Holiday Menus and Recipes 2015

[omgzombies]

Oct 16, 2015 17:28:27 GMT -5 orriskitten said:

I got a book for DD about thanksgiving and they are rolling out dough for a pie. She now wants to make a pie with me.

Help me out with some recipes? I suck at baking and finding pre made crusts here is hit or miss.

I like this one, it's basically like a chocolate chip pecan pie.   


www.thecountrycook.net/2011/08/chocolate-chip-cookie-piea-little-bit.html

[secretlyevil]

Oct 16, 2015 17:28:27 GMT -5 orriskitten said:

I got a book for DD about thanksgiving and they are rolling out dough for a pie. She now wants to make a pie with me.

Help me out with some recipes? I suck at baking and finding pre made crusts here is hit or miss.

Apple pie, easiest there is.

[redheadbaker]

Oct 16, 2015 17:28:27 GMT -5 orriskitten said:

I got a book for DD about thanksgiving and they are rolling out dough for a pie. She now wants to make a pie with me.

Help me out with some recipes? I suck at baking and finding pre made crusts here is hit or miss.

The crust in this pie recipe is really easy, it's made in a food processor. www.theredheadbaker.com/peach-blueberry-pie/

[frlcb]

I make this every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My only change is that I do it in a muffin tin, so layer each muffin hole (?) individually.I don't use garlic either. It is so so so good.

www.browneyedbaker.com/sweet-potato-gratin-recipe/

For Christmas eve we always do two fondues, one cheddar and one swiss.

[orriskitten]

Oct 16, 2015 19:38:54 GMT -5 frlcb said:

I make this every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My only change is that I do it in a muffin tin, so layer each muffin hole (?) individually.I don't use garlic either. It is so so so good.

www.browneyedbaker.com/sweet-potato-gratin-recipe/

For Christmas eve we always do two fondues, one cheddar and one swiss.

Ohh fondue sounds fun for appetizers for holidays! I just recently saw some cheap fondue pots, too.

[bimbi284]

Did someone say vegan?!

We are gonna be in BCN for TG this year, son gonna have to get creative. I found a vegan grocer there, so that'll be my go-to.

We usually order the Wellington from Native Foods cuz it's awesome.
nativefoods.com/thanksgiving

Then make a bunch of sides.

www.buzzfeed.com/deenashanker/sides-for-everyone

www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/vegan-thanksgiving-recipes?sub=2661632_1805201

veganyumyum.com/2008/11/a-yumyum-thanksgiving/

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

www.runningonrealfood.com/4-vegan-thanksgiving-menu-options/

itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/2014/11/22/puff-pastry-wrapped-lentil-loaf/

plantpoweredkitchen.com/healthy-vegan-thanksgiving-recipes/

plantpoweredkitchen.com/vegan-thanksgiving-christmas-recipes/

www.thelilfoxes.com/2012/11/14/have-mercy-a-grateful-vegan-thanksgiving/

soulfreshtheblog.com/2014/11/carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-yes-its-vegan-and-delicious.html

www.glueandglitter.com/main/2011/12/16/vegan-holiday-menu-planning/#_a5y_p=2773582

And this, my friends, is the recipe I use for the baked almond feta I mentioned in the cheese thread. Use almond flour, it's easier. You can also mix in other herbs and stuff before letting it set, instead of the drizzle at the end. YWIA.
www.maplespice.com/2011/04/baked-almond-feta-with-dill-oil.html?m=1

[pescalita]

gpw

Martha's Halloween Spice Cookies

www.marthastewart.com/334236/halloween-pumpkin-spice-cookies

Pumpkin Spice cookies with brown butter icing

www.marthastewart.com/318741/pumpkin-cookies-with-brown-butter-icing

[Deleted]

Oct 12, 2015 14:55:45 GMT -5 ESF said:

wawa - this is a good vegan holiday dish:

www.101cookbooks.com/archives/baked-sweet-potato-falafel-recipe.html

You could make whatever sauce you wanted for them, and serve them up like croquets with gravy.

When I make them, I make a tahini sauce for them (dump tahini in a bowl, keep adding pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and salt until it tastes good). Well, except I can't do that anymore since that was the sauce that made me realize that pomegranates make my mouth break out in hives.


If anyone has good Thanksgiving for two ideas, I will take them. H and I have had a crazy year, and we decided for Thanksgiving to escape and rent a cabin near the ocean for four nights. We'll still cook, but probably just a small turkey breast and a couple simple sides.

OMG this looks so good.  Do you serve them alone or in a pita?

