It's early, but thanksgiving menus...

[hamster]

What's on yours?

Apparently we are hosting.

[boiler717]

We are doing a more low key TG this year since I'm hosting at 35 weeks. We are also having fewer guests.
We aren't do a full app spread (normally we do apps at noon and dinner at 6pm, this year we are eating at 2 pm). I'll probably do stuffed mushrooms and put out some olives and nuts.
For dinner:
Turkey
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Rolls with herb butter (maybe store bought this year)
Butternut squash gratin
Dressing
Green bean casserole
Maybe corn casserole
Cranberry sauce
Pumpkin pie
Apple dumplings

[sfy]

It's really not early at all! There are only two more weekends left before Thanksgiving. I'm traveling, but I make almost the same thing when I cook (every even year).

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. I also always make gravy and sweet potatoes.

Veggies are varied, but may include: collard greens, green bean casserole because my sister insists, green beans, and/or brussels sprouts.

For starters, usually cheese plate and olives go out. Sometimes, I might cook something quick, but that's only when I'm super excited to be cooking (I would be this year since I don't cook much now, but oh well). After being seated, salad (last time, I did something simple with blue cheese, pecans, craisins), roasted pears w/ blue cheese and walnuts and/or crab and corn chowder.

Desserts - I've done a derby pie, apple cobbler, and/or pear ginger crisp the last few years. I always do some type of pie, it's just easiest for me.

[rubytue]

We are smoking the turkey in our new-ish big green egg. H is so excited. He has been sinking everything since we got it (late September).

I'll make oyster stuffing, as always. Homemade cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes, probably also smoked.

Everything else will depend on who/if is coming. No family, which means it might be just us. Or a couple of friends might come. One generally does thanksgiving with us, but we've been kinda on the outs recently.

[mich1]

Reservations....

I hate not doing a turkey with all the fixings, but it's a load of work cooking for only 2 people. I may roast a turkey regardless but we're going out for the big day.

That, and I have a freaking monster assignment due for my CAD class the week afterwards!

[konapoppy]

My parents are hosting. I will bring pie - probably pumpkin chiffon and an apple pie.

I am planning on making this sometime that weekend:
cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017789-savory-dutch-baby

[JayhawkGirl]

Turkey & gravy
Stuffing X 2- one gluten free
Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Rolls
Cranberry sauce
Canned cranberry sauce
Corn casserole- will try w gluten free cornbread mix
Sweet potatoes of MIL will make them
Pumpkin pie w/fresh whipped cream
Some gluten free dessert for my sister and niece

Lots of wine.

[Deleted]

Turkey!!!!! Omg I love turkey leftovers more than the actual turkey.

My parents are coming up, then the movers come to pack us on the Monday after Thanksgiving. We'll do a largish breakfast then a big late afternoon dinner.

Brunch:
Quiche
Sausages
Muffins
Coffee

The main event:
Turkey
Mashed sweet potatoes
Green bean caserole
Stuffing
Rolls or bread

Dessert:
Pumpkin cheesecake (yummmm!)
Apple pie and vanilla ice cream

[Pom]

My parents are here this week and we will be with the rest of the family the weekend before Thanksgiving. We've made no plans. I'd just as soon go out. If Mr. P and I do a small thing at home, we make:

Smoked Turkey breast
Sausage and Cherry Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Cranberries and Orange compote (I like sfy's currant recipe and will have to try that!)

[1yeartogo]

We are traveling and eating out this year with family (we normally host but his dad can't travel this year). Instead we are hosting a mini-giving this weekend with my sister and friends (8 adults 8 kids)

Menu so far: turkey
Gravy
Sweet potato casserole
Mac n cheese
Green bean salad
Stuffing
Corn bread
Apple pie

We will probably need another main entree too for the pescatarians

[Deleted]

I haven't decided yet. I reserved an absurdly expensive turkey that if think I'll brine in some bourbon and buttermilk. Haven't decided on sides yet. MIL will bring some sort of sweet potato casserole. Then potatoes (mashed or gratin), roasted carrots/root veggies, Brussels sprouts, stuffing (thinking brioche and sausage with cranberries), either salad or soup and I'll probably outsource dessert.

[Deleted]

This just reminded me that I have to reserve my turkey!

