Let’s Give Thanks!

Sooooo…there is no way I am going to find time to provide you with recipes for 5 appetizers,  7 sides, 8 desserts (2 of which would be pie), 4 cocktails, and a beast of a golden roasted turkey (tip: we roast ours upside down).  I should have started back in August like every other food blogger, but I was caught up in tomato season and there was a bit of time where I was selling a house.  So…this year I have an excuse – next year, I am sure I will have another because I have never been great at thinking and working ahead and trying to keep up with the holiday seasons … it just isn’t in my DNA.

But I have had time trolling the great Internet and I have found us some serious recipes for the upcoming holiday.  People have been hard at work and I am so very grateful for them!

Appetizers

Smoked Whitefish Dip w/ Horseradish – Deb had me at saltine crackers.
Cheese Straws – not just for the kid table.  A glass of wine and a straw of cheese.  Yes, please.
Creamy Caramelized Onion and Roasted Garlic Dip – For the family that just hovers over the table waiting for the main event.
Brie with Honey and Trail Mix – Jenna has you covered if you want to update your cheese tray game.
Jalapeño Popper Dip – Favorite appetizer at any bar meets Thanksgiving.

Side Dishes

Stuffing – WITHOUT a recipe.  You can wing it.  On the fly.  This is however different from dressing.
Cornbread, Chorizo, Cherry, and Pecan Stuffing – Bon Appetit dances the stuffing vs dressing line.  They have a decent Two – Step.
Cauliflower Cheese – This puts to shame the melted Velveeta drizzled over cauliflower that was a staple in my childhood and is stellar enough for any Thanksgiving spread.
Pretzel Parker House Rolls – These shouldn’t be just for Thanksgiving.  Can we make these daily?  If you would like traditional rolls, then Martha has you covered.
Creamed Spinach – I have an urge to make this just for my lonesome.  On a Tuesday evening.
Mashed Potato Pie – Just when you thought mashed potatoes couldn’t get more perfect….
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette – it’s a mouthful, which seems fitting.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes – Individual boats of marshmallows and brown sugar and butter?!?

Desserts

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie – Merry-Jennifer provides us with a pecan pie WITHOUT corn syrup.  There is a God.
Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie – Joy has us covered.  Like totally – from current events to pie.
Swedish Chocolate Cake – If your family, like mine, requests something rich and chocolate, no matter the holiday.
Maple Ooey – Gooey Butter Cake – To share or not to share…that will be the question of the day.
Brown Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust – This ain’t your grandmother’s apple pie.  Or it is and your grandma is badass.

Booze

Ginger Bourbon Cider – ‘Tis the season, my friends.  ‘Tis the season for bourbon.
Apple Cider Bourbon – Self promotion.  This is that.
Prosecco and Cranberry Mimosa – Is your Thanksgiving Dinner really brunch?  MIMOSAS!
Hot Buttered Rum and Cider – For those guests that aren’t fans of bourbon.
Irish Coffee – Coffee and Whiskey, always and forever.

Hangover Breakfast Must Haves

Wild Mushroom and Gruyere Egg Baskets – I’d rather be hung over Friday morning than shopping, any day.
Bacon and Egg Yakiudon.  – We could be eating this Friday morning, nursing a headache with creamy coffee rather than fighting a crowd and eating questionable Chinese from a mall food court.
Slow Cooker Bacon, Egg, and Hashbrown Casserole – Perfect for the hostest with the mostest and who would also like to sleep in Friday morning.
Chocolate Donut(doughnut?) Holes – For the hungover guests that you absolutely adore and cherish.   Or for yourself  – a treat, a pat on the back, a ‘that a boy’ for hosting and surviving yet another Thanksgiving.  (if you live within 20 miles of a doughnut(donut?) shop … kindly ignore this, put your hair in pony, slip on some shoes, and drive to the doughnut shop.  You can make doughnuts (donuts?) next weekend).  

I hope to my highest hope that you all have the greatest Thanksgiving to date.