Thanksgiving is a celebration of sharing, family, and gratitude. You can create a memorable holiday with your family. When it comes to holiday dinners, most people have a story of disastrous kitchen chaos Wondering what to eat for Thanksgiving? Check out these mouth-watering and easy Thanksgiving recipes. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts are included! Today, I want to share with you a few tips that I have learned from my own experience. I hope you will find them useful.
Tips for planning the best Thanksgiving dinner
I love entertaining, but it also is quite stressful because I am alone. And, the only reason I manage everything successfully is that I plan ahead. In addition, I also choose make-ahead dishes, as much as I can. And, most important, pick tried and tested recipes that I know I can do. No experiments!
Thanksgiving Menus
1. Thanksgiving drinks recipes
Cocktails are a great way to start before dinner. Then, move on to wine for dinner. Most importantly, choose wines that will complement the main course you are cooking. Often, the wine seller will be able to guide you on what wine is best to serve with your course. That is why planning becomes very critical.
2. Thanksgiving appetizers
When choosing appetizers, pick things that are light as compared to filling. Also, avoid spicy, or very strong flavors that will contradict the meal.
3. Thanksgiving salads
Personally, I choose salads that I can make ahead of time and ones that will stay well as leftovers. That way, there is less to do and things don’t get wasted.
4. Thanksgiving main courses
In one of my tips above, I mentioned paying attention to variety and textures but also avoiding repetition. For example:
Don’t make two lamb dishes. Instead, make one lamb and one chicken or turkey. Also, don’t make two roast dishes make one roast and the second a slow-cooked, braised, or stewed. And, don’t forget to accommodate the people with allergies and special diets like vegetarians, vegans, etc.
5. Thanksgiving side dishes
Some side dishes are great to make ahead of time. For example, quiches. And, some can be made a few hours ahead like the patties and fritters. So, if possible, choose a mix of both so you are not overwhelmed at the last hour.
6. Thanksgiving bread
Of course, you can easily buy bread. And yet, if you are a seasoned cook like me, then you want to show your baking skills. In addition, a great thing about bread is that you can make it a few hours ahead of time. Also, I like to add a seasonal touch to my bread, such as pumpkin in fall, which is also perfect for Thanksgiving.
7. Thanksgiving desserts
First, you can never have enough desserts. In fact, I usually make at least two. Also, it is important to know your guests and take into account any nut, dairy, or egg allergies.
Make two different dishes – for example, instead of making two pies, make one pie and one cake or panna cotta. And, use different main ingredients. Avoid two fruits. For example, if you use pumpkin in one dessert, make the second with chocolate or vanilla.
8. Individual thanksgiving desserts
Mini treats mean you don’t need to cut and serve. Just leave them on the table so people can help themselves. Also, you can buy the tartlet shells readymade or make them yourself.
9. After dinner drinks – Aperitif
I like to choose liquors that are delicate and help calm you down rather than strong alcohol. Of course, these are great when accompanied by hot beverages.
What do you take with you to a thanksgiving dinner?
I thought it was important to give you a few options that would be perfect to take with you if you are invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Many people take wine along with dessert.
Choose something that travels well. Choose a dessert that will stay well the next day in case of leftovers.
10. Back to basics
Here are a few basic recipes you may need to create some of the dishes above.
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