Thanksgiving may be affectionately known as “turkey day”, but no Thanksgiving feast would be complete without the side dishes. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, the love and attention that you put into your food can be felt around the table. Rest assured all the hard work will be worth it. After all, these days are what childhood memories and holidays are really made of! Here are a few tips for making your Thanksgiving less stressful, as well as a few recipes that we have rounded up.
Tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving:
1. Planning is key! Create your menu at least two weeks in advance. Put some thought into your guest list and any allergies or dietary restrictions that you might need to be considered. Create your shopping list at least 1 week in advance. Plan to go to the grocery store several times to get all the items that you will need, but having a comprehensive shopping list will really help reduce trips to the store.
2. Delegate! When your guests ask you – “is there anything that I can bring?” be sure to tell them something! A good host does not have to do everything from start to finish. Outsource an entire course like an appetizer or dessert like a pro!
3. Prep work can be done days before! Pies, cakes, and stuffing can be made days in advance. Turkey should brine or be pre-salted at least one day before. Pay close attention to your dishes and how far in advance you can make them. You want to avoid the amount of work you have to do on Thanksgiving day itself! Planning ahead and starting early is key.
Here are some recipes that we think will enhance your Thanksgiving!
PUMPKIN BROWNIES
For those people who want to (pumpkin) spice their meal up this year, try these amazing pumpkin pie brownies from The Cookie Rookie. These can be served at Thanksgiving or all season long!
What you’ll need:
- 18 ounces brownie mix
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 7.5 ounces pumpkin puree (note: NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
How to combine:
1. Preheat the oven according to the box mix (325°F for Ghirardelli). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, make the brownie mix according to the directions on the box. Above are the ingredients for Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownies. Adjust ingredients to fit your box mix. Add the chocolate chips to the brownie mix and set aside.
3. 18 ounces brownie mix, ¼ cup water, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
4. In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until very smooth.
5. 7.5 ounces pumpkin puree, 6 ounces cream cheese, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
6. Pour half of the brownie mix into the prepared pan and spread out so the entire bottom of the pan is covered.
7. Spoon the pumpkin filling onto the brownie batter in chunks or spread it out evenly, then cover the pumpkin with the rest of the brownie batter and smooth out the top.
8. Now you're ready to bake! I added 10 minutes to the directions on the box. You’ll need to cook them longer due to the pumpkin mix.
9. Let the brownies cool before slicing and serving.
CRANBERRY RELISH
What about some cranberry relish to go with your turkey? The salty, briney turkey tastes great with the fruity and bright cranberry accompaniment.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 orange with peel on
- 1 cup granulated sugar
To combine:
1. Slice the very edge root ends off of the orange, just until you see the flesh. Leave the rest of the skin ON the orange and slice it into 8 pieces.
2. Place the fresh cranberries, orange slices and sugar in your food processor and process until smooth (or until no large chunks remain).
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve (it tastes best after being in the fridge for at least an hour) or for up to 1 week. Serve over turkey, chicken, pork loin etc.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
Looking for stylish and festive ways to serve your Thanksgiving? Look no further than More Than Paper. We have a huge selection of beverage trays for festive cocktails, and platters fit for turkey drumsticks and the likes! We even have many options for personalized beverage, dinner napkins and guest towels! Shop all of our Thanksgiving dinnerware by visiting here! And don't forget your personalized napkins and guest towels here.