[gpw]

Oct 17, 2015 20:55:16 GMT -5 pescalita said:

gpw

Martha's Halloween Spice Cookies

www.marthastewart.com/334236/halloween-pumpkin-spice-cookies

Pumpkin Spice cookies with brown butter icing

www.marthastewart.com/318741/pumpkin-cookies-with-brown-butter-icing

WHY pumpkin spice?!  I am basic enough to wear yoga pants, leggings and sweaters with boots, but not basic enough to like PS everything.  :-\

[pescalita]

Oct 17, 2015 21:13:51 GMT -5 gpw said:

Oct 17, 2015 20:55:16 GMT -5 pescalita said:

gpw

Martha's Halloween Spice Cookies

www.marthastewart.com/334236/halloween-pumpkin-spice-cookies

Pumpkin Spice cookies with brown butter icing

www.marthastewart.com/318741/pumpkin-cookies-with-brown-butter-icing

WHY pumpkin spice?!  I am basic enough to wear yoga pants, leggings and sweaters with boots, but not basic enough to like PS everything.  :-\

I'm not an apple spice gal, sorry

[2curlydogs]

We aren't doing a holiday dinner but the boys' birthday party. Here's my plan...

Appetizers:
Feta Chile Spread - www.myrecipes.com/recipe/feta-chile-spread-10000000592324/
Various cheeses & crackers


Sides:
Green Bean Casserole (not available online)
Warm Winter Vegetable Salad - www.foodandwine.com/recipes/warm-winter-vegetable-salad
Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta - www.foodandwine.com/recipes/caramelized-brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta
Hearty Sour Rye - www.myrecipes.com/recipe/hearty-sour-rye-bread-10000000577176/

Mains:
One Pot Mac & Cheese (not available online)
Syrah-Braised Short Ribs - www.foodandwine.com/recipes/syrah-braised-short-ribs

And cake. Possibly homemade chocolate cake, but B keeps talking about wanting a Cars cake or something.

[secretlyevil]

I am pondering making these for thanksgiving. Bite size pumpkin cheesecake sounds perfect.

pinchmysalt.com/mini-pumpkin-cheesecakes/

[NitaX]

Oct 12, 2015 15:42:32 GMT -5 omgzombies said:

I'm allergic to cranberries, but I got rave reviews on this last year, and it made the house smell awesome.

Cabernet Cranberry and Blueberry Sauce:

www.averiecooks.com/2013/11/cabernet-cranberry-and-blueberry-sauce.html

OMG. This looks delish. *pins it to Pinterest immediately*

[NitaX]

Oct 16, 2015 16:08:47 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

I really want to work in brussel sprouts but I think everyone will think I'm crazy.

I made this and it was a hit!

Orange Glazed Brussels and Butternut Squash

[darnkatz]

Oct 16, 2015 16:08:47 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

I really want to work in brussel sprouts but I think everyone will think I'm crazy.

I'm pretty sure this apple, almond, bacon and Brussels sprouts salad is going to make its way onto my menu this year. Who doesn't love bacon?! 

[ESF]

I think I have figured out my Thanksgiving menu.

This turkey breast

www.seriouseats.com/2013/11/the-food-lab-turkey-porchetta-thanksgiving-recipe.html

Potato and chestnut purée
Pan fried Brussels sprouts
Cranberry sauce

Some kind of festive bread pudding for dessert.

[sushi]

Oct 17, 2015 6:57:16 GMT -5 orriskitten said:

Oct 16, 2015 19:38:54 GMT -5 frlcb said:

I make this every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My only change is that I do it in a muffin tin, so layer each muffin hole (?) individually.I don't use garlic either. It is so so so good.

www.browneyedbaker.com/sweet-potato-gratin-recipe/

For Christmas eve we always do two fondues, one cheddar and one swiss.

Ohh fondue sounds fun for appetizers for holidays! I just recently saw some cheap fondue pots, too.

My family has traditionally done fondue for new years as a way to pass the night. Cheese for apps. Steak on the girl with a veg side. Chocolate a few hours later for dessert just before midnight.

[sfy]

We'll be away for Thanksgiving this year, so no cooking. We're on vacation every odd year and every even year, I cook.

Here are a couple of the constants:

Alton Brown's Brined and Roasted Turkey
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe.html (requires no basting, but I baste it anyway)

Cranberries with Champagne & Currants
Ingredients
12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons dried currants
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Champagne
orange zest & orange juice

Pour the champagne into a medium pot and add the sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add in the cranberries and currents, bring back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of zest from an orange, juice of a quarter of an orange. Stir in. Remove from heat and cool.

