Meal #1
Entrée (Main Course
Orange & Tarragon roast turkey
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 3 hrs and 30 mins - 4 hrs
More effort
Serves 8 with leftovers
Ingredients
11-12lb turkey , rinsed and dried
3 ½ oz butter , softened
1 orange
½ oz pack tarragon , 2 tbsp finely chopped, rest tied in a bunch with string
2 garlic cloves , crushed
1 onion , quartered
5 oz. dry white wine
sage or tarragon sprigs, to serve
Method
Step 1
Heat oven to 350*.
Line a roasting tin with a very generous length of double thickness foil.
Weigh the turkey to calculate the cooking time, allowing 40 mins per 2 lb for the first 4kg, then 50 mins for every 2lb over that weight (a turkey this size should take 3½-4 hrs).
Step 2
Put the butter in a bowl and finely grate the zest from the orange on top.
Add the chopped tarragon, garlic and seasoning and mix well.
You can make this 3 days ahead.
Step 3
Gently push your fingers under the turkey skin, starting from the neck end of the bird, easing the skin away from the breast and the top of the drumsticks.
Now spread the flavoured butter under the skin, taking care not to tear it.
You won’t be able to reach all the way down to the drumsticks,
but you can ease the butter along by smoothing it through the skin.
Quarter the orange and tuck into the turkey cavity with the onion and the bunch of tarragon. You can do this the night before.
Step 4
Season the turkey with salt and pepper, then lift it onto the foil-lined roasting tin.
Pour the wine into the cavity of the turkey, then bring up the sides of the foil and cover the top of the bird with a layer of foil.
Roast according to your calculated time.
Step 5
Thirty mins before the end of cooking time, remove the foil from the top of the turkey.
Step 6
To test if the turkey is cooked, pierce the fattest part of the thigh with a skewer – the juices that run out should be clear, not pink. If they are pink, continue to roast, checking at 10-min intervals.
Step 7
Remove the turkey, transfer to a warm serving platter and let it rest, covered loosely with the foil, for 30-40 mins before carving. Serve the turkey decorated with herbs.
Side #1
Mini Green Bean Casseroles
Here's a fabulous twist on a popular holiday casserole. Refrigerated biscuits form the crusts that hold a classic mixture of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Cheddar cheese and French fried onions. It's a fun way to enjoy an all-time favorite dish.
Prep:15 mins Cook:25 mins
Total:40 mins
Yield:16 servings
Ingredients
Vegetable cooking spray
4 cups cooked cut green beans
1 (10.75 ounce) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free) – substitute fresh mushrooms
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (2.8 ounce) can French Fried Onions – substitute fresh onions – see below
2 (16 ounce) packages refrigerated jumbo buttermilk biscuits or make you own from scratch
Directions
Step 1
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 16 (2 1/2-inch) muffin-pan cups with the cooking spray. Stir the green beans, soup, milk, 1 cup cheese and 2/3 cup onions in a large bowl.
Step 2
Roll each biscuit into a 4-inch circle. Press the biscuit circles into the bottoms and up the sides of the muffin-pan cups. Divide the green bean mixture among the biscuit cups.
Step 3
Bake for 20 minutes or until the biscuit cups are golden brown. Stir the remaining cheese and onions in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the green bean mixture.
Step 4
Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let the minis cool in the pans on wire racks for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving:
281 calories; protein 7.3g 15% DV; carbohydrates 29.2g 9% DV; fat 14.8g 23% DV; cholesterol 12.5mg 4% DV; sodium 823.8mg 33% DV.
If you prefer to make home cooked French fried onions, this is a great recipe. I use my mandoline to get the thinnest slices.
Copycat French's Fried Onions From Scratch
Take your holiday classics to a whole new level by making Copycat French's Fried Onions From Scratch and never buy store bought fried onions again!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 15 oz
Author: Tracy
Ingredients
▢2.5 cups Homemade buttermilk(or store bought) http://www.servedfromscratch.com/5-minute-homemade-buttermilk/
▢4 cups Thinly sliced onions, halves and rings of small onions
▢3 cups All purpose flour
▢1 tsp Kosher salt
▢1/4 tsp Fresh ground pepper
▢4 cups Vegetable oil
Instructions
Soak onions in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
In a shallow dish add flour, salt, and pepper and mix well.
