate-orange sangria

Apps:
Mom is bringing cold shrimp
I'm making cranberry-apple baked brie (made it last year, it's insanely good with Trader Joe's brioche crisps), and cornbread-chorizo stuffed mushrooms

Dinner:
Cider-brined and glazed turkey
Pancetta, leek and mushroom stuffing
Brown butter mashed potatoes
Acorn squash wedges with rosemary and shallots
Steamed carrots (the only veggie my brother will eat)
Roasted brussel sprouts
Green beans with pearl onions and bacon
Spiced pumpkin buttermilk biscuits
Regular buttermilk biscuits
Cranberry sauce

Desserts:
Spiced cranberry-apple pie
Pumpkin layer cake with white chocolate buttercream

[wavepool]

Oct 5, 2014 20:43:59 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

Oh yeah and this might be my favorite ice cream ever. I make it any year we host Thanksgiving - ellysaysopa.com/2009/12/02/cinnamon-ice-cream/

I always make this with grilled pineapple. So good together!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using proboards

[Deleted]

For Thanksgiving we will be a small group so we are keeping it simple.

Apps
Toasted pita and fresh veggies with lebne

Dinner
Turkey - Alton Brown's recipe with a Diestel turkey
Roasted whole sweet potatoes with olive oil and Rosemary
Stuffing - french bread with apples, bacon, onion
Gravy
Peas
Mashed potatoes
Cranberry pineapple jello salad

Dessert
The children want Strawberry Soda-Pop cake
Pumpkin pie

BIL is in charge of the wine

[debatethis]

I feel like I need to share a Very Important PSA for those who need veggie recipes. The TG print issue of Bon Apetit has some amazing sounding recipes including this one:
www.bonappetit.com/recipe/brussels-sprout-leaves-with-chorizo-and-toasted-almonds

redheadbaker

[gpw]

Nov 11, 2014 11:55:59 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

Thanks to my blog, I got a PR email from White Castle today about slider stuffing. Anyone want the recipe? No? Are you sure?

"When the traditional turkey stuffing just won’t do, families across the nation will turn to a new holiday tradition to impress their guests. It’s the unique taste of White Castle’s Turkey Stuffing recipe that calls for 10 one-of-a-kind Original Sliders as it’s main ingredient. "   

NO.  

[2curlydogs]

Nov 11, 2014 11:55:59 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

Thanks to my blog, I got a PR email from White Castle today about slider stuffing. Anyone want the recipe? No? Are you sure?

"When the traditional turkey stuffing just won’t do, families across the nation will turn to a new holiday tradition to impress their guests. It’s the unique taste of White Castle’s Turkey Stuffing recipe that calls for 10 one-of-a-kind Original Sliders as it’s main ingredient. "   

I think I just threw up a little.

[redheadbaker]

Nov 11, 2014 11:55:59 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

Thanks to my blog, I got a PR email from White Castle today about slider stuffing. Anyone want the recipe? No? Are you sure?

"When the traditional turkey stuffing just won’t do, families across the nation will turn to a new holiday tradition to impress their guests. It’s the unique taste of White Castle’s Turkey Stuffing recipe that calls for 10 one-of-a-kind Original Sliders as it’s main ingredient. "   

EW!

[ESF]

Has anyone ever made a chestnut stuffing? Any good recipes to share?

[wawa]

Nov 12, 2014 0:21:22 GMT -5 ESF said:

Has anyone ever made a chestnut stuffing? Any good recipes to share?

Yes, once, a long time ago. It was good, but I dont have the recipe. I just wanted to offer this advice: Buy the prepeeled chestnuts at tj.

Those things are kind of a bitch to prep on top of the rest of a meal.

[Vespasia]

These are one of my favorite appetizers, and that is saying a lot: www.thekitchn.com/party-appetizer-recipe-cheddar-olives-47009

They are awesome because you just make ahead and freeze. They go directly from freezer to oven to my mouth. Rolling the olives into the dough is a bit tedious but I just do it in front of the TV. 

They go especially well with martinis! 

[2curlydogs]

Nov 13, 2014 14:27:58 GMT -5 Vespasia said:

These are one of my favorite appetizers, and that is saying a lot: www.thekitchn.com/party-appetizer-recipe-cheddar-olives-47009

They are awesome because you just make ahead and freeze. They go directly from freezer to oven to my mouth. Rolling the olives into the dough is a bit tedious but I just do it in front of the TV. 

They go especially well with martinis! 

There's a restaurant that we love that does deep-fried olives. They are INCREDIBLE.

[ESF]

Nov 13, 2014 15:11:39 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Nov 13, 2014 14:27:58 GMT -5 Vespasia said:

These are one of my favorite appetizers, and that is saying a lot: www.thekitchn.com/party-appetizer-recipe-cheddar-olives-47009

They are awesome because you just make ahead and freeze. They go directly from freezer to oven to my mouth. Rolling the olives into the dough is a bit tedious but I just do it in front of the TV. 

They go especially well with martinis! 

There's a restaurant that we love that does deep-fried olives. They are INCREDIBLE.

Oh we have one of these too. They are perfection.


So Thanksgiving.

