What is it that I serve almost every time I host? Well, let me share!
The most important part of the meal is . . .the Turkey! I have two different turkey recipes that I love to make. One is a Puerto Rican Turkey that my brother, Jeff, made and I just loved. It's so unique and flavorful! The one I'm planning to make this year, though, is a Brined Turkey from the Pioneer Woman. I've made it a few times and I love the citrus flavor that it picks up from the brine.
Next comes the sides which, quite honestly, are all pretty simple.
Mashed Potatoes - I totally cheat. We love Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes so I just buy a few packs, heat them up and serve them in a serving dish. They are the best! Quite a few years ago we had Thanksgiving at my parents and my brother, Ken, brought amazing homemade mashed potatoes - I cannot match those so I don't even try - I just let Bob Evans do the work HA!
Gravy - I'm not the best gravy maker to be honest but I found a "fail proof" gravy recipe I'm going to use. Since I use a brine on my turkey, the drippings tend to be super salty so I have to make gravy without the drippings!
Stuffing -We are very traditional in our stuffing. I just use a bag of diced bread cubes with seasoning and buy the "stuffing mix" cut veggies. This year I'm putting it in the crock pot to save room in the oven.
Sweet Potato Casserole - I was looking for the recipe on my blog and I can't find it so I must not have shared it! I will share it this year because it is so super good!
Green Bean Casserole - This ONE is my favorite.
Cranberries - I'm a little sad this year because we can't get my favorite cranberries from the store in the town where my parents lived. It was amazing. So, I have done some research and found a recipe to make my own.
Broccoli Salad - I like to have something cold. This is just the standard Broccoli salad that so many make but it is super good.
Finally, dessert. This is about the only time all year I make pies. We will have pumpkin pie and I plan to try a new apple pie recipe. We might have another one or two depending on what I feel like doing HA!
Now, in this house hold, I have appetizers out on the table mid-morning. I think it makes it more festive and, honestly, we had Thanksgiving at my brother Jeff's house one year and they served appetizers. I just loved it! Here's a few things on the list:
Pickles and Olives
Cheese Ball and Crackers
Fruit and Dip (My favorite dip from my sister-in-law, Deb - best stuff ever)
So yes, it should be a great day with lots of wonderful food!
