Thanksgiving Menu Planning NOW?

[mommytotwo]

This year, we will have a smaller gathering, so we are sticking to a turkey, and will have other main dishes, and sides. We are eliminating the ham, and am fine with that since we just had one at the starting of this month. We will have an early dinner, so I will be able to enjoy the Macys Thanksgiving Parade, and cook in the morning till after lunch.

 

[Holiday]

I was so excited to see on tvguide.com last night that Miracle On 34th Street will be on tv at 2:00 (as always) on Thanksgiving day!!! I was hoping they would not let me down this year! This means when my family comes over to watch it, I will have commercial breaks to get things done if needed for the party! (vs. no breaks in the dvd) YES!!! :grin:

 

[Courtney]

Thanksgiving will be at my house again this year, sometimes I wish that someone else would take over for at least one year. It's okay though, I'm just thankful that I'm blessed to have them in my life and in my home.

The menu this year is pretty much the same;
Turkey
Corn
Stuffing (Stove Top)
Baked Beans
Mashed Potatoes (Pioneer Woman's recipe)
Turkey Gravy
Dinner Rolls
2 Pumpkin Pies
And, as far as I know, Macaroni & Cheese, a Cherry Pie, and a Pecan Pie

I think that is it for this year.

No Green Bean Casserole this year, I can't bring myself to make it.

 

[GingerMel]

That's really sweet!

I started planning out the menu. Here's what I've got so far:

Roasted Turkey
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html

Cider Gravy made from homemade stock
http://www.marthastewart.com/337170/cider-gravy

Mushroom and sausage dressing
http://www.marthastewart.com/284416/shiitake-mushroom-stuffing-and-sausage-s

Garlic mashed potatoes with boursin cheese
(my own recipe)

wild rice with nuts and dried fruit
http://www.marthastewart.com/326904/wild-rice-with-dried-fruit-and-nuts

candied yams
(mom's recipe)

corn casserole with chives
http://www.marthastewart.com/338856/corn-pudding
(I think it's this one but I add sausage.)

pumpkin pie made from some pumpkins I grew this summer

pecan pie (because it's so darned easy AND good)

pistachio cookies - not very sweet but super good. I add craisins.
(from King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion)

I'm sure there will be other stuff but I cannot think of it currently. What am I missing? It feels like I'm missing something.

 

[GingerMel]

That wild rice recipe was a last minute addition last year while I was searching for another side dish to feed a bunch of people. It was SUPER easy and everyone LOVED it. They actually took a ton home and I didn't get to have any after the meal because of it!

 

[GingerMel]

Well, even though I would consider my Thanksgiving a success and my gravy was the best I've ever made, I have decided that next year...I'm going simpler.

I tried to make way too many dishes, missed out on more family time, and acted noticeably stressed out (apparently). So next year, I've decided that it's 3-4 side dishes and 1 pie and that's it.

Everyone is getting assigned a side dish and I'm making turkey, gravy, and the pie.

We have all agreed that it would be more fun to spend time together and have fewer choices of food. We always make too much anyways.

Lesson learned this year, for sure!