We are no longer doing it at my MIL's (long story). Too short notice to cobble together a friendsgiving invite list. We've had some invites from friends, but we decided we just want to do a Thanksgiving here, just the two of us.

We really love turkey, so we will cook a whole one, and freeze leftovers. Since it's just us, I don't want to make a million sides, but I also want to maximize Thanksgiving food awesomeness. I don't want to be eating buttery potatoes for four days (well, I do, but my pants don't)

Has anyone done TG for two? Any thoughts? Good recipes?

[meshaliuknits]

Nov 17, 2014 0:55:20 GMT -5 ESF said:

Nov 13, 2014 15:11:39 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

There's a restaurant that we love that does deep-fried olives. They are INCREDIBLE.

Oh we have one of these too. They are perfection.


So Thanksgiving.

We are no longer doing it at my MIL's (long story). Too short notice to cobble together a friendsgiving invite list. We've had some invites from friends, but we decided we just want to do a Thanksgiving here, just the two of us.

We really love turkey, so we will cook a whole one, and freeze leftovers. Since it's just us, I don't want to make a million sides, but I also want to maximize Thanksgiving food awesomeness. I don't want to be eating buttery potatoes for four days (well, I do, but my pants don't)

Has anyone done TG for two? Any thoughts? Good recipes?

But that brownie thing you were talking about will still happen, right? Because Imma need to copy it.

[redheadbaker]

Nov 17, 2014 0:55:20 GMT -5 ESF said:

Nov 13, 2014 15:11:39 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

There's a restaurant that we love that does deep-fried olives. They are INCREDIBLE.

Oh we have one of these too. They are perfection.


So Thanksgiving.

We are no longer doing it at my MIL's (long story). Too short notice to cobble together a friendsgiving invite list. We've had some invites from friends, but we decided we just want to do a Thanksgiving here, just the two of us.

We really love turkey, so we will cook a whole one, and freeze leftovers. Since it's just us, I don't want to make a million sides, but I also want to maximize Thanksgiving food awesomeness. I don't want to be eating buttery potatoes for four days (well, I do, but my pants don't)

Has anyone done TG for two? Any thoughts? Good recipes?

I did a Friendsgiving for four people, and cooked a turkey breast. 

[ESF]

Sorry, I guess my post wasn't clear. I want to cook an entire turkey. I don't care that there are only two of us. We have cooked entire turkeys before just for shits and giggles, and frozen the meat. We really like turkey, and want to do this again. That part has been decided. I haven't hosted a Thansigiving larger than five people in years and every time, we cook a big bird.

What I'm trying to figure out are sides. My ideal TG involves stuffing, mashed potatoes, orange veg, green veg, cranberry sauce. I make this for my usual 3-5 person TGs, which is already excessive, and more than I want to do for the two of us, since we won't have guests to send everything home with. If you've downsized TG, what sides do you typically make?

[wawa]

Nov 17, 2014 23:07:51 GMT -5 ESF said:

Sorry, I guess my post wasn't clear. I want to cook an entire turkey. I don't care that there are only two of us. We have cooked entire turkeys before just for shits and giggles, and frozen the meat. We rgeally like turkey, and want to do this again. That part has been decided. I haven't hosted a Thansigiving larger than five people in years and every time, we cook a big bird.

What I'm trying to figure out are sides. My ideal TG involves stuffing, mashed potatoes, orange veg, green veg, cranberry sauce. I make this for my usual 3-5 person TGs, which is already excessive, and more than I want to do for the two of us, since we won't have guests to send everything home with. If you've downsized TG, what sides do you typically make?

Ummm...all of them. I honestly can't imagine cutting anything from that list. I'd just scale way back on size. So mash like 2 taters. Make a half recipe if stuffing. Etc. Do you own small baking dishes? Cranberry sauce freezes well.

[Vespasia]

Nov 17, 2014 23:07:51 GMT -5 ESF said:

What I'm trying to figure out are sides. My ideal TG involves stuffing, mashed potatoes, orange veg, green veg, cranberry sauce. I make this for my usual 3-5 person TGs, which is already excessive, and more than I want to do for the two of us, since we won't have guests to send everything home with. If you've downsized TG, what sides do you typically make?

We're probably going to be in the same boat. If (big if) I have a functional kitchen by next week, this is what I plan to make:

Turkey breast - we don't have room for a whole bird's leftovers. Will either do it in the crock pot or brine and roast
Gravy
Mashed potato casserole - I like that I can make this whenever and just throw in the oven when it gets closer to dinner time
Stuffing - Pepperidge Farm bag recipe, like my mom always made. Half with mushrooms, half without
Green bean casserole or roast brussels sprouts
Cranberry sauce (canned probably)
Pie, going to let H pick the flavor but it will be store-bought

Basically, I agree with wawa. I'm making fewer sides and just the ones we really love. It's not the most well balanced menu but it works for us. 


The saddest part for me is that I won't have an excuse to make a ton of appetizers. We may have to settle for one or two things around lunchtime. 

[secretlyevil]

Nov 22, 2014 19:55:21 GMT -5 jln said:

Nov 22, 2014 18:48:05 GMT -5 meshaliuknits said:

I can't help but notice the utter lack of recipe here.

Sent from my EVO

I was at the salon when I posted that earlier. Here's the link: Butternut Squash Gratin