In a large pan heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees. To test to see if your oil is ready for frying, dip the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil and if it bubbles around the handle then it's ready.
Dredge buttermilk soaked onions in flour until well coated and add to oil, frying in batches until golden brown then remove form oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Continue with all of the onions with additional paper towel lined plates after a double layer of onions are on one.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a dry cool place for up to a few days.
Side #2
Fresh Herb Turkey Stuffing
Fresh herb turkey stuffing made with a variety of bread including croissants, cornbread, white, and wheat bread.
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Fresh Herb Turkey Stuffing
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 37 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings 20 servings as a side dish
Calories 126 kcal
Ingredients
16 cups dried bread cut into bite size pieces
2 cups celery diced
1 large onion chopped
3/4 cup butter yes, that's a lot
2 tablespoons fresh sage
1 tablespoons fresh thyme
1 tablespoons fresh rosemary
1/2 cup fresh parsley
2 -3 cups turkey stock
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place dried bread in a large bowl. Set aside.
Butter a large baking dish. Set aside
In a large skillet saute onions and celery in melted butter until soft. Add fresh herbs.
Pour over dried bread. Mix well
Slowly add turkey stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Alternatively stuffing can be put into the cavity of a turkey and roasted with the bird.
Recipe Notes
Use a variety of bread to create great flavors.
Add cornbread or brioche for sweetness.
I like to salt after turkey stock has been added to prevent from over salting. (Done that)
I highly recommend dense croissants...not the airy kind. Note: this will up the calories.
Dessert
The Best Apple Crumb Pie Ever!
PREP TIME25 minutes
COOK TIME45 minutes
TOTAL TIME1 hour 10 minutes
SERVINGS 8 servings
“The Best” fits this Apple Crumb Pie perfectly, sweet juicy apples with a light apple crumble topping!
Ingredients
frozen (or homemade) pie crust
Topping
1 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
Filling
8 Granny Smith apples
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon rind (optional
1/3 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Topping:
Combine all topping ingredients using a fork until completely mixed and crumbly.
Filling:
Peel, core, and slice apples into thin slices (approximately 1/8 inch). Toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and flour.
Layer apple slices in pie shell (it will be really full) and pour any leftover juice over the apples. Top apple slices with topping and pat it down over the apples. Place pie pan on a cookie sheet (they tend to drip over if really full, this will save your oven).
Bake at 450 for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 45-55 minutes. (Poke the center of the pie to make sure the apples are soft all of the way through).
Serve warm or room temperature.
Recipe Notes
Be sure to keep an eye on your crumble topping. If it starts to brown too early, place a small piece of foil on top to keep it from burning.
Meal #2
Entrée (Main Course)
Pumpkin & Sage Risotto
Risotto is by far the world’s most comforting food. This is true under any circumstances, but when the weather starts getting colder and we throw in some fall-inspired ingredients like pumpkin and sage, the comfort in this dish starts to reach levels that one might almost consider magical.
Not only are risottos one of my favorite foods to eat, they’re actually my favorite thing to make as well. People are often intimidated into thinking that this simple rice dish requires some God-given talent. Nonsense. Making a perfect risotto is actually very easy once you get the hang of it. Even the near-constant stirring can be relaxing. So grab a wooden spoon, pour a glass of white wine, and get stirring.
Makes 5 servings
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin
1 handful fresh sage leaves
1 medium red onion
3 stalks celery
1 1/2 cups arborio (risotto) rice
1/4 cup white wine
750 ml vegetable stock
1 lemon
Olive oil
Sea salt & Black pepper
(optional) 1/4 cup Daiya Mozzarella-stlye shreds
Step One
Preheat the oven to 350º F. “Butcher” your pumpkin and cut into small cubes.
With the pumpkin in small chunks, add them to a baking sheet with a splash of olive oil and roast for about 45 minutes until fully cooked and slightly browned.
Step Two
Meanwhile, finely chop the celery and onions and add them to a large saucepan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Allow these to soften but not brown.
In a separate pot, add the vegetable stock with a few large sage leaves and bring to a simmer.
Step Three
Add the arborio rice to the hot pan with celery and onions and allow it to cook dry for 1-2 minutes. Then, add a bit of white wine and stir until it is absorbed into the rice. Slowly add one ladle-full of stock into the pan at a time and stir occasionally until fully absorbed before adding more. This should take 20-30 minutes.