Creole Stuffing
allrecipes.com/recipe/13589/creole-cornbread-stuffing/ (I omit the sugar and only use 4-5 eggs)

I always make macaroni and cheese, also, but I don't follow a recipe for it, I just make it. It's a 5 cheese, roux based baked dish.

[msmerymac]

Vegetarian (all vegetable) "turducken" like dish:

www.epicurious.com/holidays-events/vegducken-best-vegetarian-thanksgiving-dish-article

[redheadbaker]

I just ordered our turkey, and I think I've finalized our menu. There will be 4 to 8 people, depending on who shows up.

Drinks:
Wine and beer
Cranberry & Cinnamon Whiskey Sours

Apps:
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie & Pear Toasts with Honey
Fried Ravioli with marinara dipping sauce

Dinner:
Beer-Brined Turkey
Turkey Gravy
Farmhouse Herbed Stuffing
Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
Vanilla Roasted Butternut Squash with Walnuts
Butter-Braised Carrots and Leeks
Creamed Spinach
Buttermilk Biscuits
Cranberry Butter (similar consistency to apple butter)

Desserts:
Cranberry Meringue Pie
Pumpkin Creme Brulee Tart

[secretlyevil]

Maple cinnamon whipped cream FTW!

[Vespasia]

We're doing Thanksgiving at my stepbrother's this year and I am supposed to bring an appetizer. We're driving up the night before and will have access to a full kitchen. We're staying next door to their house so I don't have to transport anything far. I want something that can be served cold or room temp ebcause I assume their oven is going to be in use.

I was thinking of making a crostini with brie and the much linked cranberry-blueberry sauce. Thoughts? They don't usually serve a sweet cranberry sauce, they make the fabulous NPR cranberry-horseradish relish instead. 




We'll also be doing a post-Thanksgiving non-turkey dinner at my dad's the next day. Pretty sure he is doing some sort of baked pasta dish to minimize time in the kitchen while the family is together. Not sure what I will make for that yet. Probably another appetizer.

[secretlyevil]

I want to make fancy butter. Thanksgiving sounds like a good reason to. Now I need to decide - rolls or biscuits?

[orriskitten]

Does anyone have a good, tried and true, recipe for latkes from scratch?

Growing up we always bought the pre-made frozen ones, but there is no such thing here, so time to get cookin!

[secretlyevil]

I am a dummy. Apparently I did not pin the pumpkin cheesecake with ginger snap crust.

gpw - you told me I needed to use a certain recipe and I found an online pumpkin version...

[ESF]

Going to do these as a light lunch since we probably won't be eating until 4 or so.

smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/10/squash-toasts-with-ricotta-and-cider-vinegar/

[winecat]

Nov 10, 2015 11:35:33 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

I want to make fancy butter. Thanksgiving sounds like a good reason to. Now I need to decide - rolls or biscuits?

Both.  Rolls with dinner and biscuits the next morning with leftovers (turkey hash?.)  

[gpw]

Nov 15, 2015 17:32:53 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

I am a dummy. Apparently I did not pin the pumpkin cheesecake with ginger snap crust.

gpw - you told me I needed to use a certain recipe and I found an online pumpkin version...

Dorie Greenspan Tall and Creamy Cheesecake.  

[redheadbaker]

Nov 6, 2015 20:07:52 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

I just ordered our turkey, and I think I've finalized our menu. There will be 4 to 8 people, depending on who shows up.

Drinks:
Wine and beer
Cranberry & Cinnamon Whiskey Sours

Apps:
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie & Pear Toasts with Honey
Fried Ravioli with marinara dipping sauce

Dinner:
Beer-Brined Turkey
Turkey Gravy
Farmhouse Herbed Stuffing
Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
Vanilla Roasted Butternut Squash with Walnuts
Butter-Braised Carrots and Leeks
Creamed Spinach
Buttermilk Biscuits
Cranberry Butter (similar consistency to apple butter)

Desserts:
Cranberry Meringue Pie
Pumpkin Creme Brulee Tart

Changed my mind -- this ciabatta, apple and pancetta stuffing is delicious: www.theredheadbaker.com/ciabatta-apple-and-pancetta-stuffing/

[2curlydogs]

I made my sour rye bread yesterday. I'm considering it a trial run. The flavor was amazing but it wasn't pretty as I was in a hurry.

The vultures had already been at it when I snapped this: