In My Kitchen: The Thanksgiving Menu

After some brainstorming and recipe testing, I’ve planned out my Thanksgiving menu. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

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It takes a few weeks, but after some brainstorming and recipe testing, I’ve planned out my Thanksgiving menu. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

The Menu

The goal was to create a meal that was seasonally inspired, flavorful, healthy and easy to prepare (especially important with the new baby). This may seem like wishful thinking, but with some pre-planning and organization, it’s actually possible.

My game plan is to have simple and light appetizers (so nobody gets too full before dinner) and some dishes that I can make well in advance to save time and kitchen space. I’m leaving the stuffing and desserts to my family, so that takes some of the load off of me. Drum roll, please……

butternut squash soup2
    Appetizers
    Main Course
    Dessert
    Beverages
  • Local apple cider
  • Red and white wine
  • Sparkling water
  • Coffee
  • Tea
Next Steps

Now that my menu is all set, I can start to think about what I can make in advance.

2+ Weeks Ahead
- Make soup and corn muffins and store in the freezer

2-3 Days Ahead
- Buy turkey
- Wash and prep all veggies
- Make herb butter for parsnips
- Make cranberry sauce

The Night Before
- Make sweet potato gratin

I haven't been able to find meyer lemon olive oil for the broccoli side dish at any of my local markets, but I do have a meyer lemon tree at home (that's it below) and it's sporting a lemon that should be ready in time (fingers crossed).

Meyer Lemon

In addition to food, I’m thinking about some simple decorations. Ina Garten has great ideas for edible options in this video.

Next week's report is all about the turkey!

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