Step Four
As the risotto is nearing completion, check on the pumpkin in the oven (did you forget about it?). It should be soft and fully cooked. When it is, toss it into the pan with the risotto along with generous amounts of salt and black pepper.
At this point taste the risotto. If all the stock has been absorbed and it is still too al dente and crunchy, use warm water until you have a perfect lava-like texture and the rice has become softened but not completely overcooked.
Step Five
At the last minute, squeeze in a little lemon juice and throw in a few tablespoons of finely-chopped sage leaves. If you want to be naughty, you can also add a handful of non-dairy mozzarella-style shreds (Daiya works well). Stir these into the rice and remove from the heat – let the risotto rest for 2-5 minutes before serving alongside a glass of gorgeous Italian white wine.
Side #1
Orange Tarragon Green Beans
Ingredients
2 tsp (10 mL) butter 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried tarragon Salt and pepper to taste 1 lb (500 g) green beans 1/4 cup (50 mL) orange juice 1 tsp (5 mL) grated orange zest 1 orange, peeled and cut into segments
Directions
Melt butter in a medium saucepan; add garlic, tarragon, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until garlic is tender. Add beans; cook, stirring, 5-6 minutes, until beans are just tender. Add orange juice; cook about 5 more minutes, until juice comes to a boil and beans are cooked through. Stir in zest and orange segments.
Side#2
Fresh Cranberry Relish
On Thanksgiving, there's never enough stovetop or oven space. There's just too. much. cooking. But that doesn't mean you should give up and go buy a can of cranberries. Unlike traditional cranberry sauce, this easy relish doesn't require any cooking and can be made entirely in the food processor—which means one more free burner and one less dirty saucepan to clean. It's what we like to call a win-win.
YIELDS:6 SERVINGS
PREP TIME:0 HOURS 5 MINS
TOTAL TIME:0 HOURS 5 MINS
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. cranberries
1 c. granulated sugar
Juice and zest of 1 orange, plus more serving (optional)
Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until berries break down.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with more zest, if using.
Dessert
SWEET POTATO CAKE WITH MARSHMALLOW FROSTING
Fiona
Southern Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Frosting is the perfect cake for fall & Thanksgiving. It's moist, filled with warm spices, and topped with a sweet fluffy cloud of marshmallow buttercream!
PREP TIME30 mins COOK TIME40 mins TOTAL TIME2 hrs 10 mins
SERVINGS15 slices
INGREDIENTS
Cake
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 cups mashed/pureed sweet potato
1/2 cup milk
Marshmallow Frosting
2/3 cup unsalted butter softened
1 - 7 oz jar Marshmallow fluff **note-there are many easy recipes for homemade vegan marshmallow fluff—this is 1 website-https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-vegan-marshmallow-fluff/
2-3 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons cream or milk
1/4 cup chopped pecans optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Cake
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch cake pan.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder & salt.
In a large bowl beat together the oil, sugars, eggs & vanilla extract until no sugar lumps remain. Then mix in the mashed sweet potato.
With the mixer on low beat in the flour mixture about 1/2 at a time, alternating with the milk.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and the cake doesn't wobble if you give the pan a nudge.
Marshmallow Frosting
In a large bowl beat the butter until fluffy.
Then mix in the marshmallow fluff.
Mix in the powdered sugar about 1 cup at a time, until the desired sweetness is reached. Then mix in the cream/milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
Frost the cooled cake, then optionally decorate with pecans.
Meal #3
Entrée (Main Course)
Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash
Nothing screams fall like Stuffed Acorn Squash with ground turkey, kale and the perfect blend of spices. This recipe looks so fancy but so easy to make. And tastes even better!
Stuffed squash is quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner and fancy enough for your holiday table. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Squash:
3 smaller acorn squash about 1.5 lbs each
1 tbsp avocado oil
Pinch of salt and ground black pepper
Stuffing:
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 lb ground turkey extra lean *** (chopped leftover turkey works as well)
3 cups kale packed and coarsely shopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp dried rosemary
3 tbsp parsley finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
Ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup any hard cheese shredded & divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
To cut squash open, place a rubber mat under the cutting board and a towel on top. Place squash on the towel and cut through using long serrated knife, cut all around. You might get some help from a meat tenderizer but I found it wasn’t necessary. Now scoop out the seeds.