Diestel Turkey - Alton Brown brine
Gravy
Cranberry sauce with orange juice/zest
Roasted whole sweet potatoes with rosemary, crispy shallots and olive oil
Mashed Potatoes because we are a house divided
Sourdough/Rye stuffing with apples, spicy sausage, onion, celery.....cooked outside the bird so it is crispy
Some green veggie - maybe wilted spinach or green beans with slivered almonds

Apps:
Cheese, olives, fruits, nuts
Gougeres
Fresh berries

Dessert:
Pumpkin pie
Something pecan
Coffee

[sallywalker]

My MIL cooks the bulk of things, but I am bringing broccoli cheese casserole.

This year I don't have to worry about the wine issue!

[insominac]

This reminds me that I need to make restaurant reservations. lol No thanksgiving cooking/cleaning over here.

[sporky]

Turkey
Ham (brought by my parents)
Stuffing (also brought by my parents)
Mac and Cheese (brought by my sister)
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Root Veggies
Sauteed Green Beans
Corn
Applesauce
Rolls
Cranberry Sauce
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Spice Cookies

[orangeblossom]

Sadly, I won't be making anything this year.  I never do when we go to the ILs, though I wish I did.

Instead, I'm going to send this sweet potato recipe to my aunt for her to make.  She likes to experiment.  She won't use the vegan butter or gluten-free flour, but the recipe sounds so yummy.


abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/yam-pecan-crumble-alisa-reynolds

[tacosforlife]

My ILs don't like turkey that much, so my H doesn't want to make it. I am sad. There will only be four of us, so the menu will be small.

Roasted pork tenderloin
Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping
Green bean casserole (from scratch)
Buttermilk biscuits*
Bourbon walnut pecan pie*
Beaujolais Nouveau

Undetermined apps for early in the day

*From local bakery...it's been a busy fall, so we're making it easy on ourselves.

[ESF]

Just me and H, we are renting a cabin for four nights with a hot tub overlooking the ocean.

But we will still eat.

Going to make this turkey breast recipe

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

Also:
these starters
smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/10/squash-toasts-with-ricotta-and-cider-vinegar/

potato chestnut puree
pan fried brussel spouts
cranberry sauce

Not sure on dessert yet. Leaning towards a bread pudding of some sort.

[VillainV]

We ordered the following from our local grocery store: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberries, rolls, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. I will probably make an apple pie (serve with ice cream/whipped cream). Not sure about appetizers...probably just cheese/crackerrs and crudite.

[magdala]

We are hosting but the number of guests keeps fluctuating.

Cheese and fruit tray
Pickle and olive tray
Butter-basted roast turkey cooked on a bed of sweet onions,
Grandma's English stuffing (Mom)
Cranberry orange relish
Garlic mashed potatoes
Pan gravy
Brown sugar spiked sweet potato wedges (Mom)
Steamed string beans with craisins and toasted pecans
Steamed carrots
Spinach pear salad
Zucchini bread
Apple bread (Mom)
Blueberry bread
Apple pie
Cranberry apple crisp (if brother and his girlfriend are coming)
Lemon squares
Pumpkin pie (if brother and sister in law are coming)

[ea32217]

These all look delicious! It's just DH and I, and we have to work both the day before and after. I don't think I'm going to cook a traditional dinner. A friend got hers catered through Kroger and she didn't love it. Wish I could find a place that could make this for us, and we can pick it up. (Don't feel like going out to dinner.)

[AAM2012]

The basics since it'll just be 4 of us (parents are flying in and won't be here until late afternoon).

Apps:
-Veggie tray with chips and spinach dip

Dinner:
-Turkey
-Gluten free gravy
-Crockpot gluten free stuffing
-Mashed potatoes
-Steamed green beans
-Homemade cranberry sauce

Desert:
-May order pies from a local gluten free bakery, vanilla ice cream and may make some chocolate chip cookies.

I would love to do sweet potato mash instead of regular potatoes but that would cause World War 3 in this house.

[hamster]

Ok, here's our tentative plan:

Apps:
Onion dip (it's a T-day requirement for the Lion's game)
Stuffed mushrooms

Dinner:
Turkey
Smoked mac and cheese
Something green beany (open for recipes!)

Dessert:
Pumpkin pie
Whatever SIL wants to bring (she's great with mystery desserts)

Missing the potatoes but smoked mac and cheese is better, lol

[audette]

It will probably just be DH and I. So, um, I guess we will throw together a roast turkey, some gravy, mashed or roasted potatoes (maybe sweet potatoes if we roast, too). Some canned cranberry sauce, some veggie (maybe roasted Brussels sprouts?), crescent rolls, and pumpkin pie. An extravagant meal, but doable.

