Epic Thanksgiving
Dear readers – I’m super thankful for you. So, I made you Thanksgiving dinner, in the most flavorful way I know how. It’s pretty epic, if I do say so myself. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be bringing you all of the recipes and details about our holiday meal (schedule below).
Before I get to it, a few notes. Yes, there are “only” five dishes + a cocktail here. My actual Thanksgiving dinner usually has between seven and ten different dishes, including salads, rolls, etc. I consider these five recipes + the cocktail to be the bare minimum for an epic Thanksgiving. As the holiday approaches, I’ll likely add other small side dishes, so I wanted to keep my options open. Also, you’ll notice there’s no dessert here – I outsource dessert by ordering pies from a great local bakery. Hey, you can’t do everything!
Epic Thanksgiving Recipe Schedule:
- Sunday, October 30th: Epic Thanksgiving Overview
- Monday, October 31st: Apple, Bacon + Fennel Stuffing
- Thursday, November 3rd: Aged Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
- Monday, November 7th: Cajun Turkey with Orange-Oregano Gravy
- Monday, November 14th: Sautéed Green Beans with Tomatoes + Crispy Parmesan
- Thursday, November 17th: Hard Cider Cranberry Sauce
- Sunday, November 20th: Cocktail Hour! Roasted Campari Bloody Mary
Other Thanksgiving Ideas:
- Cranberry-Vanilla Gin Spritzer
- Autumn Cheese Board
- Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Crostini with Whipped Feta & Honey
- Roasted Turkey with Bourbon Apricot Glaze
- Corn Casserole with Cheese
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Fruit & Nut Brussels Sprout Slaw
- Lemon & Maple Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Autumn Celebration Rice Salad
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranate & Parsley
- Spiced Sweet Potato Rolls with Bourbon Honey Butter
Prep-Ahead Strategy:
Use Those Leftovers:
- Leftover Turkey Chili
- Thanksgiving Leftover Waffles
- Turkey & Gnocchi Arrabiata Soup
- Use up leftover mashed potatoes in a loaded mashed potato bake casserole!
- Ham and Potato Soup, if you also made a ham for Thanksgiving and have leftovers
Making one of these recipes? Please let me know by sharing a photo on social media with the hashtag #FLLEpicThanksgiving!
I’m so thankful for each and every person that stops by this blog, whether it’s once in awhile or every day. This little corner of the internet has allowed me to change my life and create a career path for myself that brings me so much joy. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Beautiful photos and post!
Thank you! Love you!
This was a great intro. I must say I am also thankful … In that you found your passion in something that allows me to taste test your incredible creations. Kudos to a job well done. Can’t wait to see the other Epic Thanksgiving posts!
Thanks family!
I bought the turkey today so that one I am going to make for sure. Was planning on a celery root mashed potatoes but finding some good celery root in out local store is a problem , your cedar recipe will be my back up. Excited to see you sauteed green bean recipe because I would never have thought about paring them with tomatoes.
Sounds like your Thanksgiving menu is shaping up, Gertie! Love the idea of celery root mashed potatoes. I hope your store is able to get some celery root in for you before the holiday, because it sure is tasty!