Place squash cut side up on a large baking sheet. Brush with 1 tbsp of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes.
In the meanwhile, prepare the stuffing by first placing large skillet on a low-medium heat. Add remaining avocado oil and tilt the skillet to coat. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Now add turkey and cook for another 7 minutes, stirring and breaking into pieces. Add remaining ingredients (except cheese) and cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Stuff opening of each pre-roasted and cooled until safe to handle squash half with stuffing, dividing evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes or until tops start to turn golden brown. Serve hot.
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
https://ifoodreal.com/turkey-stuffed-acorn-squash/
Side #1
Cranberry Brie Bites
Our love for crescent roll recipes is no secret. Why make dough from scratch when everyone loves the canned stuff?! Each Thanksgiving, these little guys are a fan favorite. They're the perfect appetizer to make during the holidays and they always disappear in a matter of minutes. Maybe it's because they're so cute, but more likely it's because of the brie.
Pro Tip! Canned cranberries work great, but if you've got leftover homemade cranberry sauce leftover, use it!
YIELDS:24
PREP TIME:0 HOURS 20 MINS
TOTAL TIME:0 HOURS 35 MINS
INGREDIENTS
1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
Cooking spray, for pan
Flour, for surface
1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie
1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 c. chopped pecans
6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1" pieces.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots.
Cut brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and one little sprig of rosemary.
Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.
Side#2
Green Beans ‘n’ Celery
Ingredients
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 celery rib, chopped
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
2 tablespoons sunflower kernels
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
Place beans and celery in a saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain. Add the pimiento, sunflower kernels, butter, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 each: 87 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Hey, don't overlook this recipe! I found this on Thanksgiving morning for something that had ingredients I already had on hand and I picked this one and made it for the first time.It was a hit at dinner and I shared some with coworkers the next day and they wanted the recipe. They loved it. I will make this one many times over as it's very tasty and quick and easy to make. It doesn't sound all that yummy when you read the ingredients, but trust me, it has a very good flavor and is reasonable in the calorie department. I just used frozen green beans and cooked the beans with celery in the microwave. Forget the stove top. Use your microwaves, Ladies.
Dessert
SWEET POTATO AND APPLE COBBLER
Sweet Potato and Apple Cobbler is made with fresh sweet potatoes, tart apples and a homemade cobbler crust. A delicious, warm and comforting fall dessert.
PREP TIME15 mins
COOK TIME45 mins
TOTAL TIME1 hr
SERVINGS 8 servings
CALORIES330 kcal
INGREDIENTS
Filling
1/2 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and grated about 2 medium sized; 2 cups grated
4 granny smith apples peeled and diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Cobbler Crust
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg yolk
INSTRUCTIONS
Filling
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl stir together grated sweet potatoes, diced apples, cut up butter, brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice. Once combined pour into prepared baking dish.
Top with cobbler crust (see below for directions).
Bake for 45-50 minutes until crust is a golden brown. Check occasionally because baking times may vary.
Remove from oven serve warm or let cool before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Cobbler Crust
In medium bowl stir together flour, sugar and salt.
In a separate small bowl whisk together milk and egg yolk.
Combine dry and wet ingredients together, then use a fork or a pastry cutter to blend in room temperature butter. Dough will be crumbly.
Either sprinkle crumbled dough over cobbler or knead dough until it forms together and roll out to cut with a cookie cutter and add to the cobbler.
Thanksgiving Cocktail
Apple Rosemary Whiskey Cocktail
Everyone loves this Apple Rosemary Whiskey Cocktail. Since it makes a pitcher it's perfect for game day!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings8
Calories219kcal
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
6 sprigs rosemary
Cocktail
1 liter unfiltered apple juice
2/3 cup whiskey
4 cups ice
lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Rosemary Simple Syrup
Heat the water and honey over a low heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
Remove from the heat, add rosemary sprigs and set aside to cool completely.
Make the Cocktail
In a large pitcher or jug, combine the rosemary simple syrup, apple juice, and whiskey. Stir to combine.
Fill the glasses with ice and pour over the cocktail. Serve with a lemon slice.
Notes
Try to find unsweetened apple juice.