There is a chance we may host a holiday orphan or two, and I like turkey (and all the things you can do with leftover turkey), so it's a blend between a traditional meal, and not a stupid amount of work.

[ESF]

Nov 8, 2015 22:44:36 GMT -5 audette said:

It will probably just be DH and I. So, um, I guess we will throw together a roast turkey, some gravy, mashed or roasted potatoes (maybe sweet potatoes if we roast, too). Some canned cranberry sauce, some veggie (maybe roasted Brussels sprouts?), crescent rolls, and pumpkin pie. An extravagant meal, but doable.

There is a chance we may host a holiday orphan or two, and I like turkey (and all the things you can do with leftover turkey), so it's a blend between a traditional meal, and not a stupid amount of work.

No judgement here. We've done thanksgiving for two or three before and always cook a whole turkey. This is the first year we haven't and it's only because we will be out of town. I love turkey. Usually, we do a mixed roast vegetable (toss Brussels sprouts, shallots, carrots/chunks of sweet potato) which accomplishes lots of flavors in a manageable portion.

[audette]

Nov 9, 2015 0:21:51 GMT -5 ESF said:

Nov 8, 2015 22:44:36 GMT -5 audette said:

It will probably just be DH and I. So, um, I guess we will throw together a roast turkey, some gravy, mashed or roasted potatoes (maybe sweet potatoes if we roast, too). Some canned cranberry sauce, some veggie (maybe roasted Brussels sprouts?), crescent rolls, and pumpkin pie. An extravagant meal, but doable.

There is a chance we may host a holiday orphan or two, and I like turkey (and all the things you can do with leftover turkey), so it's a blend between a traditional meal, and not a stupid amount of work.

No judgement here. We've done thanksgiving for two or three before and always cook a whole turkey. This is the first year we haven't and it's only because we will be out of town. I love turkey. Usually, we do a mixed roast vegetable (toss Brussels sprouts, shallots, carrots/chunks of sweet potato) which accomplishes lots of flavors in a manageable portion.

I like to keep the veggies separate from the starches when I roast them (most veggies take less time than potato, at least they way I cut things up).

But, yep, whole turkey. Ideally, a 20 lb+ turkey. After roasting it, I make turkey stock from the carcass, then a _big_ batch of turkey soup, and use the rest of the turkey for things like turkey chili, pot pie, etc.  You can get a lot of meals out of a turkey, if you use all of it.  And they are all meals we enjoy, too...

[aurora]

It looks like we're going to be alone for the first time (well, besides the year we were in Denmark where it's not a holiday), which makes me sad.

We were talking about it last night. We'll still get a turkey and make stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, but probably not all of the sides we usually have.

[mbcdefg]

My mom volunteered to host. She's not a great cook and I was hoping to host (and I'm sure my siblings would prefer it at my house), but it makes Mom happy so I'm not going to argue. I will ask her what she wants me to bring ... she's very picky, but she loves it when I make brie in puff pastry so I will likely make that for an appetizer.

We are doing a potluck lunch at work so I'm making mashed turnips.

We do Friendsgiving with two other couples and we always host it. I make a whole turkey/turkey breast and our other friend makes a ham, or vice versa. Then we all split up making the potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and other sides and desserts. MH contributes the beer. Last year I had a few requests to make tres leches cake for dessert. Hopefully they will all want to do it again this year ... one couple has little kids, and the other couple is constantly busy, but I hope we can all make time to do it again.

I will probably buy the giant bag of Costco dinner rolls for my mom's house, and freeze half the bag for Friendsgiving. And I'll probably make compound garlic herb butter to go with it: www.thefrugalpantry.com/2013/06/compounding-garlic-herb-butter.html 

ETA: Friendsgiving menu: mashed turnips, mashed potatoes, stuffing, spinach, yams, rolls and garlic herb butter, some kind of dessert. Nobody volunteered to make turkey and/or ham or other vegetables, so I'll probably make those. 

I *really* wanted to make a blueberry and stone fruit crumble (I made one this summer and it was awesome), but it looks like peaches and plums are out of season

[MNH2013]

It's IL's year. They rotate through their family who hosts so it's about an hour and a half away. I haven't been asked to bring anything yet. I know I want to make a brie/raspberry mini tart thing I saw on pinterest.

[UnderProtest]

Nov 9, 2015 10:36:25 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Whatever UnderProtest is making

Hey, we are doing this American style....potluck!